Bahrain Launches Updated Open Government Data Policy 2.0

 In line with the directives of Lieutenant General His Excellency Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communications Technology, Bahrain has unveiled the updated version of its Open Government Data Policy 2.0. The announcement was made by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) via its official website, iga.gov.bh.

The updated policy introduces a range of enhancements designed to meet evolving user needs, comply with local and international standards, and keep pace with global best practices.

Among the key improvements is the introduction of a Government Open Data License, which outlines the terms and conditions for using public data published through the Bahrain Open Data Portal and other government platforms. A data issuance and change tracking system has also been added, allowing users to access previous versions of datasets along with detailed publication and modification records.

The updated policy also refines the data request mechanism, enabling the public to evaluate existing datasets and propose new ones. Additionally, users now enjoy flexible download options, including bulk downloads or selective access, in multiple formats such as JSON, GeoJSON, RDF, along with the previously available XML and CSV. The update also ensures compatibility with international standards for statistical and metadata exchange, including SDMX.

To further enhance usability, the policy improves metadata accessibility, requiring agencies to provide machine-readable formats, and strengthens awareness initiatives through hackathons, workshops, and campaigns. It also emphasizes partnerships and public engagement, encouraging collaboration across individuals, private and public sectors, civil society, and research institutions.

The policy’s structure has been refined with a change-tracking log, reorganized content, and clearer wording to improve understanding.

Dr. Khalid Al Matawa’a, iGA’s Executive Vice President for Operations and Governance, stated that the updates align with local laws such as the State Information and Document Protection Law and the Personal Data Protection Law, while also meeting international standards including ODIN and the UN’s e-Government Development Index (EGDI).

He added that the Open Government Data Policy 2.0 promotes innovation, community participation, and full transparency, offering citizens and residents the opportunity to share feedback and proposals to improve government datasets. The multi-format data access also facilitates automated data processing and integration with various systems and applications.

iGA called on all government agencies to review and apply the updated policy in their projects, initiatives, and operations. Developers and researchers are encouraged to utilize the open data portal to launch innovative projects. Public input on the policy is also welcomed to further refine and enhance it.

Originally adopted by the Cabinet in October 2021, Bahrain’s Open Government Data Policy reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to transparency and accountability, enabling citizens, researchers, and entrepreneurs to access and creatively use government information. These steps aim to advance digital achievements and strengthen Bahrain’s competitiveness regionally and globally.