Latest news with #InformationandeGovernmentAuthority
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Benayat Gains Bigger Role : Workshop highlights platform's growing importance
TDT | Manama The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture has stepped up its digital transformation push by expanding the scope and visibility of 'Benayat', Bahrain's national platform for building permit services. A recent workshop brought together developers, investors, and officials to highlight how the platform supports real estate growth through smarter, faster service delivery. Organised in coordination with the Information and eGovernment Authority and the Bahrain Real Estate Development Association, the event focused on raising awareness about regulatory and technical procedures for obtaining building permits via Benayat. Digital Expansion Undersecretary for Municipal Affairs, His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, said the ministry continues to enhance user experience by adopting advanced digital systems that streamline services and speed up transactions. He described Benayat as one of the most important platforms driving improved service efficiency and quality. The workshop introduced attendees to the system's operational mechanisms and upcoming services, with a focus on improving engagement with clients, investors, and engineering offices. Sector Partnership Representatives from the Information and eGovernment Authority presented a detailed overview of Benayat's functions and services. These include permit types such as minor additions, renovation, fencing, property merging and splitting, and changes of use. Attendees were also introduced to the application tracking process and the platform's integrated interactive map of Bahrain. H.E. Eng. Aref Ahmed Hejres, Chairman of the Bahrain Real Estate Development Association, praised the ministry's role in streamlining processes and enhancing service quality. He highlighted the partnership between the ministry and the association as key to supporting and energising Bahrain's real estate and investment landscape. Integrated Platform Benayat is the unified platform for issuing building permits across all categories. It allows engineering offices and property owners to submit applications, pay fees, and review requirements through a digital map covering the entire kingdom. The system is supported by Bahrain's national geospatial database, which includes more than 300 spatial data layers serving over 30 government and private entities. This integration helps accelerate procedures, support planning, and improve service delivery while enhancing coordination among institutions to meet sustainable development goals.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Ethical AI Gets Bahrain Boost
TDT | Manama Bahrain has formally launched a national artificial intelligence (AI) policy and an ethics charter rooted in shared Gulf values, becoming the first country in the region to define AI governance through a blend of local legislation and cultural identity. Announced by the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) through its official website, the policy was launched in line with directives from His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology. The policy aims to ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly, ethically, and in line with the country's long-term development goals, including Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Governance and Growth Mr. Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of iGA, stated that the new framework seeks to promote economic and social development, enhance government efficiency, and raise Bahrain's competitiveness by unifying AI-related initiatives and embedding ethical safeguards into all implementations. The policy outlines clear compliance with national laws such as the Personal Data Protection Law, State Documents and Information Protection Law, and Open Data Policy. It also places strong emphasis on educating national cadres and raising awareness about AI's role in sectors like health, education, and public services. 'Through this initiative, we aim to build community trust in modern technologies while advancing digital transformation,' Al Qaed said. Ethical Foundations Complementing the policy, the newly adopted 'Guiding Charter for Artificial Intelligence Ethics' sets out core principles aligned with Islamic law and national identity. Approved by the GCC Ministerial Committee for eGovernment, the charter reinforces values such as human dignity, sustainability, privacy, fairness, and justice. The ethics charter rests on four pillars: supporting human autonomy, ensuring system integrity, preventing harm, and promoting non-discrimination. It also seeks to strengthen Gulf cooperation through knowledge exchange and shared digital standards. Stakeholder Engagement The policy is directed not only at government agencies and digital service providers but also at legislators, academics, and the broader public. It encourages AI literacy, training programs, and local-international partnerships to build a more informed and innovative society. By aligning AI development with local legislation and Gulf identity, Bahrain positions itself as a regional leader in ethical and strategic AI governance.
