Data for All – Open Government and Inclusion

Open Data Portal

In an effort to improve government transparency and boost public participation, several governmental entities in Bahrain freely publish their data on the Open Data Portal.

The aim is to enable individuals and institutional stakeholders to perform explorations and analysis on the data, which can give rise to the development of better policies, decisions, programmes, and services. The data sets enable stakeholders to create new apps and websites or suggest creative solutions to problems, while forming the basis for constructive dialogue and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

The portal is the country’s largest open data platform, providing a vast library of information without any classifications or restrictions on use, dissemination, or publication, except when it comes to protecting data privacy rights, security, and confidentiality. For ease of use, a searchable metadata list is available on the portal to further explain common terms in both Arabic and English.  

Internet for All

Internet connectivity is a key component of a future-based knowledge and digital economy.

According to International Telecommunication Union, Bahrain was ranked number 1 in the Arab world and number 31 globally on the ICT Development Index (2017), a composite index that monitors and compares ICT development across countries and over time. As of 2019, the country had 1.7 million mobile subscribers and the mobile penetration rate was 118%. There were 2.16 million broadband subscribers, with penetration rate was 144%. The country has adopted 5G technology for superior connectivity, laying a strong foundation for a digital economy.

In an effort to ensure that nobody is left offline, Bahrain’s public and private schools offer Internet access for teachers and students as part of the Digital Empowerment in Education project.

Free Wi-Fi networks are also available in many public areas such as public markets, the Bahrain International Airport, and public transport.

The National Suggestion & Complaint System (Tawasul)

Tawasul system aim to provide a one-stop-shop channel for the public to interact with governmental entities regarding any suggestion, compliant or enquiry very easily and at most convenience. Tawasul is featured with many technical advantages that streamline the case handling process by the government entity at a pre-defined Service-Level-Agreement (SLA). There are over 40 government entities in Tawasul communicating with their customers through the system.

Submit a request through “Tawasul”

Crowdsourcing via Tawasul

Tawasul Mobile App includes Fix2Go feature which enables the users to take phot of any public default on the road or any public area and submit it to the concerned authority within less than 30 seconds. Fix2Go is featured with location detector through GPS and clear icons to describe the public issue without the need to identify the concerned authority.

Download the Tawasul app

Special Needs Access

The government is committed to ensuring that no one is prevented from accessing eServices due to disabilities. The national portal has an integrated tool to facilitate access for people with special needs. The Government Services Contact Centre also offers special video calls in sign language.

Digital Skills Training

In collaboration with Bahrain Institute Banking and Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait, the Information & eGovernment Authority

A specialized program has been developed for building the digital capabilities of Bahraini women in today’s digital world and empowering them with the knowledge needed to use different apps and platforms such as Bahrain advanced eGovernment services, eBanking, online schooling, and ePayments. The program is set to train 100 stay-at-home Bahraini women making it easier for them to cope with the fast digital transformation the pandemic has imposed.