Bahrain’s Digital-First Policies

The nation’s Digital-First Principle and its array of Digital Policies are reshaping Bahrain’s approach to public and private sector management, altering governance structures, creating a roadmap for the new era’s digital transformation, and influencing daily life through the strategic application of technology.

At the core of this transformation is the Digital-First Principle, driving the Digital Government Strategy 2022 and the Government Plan. This principle is a testament to Bahrain’s commitment to integrating technology deeply within its societal and economic systems. The Ministerial Committee for Information Technology and Communication (MCICT), in collaboration with the National ICT Governance Committee, play a pivotal role in overseeing and executing these strategic digital initiatives throughout the Kingdom.

Digital First Policy

Scope:
This policy applies to all new public services delivered by government entities, focusing on making digital services the priority over traditional methods.

Purpose:
The policy aims to ensure government services are primarily provided in digital form, improving innovation, reducing complexity, and enhancing accessibility. It emphasises designing services digitally first, then adapting them for other channels for those unable to use digital options.

Policy requirements/rules:

• Focus on “digital by default,” “digital by design,” and “mobile-first” concepts.
• Enhance user experience with intuitive and secure services.
• Ensure interoperability with public and private sector solutions.
• Design services that are inclusive and accessible to all constituents, regardless of digital literacy or internet access.
• Regularly update regulations to support digitalization.
• Encourage e-participation and constituent engagement.
• Share and reuse data to improve quality and efficiency.

Guidelines:

• Prioritise digitization of key services.
• Support non-digital users to transition to digital.
• Use technologies like AI, blockchain, and big data.
• Raise awareness about the benefits of digital services.

Digital Government as a Right

Scope:
Applicable to all government entities providing public services.

Purpose:
To establish digital government as a fundamental right, fostering openness, transparency, innovation, and inclusivity.

Policy requirements/rules:

• Create a conducive ecosystem for digital governance.
• Update regulations to protect digital rights.
• Invest in digital enablers and infrastructure.
• Promote open data and interoperability.
• Simplify data sharing across public sectors.
• Enhance service design with user feedback and inclusivity.

Guidelines:

• Implement policies for data access, exchange, and open data.
• Strengthen ICT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery strategies.
• Focus on life-event-based service design and digital inclusivity.
• Promote open and cross-border data sharing.

Once Only Data Policy

Scope:
Applies to all government entities delivering public services.

Purpose:
To minimise redundancy in data collection, increase efficiency, and reduce the administrative burden by enabling seamless data sharing between government entities.

Policy requirements/rules:

• Identify services where this policy applies.
• Establish legal frameworks for data-sharing initiatives.
• Prevent constituents from submitting the same data multiple times.
• Adhere to data protection regulations (e.g., Bahrain’s laws on information protection).
• Strengthen mechanisms for identification and secure data sharing.

Guidelines:

• Develop roadmaps for data-sharing initiatives.
• Promote a user-centric approach to improve the uptake of digital services.

Overall objectives:
These policies aim to streamline government operations, enhance service delivery, and ensure inclusivity, security, and efficiency while fostering trust in digital government services.