Policy

Bahrain, a rising IT hub in the Gulf

By Amelia Kwok | 10 November 2008

Bahrain has strengthened its position as the IT hub of the region, with more international IT companies establishing their regional headquarters in the kingdom.

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Several agreements were signed at the recently concluded Middle East informatics exhibition Gitex Dubai 2008.

Sixteen government bodies and 11 private sector institutions from Bahrain took part in the five-day event, which was opened by UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

“Our presence had a great media impact, which helped promote Bahrain’s web site and the e-services provided by Bahrain e-government,” said leader of the Bahrain delegation and e-government agency chief executive Mohammed Al Qaed.

“Hundreds of international institutions and companies were interested in the technological solutions displayed at Bahrain’s stand. It encouraged them to choose Bahrain as a destination for business and investment,” added Al Qaed.

Various government institutions have offered important projects and electronic services to institutions and individuals, whether residents or visitors from various countries.

“Unlike exhibitors from other countries, participants from Bahrain offered their services under a single government portal (www.e.gov.bh),” noted Al Qaed.

The number of e-government services available increased from 35 last year to around 70 this year. An agreement has been signed with IT giant Cisco to expand its operations in Bahrain and to open a regional office in the kingdom within a month.

Similar agreements were also signed with the government of Victoria in Australia and the governments of Romania, Egypt, Jordan and Dubai, which will now encourage their private sector institutions to open offices in Bahrain.

“All these achievements go in line with Bahrain’s Vision 2030. As we no longer rely on oil, it is ideal for Bahrain to focus on IT, which is a promising industry based on knowledge and skills,” said Al Qaed.

Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyatala Al Khalifa has also praised the Bahrain delegation’s achievements at Gitex.

The ministries which took part at Gitex are the ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Industry and Commerce, Works, Finance, Education, Labour, Municipalities and Agriculture, Information and Health. Other government bodies present include the Tender Board, Economic Development Board, Civil Aviation Affairs, Electricity and Water Authority, Bahrain University, Investor Service Centre and the eGovernment Agency.