The Kingdom of Bahrain has made significant strides in eGovernment Development according to the United Nations E-Government Survey 2024. The survey, published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), revealed that Bahrain advanced its position by 36 spots to achieve the 18th place globally. This progress is attributed to the country’s advanced technical infrastructure and high performance across various sub-indices.
In particular, Bahrain ranked 10th globally in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index (TII), rising 55 spots from 2022. This improvement was a result of telecom liberalization and enhanced broadband and fiber internet services in the country. Additionally, Bahrain advanced to the 18th place in the E-Participation Index and secured 23rd place globally in the Online Service Index (OSI), showing considerable improvements in these areas as well.
The Kingdom’s success in the Human Capital Index, where it reached 32nd place by advancing 33 positions, reflects the efforts made by the Information & eGovernment Authority and the Ministry of Education to improve human capital data. The training and certification initiatives by the iGA, such as the Technical Development Program launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, also played a significant role in this progress.
Manama, the capital city of Bahrain, ranked 13th globally among 193 cities, advancing by 12 positions. This demonstrates the overall progress made by the country in terms of eGovernment development. The UN E-Government Survey 2024 serves as a roadmap for Bahrain to further advance and strengthen its infrastructure, communications, information technology, and human capital, allowing the country to continue its upward trajectory in the eGovernment sector.
The survey also highlighted Bahrain’s advancements in the Online Services Index, showcasing the continuous efforts made by the iGA to enhance the National Portal, bahrain.bh, and other digital platforms. These efforts aim to improve and expand eServices available to citizens and residents, ultimately enriching the user experience and increasing the efficiency of government services in the country.
Overall, Bahrain’s progress in eGovernment Development is a testament to the country’s commitment to digital transformation and innovation. By leveraging its advanced technical infrastructure, improving its telecommunications services, and investing in human capital development, Bahrain is paving the way for a more efficient and effective eGovernment system. The UN E-Government Survey 2024 provides a roadmap for the country to build on its current successes and continue to be a leader in the global eGovernment landscape.
