New Push to Strengthen Bahrain’s Digital Economy

His Excellency Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology, chaired the committee’s meeting.

The meeting reviewed several initiatives aimed at advancing Bahrain’s digital transformation, including efforts to strengthen e-commerce regulations, protect digital transactions and reduce fraud.

The committee discussed developing a regulatory framework to enhance the reliability of online commercial transactions, protect the rights of parties using electronic platforms and increase confidence in e-commerce.

It also reviewed progress on a plan to attract global e-commerce platforms to Bahrain and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for e-commerce and digital investment. Relevant authorities were directed to continue coordination and complete the required procedures.

The committee further reviewed a proposed customer journey for Bahraini citizens, which seeks to organise government services around different stages of life. The first phase will cover childhood, education, employment, family care, social support, healthcare and services for persons with disabilities.

Updates to the National Digital Economy Strategy were also discussed, including completed and delayed initiatives. The committee called for accelerated implementation of delayed projects and approved new initiatives related to digital identity and startup support.

HE the Interior Minister praised the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on technology and artificial intelligence and highlighted the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for developing government digital services.