Bahrain’s Cloud first policy

The Cloud First Policy is a strategic initiative by the Kingdom of Bahrain aimed at transforming the government’s approach to managing information and communication technologies (ICT). This policy reflects a commitment to modernising government operations through the adoption of cloud computing, reducing costs, increasing security, improving productivity, and enhancing citizen services. By leveraging the advantages of cloud technologies, the Kingdom seeks to establish a more agile, scalable, and efficient ICT infrastructure that aligns with international standards and best practices.

The scope of the policy extends to all government entities that require hosting their data, applications, or services within a centralised cloud environment. It applies to existing ICT services as well as the development of new ICT projects. The policy directs these entities to prioritise cloud-based solutions unless a demonstrably better alternative exists. The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) and the Information and Communication Technology Governance Committee (ICTGC) play critical roles in facilitating and monitoring the implementation of this policy.

The Cloud First Policy is designed to support the overarching goals of the Bahraini government in achieving cost optimisation, streamlining processes, and fostering collaboration across ministries and agencies. It also ensures adherence to security, legal, and regulatory requirements while promoting innovation and openness in data use.

Policy principles

The policy is built upon the following guiding principles:

• ICT at the entity level must focus on functional excellence and delivering higher business value.
• Consolidation and optimisation of ICT infrastructure at a national level are key priorities.
• Standardised infrastructure management enables:
  • optimisation of infrastructure cost,
  • improvement in service quality,
  • enhanced security,
  • efficient business continuity.
• A holistic ‘cloud first’ approach is promoted while respecting the roles, legislation, and mandates of the Kingdom and individual ministries.
• The IT infrastructure design adopts a ‘one government’ approach to facilitate process changes more effectively.
• Cost optimisation and risk reduction are prioritised through shared platforms and systems.

Overview of cloud computing

Cloud computing is defined, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), as a model that enables on-demand network access to shared computing resources like networks, servers, storage, and applications. These resources can be provisioned rapidly with minimal management effort. This model supports flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in IT service delivery.

The policy highlights the essential characteristics of cloud computing: on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service. It also describes four deployment models—public, private, community, and hybrid clouds—and three service models: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

Objectives of the policy

The Cloud First Policy aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Reduce infrastructure costs by outsourcing services to cloud providers.
• Improve the manageability and productivity of ICT solutions through up-to-date technologies.
• Enhance service integration to enable better collaboration across agencies.
• Ensure operational continuity and disaster recovery through centralised, redundant backups.
• Provide greater budget control by adopting a ‘pay-for-what-you-use’ model.
• Streamline the deployment of ICT services, enabling greater agility and scalability.

Operational framework

To achieve these objectives, government entities must prioritise cloud services for new ICT projects and replace existing services unless alternative strategies prove more effective or secure. They must ensure that the selected cloud solutions are fit for purpose, adhere to security and legal standards, and provide adequate risk management. Entities are also encouraged to evaluate cloud services for testing, development, and hosting of public-facing systems.

Security framework

The policy emphasises security as a shared responsibility between the contracting agency, cloud service provider, and the Bahraini entity responsible for information security. Cloud providers must comply with international standards, such as ISO 27001 and PCI DSS, and align their operations with Bahrain’s regulatory requirements. Agencies are tasked with ensuring data security through classification, audits, encryption, and continuous monitoring.

Data sovereignty and open data

The policy advocates minimising data residency restrictions to maximise cloud benefits while ensuring appropriate security controls. It also encourages government entities to embrace open data principles, making non-restricted data available for public access to foster innovation, research, and efficiency in public services.

Roles and responsibilities

Government entities are responsible for implementing the policy within their operations, monitoring usage, and ensuring compliance. The iGA acts as a liaison with cloud providers and provides technical support to entities that are adopting cloud services. The ICTGC oversees policy implementation, audits compliance, and resolves disputes, while the Supreme Council for Information and Communication Technology (SCICT) sets strategic direction and ensures alignment with Bahrain’s broader goals.

Supporting references and procedures

The policy is complemented by guidelines and procedures, such as cloud applicability assessments and deployment checklists, to assist entities in their transition to cloud solutions. It aligns with related policies, including those on data classification, security, and procurement practices, ensuring a comprehensive approach to ICT modernisation.