Bahrain Positions Itself at the Forefront of Arab Digital Development

Bahrain’s Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League, Ambassador Fawzia Zainal, took part in the 29th Ordinary Session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Communications and Information, held in Cairo.

The meeting was attended by Arab ministers, senior officials, representatives of Arab countries, and several specialized Arab organizations.

In her speech, Ambassador Zainal stressed Bahrain’s commitment to supporting joint Arab action and strengthening cooperation in the fields of communications and information technology, in line with rapid digital changes at both regional and international levels.

She said that the fast-paced developments in communications and digital transformation require Arab countries to enhance coordination, exchange expertise, and develop supportive policies and regulations for the digital economy. This, she noted, would help advance sustainable development across the Arab world. She reaffirmed Bahrain’s strong commitment to actively participating in relevant Arab initiatives and programmes.

Ambassador Zainal also announced Bahrain’s decision to re-nominate itself for membership of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council, highlighting the importance of strengthening Arab representation in international decision-making bodies and supporting the priorities of Arab and developing countries to achieve inclusive and sustainable digital development.

In addition, she confirmed Bahrain’s support for the nomination of Adel Mohammed Darwish for the post of Deputy Secretary-General of the ITU, praising his professional competence, extensive regional and international experience, and his role in strengthening Arab presence in global forums.

The meeting discussed several key topics, including the outcomes of the 48th meeting of the Arab Permanent Postal Committee, the Arab Regional Development Plan for 2026–2029, issues related to Palestine, and the results of the 56th meeting of the Arab Permanent Committee for Communications and Information.

Discussions also covered ways to develop digital infrastructure, enhance cooperation in digital transformation and cybersecurity, combat cybercrime, and build digital capacities. Participants reviewed the decision to establish a Council of Arab Ministers for Artificial Intelligence, as well as efforts to unify Arab positions in regional and international forums, and matters related to the Arab Digital Capital and the Arab Digital Economy Index.

Participants emphasized the importance of intensifying joint Arab efforts to keep pace with rapid technological changes, improve the quality of digital services for citizens, support innovation and entrepreneurship, and enhance the competitiveness of Arab economies at both regional and global levels.