Bahrain’s Open Government Data Policy

The Open Government Data Policy outlines Bahrain’s approach to managing, sharing, and utilising public sector data. This policy is designed to promote transparency, innovation, and collaboration while ensuring that sensitive and private information is protected. It establishes a framework for the creation, dissemination, and use of government data, providing guidelines for accessibility, openness, and the standardisation of data formats. The policy aims to balance the accessibility of data with its secure handling, fostering trust between the government and its constituents.

Introduced as part of Bahrain’s broader digital governance strategy, the Open Government Data Policy ensures that public datasets are provided without restrictive conditions, enabling unrestricted use, reuse, and dissemination. To achieve this, it defines roles and responsibilities across government entities, establishes procedures for maintaining data quality, and sets clear standards for data accessibility.

The Open Data Policy is structured into two main sections, detailing the strategy and the policy framework for managing open government data in Bahrain.

Section a: Open government data strategy

The purpose of the strategy is to promote the widespread use of public data, aiming to enhance living standards and stimulate economic growth across Bahrain. This is achieved through measures encouraging transparency, innovation, and collaboration among various sectors.

The Government of Bahrain initiated its open data efforts with the launch of an open data portal in 2013. This portal serves as a central hub for statistics and data spanning multiple sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and more. Over the years, the government has committed to improving the platform, emphasising aspects such as providing application programming interfaces (APIs), metadata, and support for advanced data types like geospatial and linked data.

The strategic direction aligns with principles of openness and transparency, ensuring data is shared responsibly while safeguarding sensitive information. Collaboration with private, non-governmental, and municipal bodies plays a significant role in leveraging data for national development.

Goals and focus areas (2019–2023)

• Publish an increased number of datasets, ensuring quality, diversity, and comprehensive coverage.
• Develop a user-friendly environment for accessing and utilising data by implementing clear rules, updating catalogues, and standardising formats.
• Promote engagement with stakeholders to encourage data usage and foster private-sector innovation.
• Evaluate the benefits, impacts, and risks associated with the open data initiative.

Section b: Open government data policy

The scope of this policy covers data generated, created, or archived by government ministries, authorities, and public sector institutions in Bahrain. The policy operates within the legal framework established by laws such as the Protection of Information and State Documents Law (2014) and the Personal Data Protection Law (2018).

The purpose of this policy is to facilitate access to government data, making it available in both human-readable and machine-readable formats through the national open data portal. This accessibility supports innovation and productivity while adhering to data protection laws.

The policy establishes that public data must be made openly available by default. Restrictions on the use, reuse, or dissemination of data are minimised, ensuring data can be utilised freely for both commercial and non-commercial purposes. The portal must provide data in open, standard formats such as CSV or XML and ensure timely updates. Data should be presented in raw form without prior analysis, allowing end-users to draw their conclusions.

Goals and focus areas

• Ensure public data availability, reliability, and security while promoting strategic partnerships to benefit Bahrain’s constituents.
• Provide simple and intuitive access to data, following recognised standards for readability and accessibility.
• Encourage compliance with terms of use and scientific research principles, ensuring proper citation of data sources.

Government entities are responsible for publishing data in alignment with these guidelines, prioritising datasets that enhance public accountability, foster economic opportunities, and align with their organisational missions. Metadata standards and update frequencies must be maintained to ensure data relevance and accuracy.

Roles and responsibilities

The Cabinet Office oversees the strategic direction of open government data and monitors its implementation. Significant policy changes are reviewed and approved by the Supreme Committee for Information and Communication Technology. The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) manages the open data portal, ensures compliance with policies, and leads awareness efforts. Individual government entities are tasked with publishing and maintaining their data according to these standards.

Feedback and modifications

The policy welcomes feedback to enhance its relevance and comprehensiveness. Changes to the policy are communicated through the Open Data Portal. Stakeholders can send suggestions and clarifications via the contact details provided.