Biz Bahrain
2 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Bahrain launches National Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence, adopts GCC ethical manual
The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) has launched the National Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on its official website and announced the adoption of the GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethical Use of AI. This initiative, implemented in line with the directives of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology, reflects the Kingdom's commitment to establishing a comprehensive framework for the responsible and ethical use of AI. Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of the iGA, said that the policy aims to harness AI to support economic and social growth, enhance government efficiency, and ensure the secure and ethical application of AI in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasised that the policy adheres to national and international ethical and legal standards. He noted that the policy underscores compliance with key national laws and frameworks, including the Personal Data Protection Law, the Law on the Protection of State Documents and Information, the Open Data Policy, and the GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethical Use of AI. He also highlighted the importance of government entities in educating and enabling national talent to use AI technologies professionally and ethically. Al Qaed outlined the iGA's efforts to deliver training programmes and workshops to build awareness among public sector employees, particularly in critical sectors such as health, education, and public services, contributing to Bahrain's competitiveness at the regional and global levels. He emphasised the government's commitment to integrating AI into public services in a systematic and unified manner, ensuring the alignment of related initiatives and investments to maximise performance, streamline services, and deliver tangible benefits to citizens and residents. The national framework also seeks to enhance public trust in advanced technologies and foster a sustainable, innovation driven digital society. The National Policy targets government officials, developers of digital services, decision makers, academics, researchers, and beneficiaries of smart government services. It focuses on four key pillars: commitment to relevant laws and policies, encouraging AI adoption in government, empowering employees with AI knowledge and skills, and reinforcing partnerships to support innovation. The GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethical Use of AI serves as a complementary framework to the national policy, reflecting shared regional values that emphasise respect for human dignity, alignment with Islamic principles and national identity, and a commitment to sustainability, cooperation, and human wellbeing. It is founded on four core ethical principles: safeguarding human autonomy in decision making, ensuring safety and the prevention of harm, promoting fairness and equality, and protecting privacy and data integrity. The iGA concluded that the integration of the policy and ethical charter provides a strong foundation for responsible AI governance, supporting institutional digital transformation, public confidence, and the development of a sustainable and innovative society. BNA(R)
Biz Bahrain
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Biz Bahrain
iGA warns against scam messages impersonating ‘eGovBahrain' and ‘eKey'
The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) has issued a warning regarding scam text messages circulating on social media and received by citizens and residents, which use official terms such as 'eGovBahrain' and 'eKey.' The iGA confirmed that these messages were not sent by the authority or its official accounts. The public is strongly advised not to respond to such messages or provide any personal information via the links included. The iGA also denied rumours that the National Portal, had been breached, stating that this information is completely false. The authority clarified that all official messages sent under the names 'eGovBahrain' or 'eKey' are strictly related to eGovernment services and transactions, such as promoting eServices, confirming service completion, or authenticating logins using the eKey. These messages will never request personal or financial details via links. Citizens and residents who receive suspicious messages are urged to contact the Government Services Contact Centre at 80008001 or report the matter to the Cybercrime Directorate via the MyGov app or the hotline 922. BNA(R)
Daily Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
iGA recognises trailblazers in Tech Innovation
TDT| Manama iGA launches eGovernment Excellence Award 2025 The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) has announced the opening of submissions for the 13th edition of the eGovernment Excellence Award, a national competition recognising digital innovation across public, private, and non-profit sectors. Entries will be accepted from Wednesday until June 28 via the official award platform Participants are invited to showcase their best practices, platforms, applications, and ICT initiatives that advance digital transformation. Diverse categories This year's awards span multiple categories, including Best Website, Best Practice in eParticipation, Best Integrated eServices, and Best Applications for Smart Devices. Other honours include Best Project for Digital Transformation, Best Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence, and Best Work Environment for Digital Innovation. A Citizen Award also invites individuals to submit creative digital ideas or initiatives that enhance eServices or improve access and usability for the public. Submissions must be new entries that did not win in the 2023 edition. Focus on innovation iGA officials noted that the awards reflect the Kingdom's commitment to fostering a culture of digital excellence and innovation. The Best AI Utilisation category, for example, highlights how organisations use artificial intelligence to enhance operations. Similarly, the Best Work Environment for Digital Innovation award celebrates policies and internal cultures that enable creative, future-ready solutions in institutions. Private sector entities and NGOs can compete in the Smart Devices App category, in support of the national initiative to streamline digital services across the MyGov, AlTajir, and Bahrain mobile applications. A dedicated information session will be held soon for interested applicants, with the date and venue to be announced by the iGA. Participants are encouraged to review eligibility criteria and category requirements on the award site before submission.
