Bahrain’s Digital Economy Strategy: A Leap Towards Innovation

Bahrain is making significant strides in its quest to establish itself as a leading digital economy in the region. Recently, the kingdom announced the successful completion of six pivotal initiatives under its National Digital Economy Strategy (NDES). This framework is designed to enhance Bahrain’s digital landscape and promote economic growth through advanced technologies.

Visionary Leadership Driving Change

The ambitious vision for Bahrain’s digital transformation is championed by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. His focus on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies aims to revolutionize government services and position Bahrain as a hub for digital innovation. The strategy is guided by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, with oversight from General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology (MCICT).

Key Initiatives Under the NDES

Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), emphasized that AI is central to Bahrain’s innovation agenda and essential for achieving sustainable growth. The six completed initiatives represent the first phase of the NDES, which outlines nine short-term projects as part of a broader plan that includes a total of 49 initiatives set to be rolled out by 2030.

These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to implementing high digital standards, attracting investment, and ensuring seamless integration across various sectors. The ultimate goal is to deliver smarter and more efficient public services to the citizens of Bahrain.

Establishing a Foundation for AI and Emerging Technologies

One of the standout achievements of the NDES is the creation of Bahrain’s first official unit dedicated to AI and emerging technologies. This initiative is represented by the Innovation and Advanced Technologies Directorate within the iGA. The new directorate is tasked with developing national policies for emerging technologies and assisting government entities in integrating AI into their projects and services.

In addition, the Ministry of Education has expanded its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) scholarship program, which accounted for over 84% of total scholarships for the 2023/2024 academic year. This initiative aims to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of driving Bahrain’s digital economy forward.

Furthermore, in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC), Bahrain has aligned the NDES with its National Cybersecurity Strategy. This partnership focuses on enhancing safety, resilience, and data protection across government initiatives.

Fostering a Competitive and Connected Economy

Al Qaed noted that these initial projects are part of Bahrain’s comprehensive digital strategy, which encompasses both public and private sectors. The strategy aims to support sustainable growth across various industries, including financial services, tourism, healthcare, logistics, and IT.

These initiatives are designed to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a competitive economic hub, contributing to a borderless digital economy and fostering long-term prosperity. The iGA’s strategy implementation team is actively collaborating with stakeholders to launch additional initiatives in priority sectors during the next phase of the NDES.

The team is committed to monitoring progress, evaluating the impact of each project, and ensuring that they deliver tangible benefits to Bahrain’s economy. By focusing on measurable outcomes, Bahrain is poised to enhance its digital landscape and secure its place as a leader in the region’s digital economy.