Bahrain’s Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has achieved significant milestones in digital transformation, investing in emerging technologies, and enhancing IT governance policies in the first half of 2024.
The number of electronic transactions completed through the National Portal, bahrain.bh, mobile applications, and other electronic channels reached 4 million, with digital payments surpassing BD374 million ($992 million). The iGA delivered 700 eServices across all eGovernment channels and launched 35 new eServices, resulting in a 75% cost reduction and 68% time reduction, according to iGA Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed.
A total of 950 ICT purchase requests by over 50 government entities, valued at BD36 million, were reviewed, and 100 strategic IT projects worth BD34 million were considered. Transactions through mobile applications available via the eGovernment app store, bahrain.bh/apps, exceeded 691,000, a 20% rise compared to the first half of 2023, with an average monthly usage rate of 788,000, and payment transactions surpassing BD32 million, a 14% increase.
The number of app downloads reached over 902,000. The AlTajer app saw a 192% increase in payment transactions, and the eShabab app saw a 99% increase in users compared to H1 2023. Additionally, the Sehati app had a 38% jump in monthly users, the Tawasul app saw a 27% increase, and the eTraffic app had a 20% rise. The most used apps in H1 2024 were eTraffic, with an average of over 230,000 users, and Sehati, with over 136,000 users monthly.
Key services launched in H1 2024 included 35 new eServices through the National Portal and eGovernment channels. These included nine new services by the iGA, such as QR code-enabled ID card printing and death certificate services. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce launched three new eServices within the AlTajer app, including a video call consultation request service. Other new services included those from the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA), the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, and the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments.
Al Qaed highlighted the launch of 12 national systems, including Death Registration, the Building Permit Portal (Benayat), and the National Correspondence System 2.0, with updates to 124 services, including 33 new ones. The second phase of Sijilat 3.0 introduced a new interface and dashboard with 29 services, including five new ones. The National Suggestion and Complaint System (Tawasul) added the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and Eskan Bank as new entities, with over 85,000 cases directed through various government entities, achieving a 98.5% service level commitment rate and an 85% satisfaction rate.
Service procedures and systems were redesigned to improve government service delivery. A total of 81 national initiatives, including electronic services and information systems, were restructured. Twenty-three government websites were evaluated, over 800 national systems were tested, and 251 government employees from 24 entities were trained.
Two new eServices for Benayat were launched, accelerating transaction completion for large and small additions, benefiting approximately 1,400 engineering offices and government entities by enabling electronic building permits within two working days.
The National Geospatial Database provided geospatial data with over 133,000 accesses, supporting entities like Benayat and planning platforms. A data backup project for 44 government entities using Microsoft 365 cloud computing services ensured comprehensive data protection.
The advanced eKey system reached approximately 768,000 registered users, with over 14 million successful logins in H1 2024. Operations and governance achievements included linking 20 entities to the data lake, transferring 72 sets of data, launching the real estate information bank platform Aqari, and an Employment Skills Platform nearing launch.
An interactive electronic meeting system was implemented during the 33rd Arab Summit and the 54th session of the Council of Arab Information Ministers, showcasing Bahrain’s commitment to digital governance and technological advancement.