IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

Blockchain Technology has gained more momentum among the professionals in the Kingdom with a new edition of Blockchain Certification Programmes, it is learnt. Many from different Bahraini entities are showing huge interest to undergo courses in Blockchain Technology. This came as a latest batch of Certified Blockchain Experts completed their training, at the Blockchain Centre of Excellence, organised by Thinksmart, a leading ICT training provider and an exclusive and strategic partner of the Blockchain Council.

Certified Blockchain Expert is an ideal start for anyone who wants to gain a thorough understanding of Blockchain Concept, Cryptocurrency, Data Mining, Data Security, Smart Contracts etc, Thinksmart said in a statement issued. The successful completion of training provides delegates with Certification from the International Organisation for Blockchain Research “The Blockchain Council”. The training is supported by Tamkeen for Bahrainis. Senior officials from large organisations in the Kingdom that include University of Bahrain, Information and eGovernment Authority, Ernst and Young, Bahrain Bourse, Oracle System, HSBC and others took part in the training, which was held for three full days.

The Chief Executive of the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, praised the employees at the Muhraaq Seef Mall branch - ID Card Center for their efforts in providing streamlined services to all visitors and in record time.

Mr AlQaed commended the Center’s achievement of winning the gold category for a second year in a row as part of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister’s initiative aimed at evaluating government service centers performances “Taqyeem 2” for 2019, expressing his gratitude and appreciation for this achievement.

The initiative aims at supplying news agencies, media authorities, legal and human rights watchdogs with a first-hand update on the panel's discussions and decisions.

In the last 18 months, the NCC has received over 165,074 calls in total and has responded to an average of 94% of these calls (154,842 calls till 22 Feb 2011). This rate of service makes it one of the top performing contact centres in the region.

As per current statistics, calls peak between 8AM and 2PM during weekdays, i.e. normal working hours for a ministry in Bahrain, even though the contact centre is open 24 hours 7 days a week.

Beyon Group’s cutting-edge “Digital City” will reshape Bahrain’s digital landscape by 2030

In a significant push towards digital transformation, Beyon Group has announced its ambitious plans to develop a “Digital City” in Hamala, Bahrain.

This expansive 380,000-square-meter project was unveiled at the Gateway Gulf Forum 2024, held at the Four Seasons Bahrain, signaling a major advancement in Bahrain’s journey toward Vision 2030.

The Bahrain National ICT eGovernance Committee was established recently by a resolution of Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the Supreme Committee for Information and Communication Technology.

The committee held its first meeting chaired by Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, chief executive officer of the eGovernment Authority.

It has teamed up with the e-Government Authority to launch a mobile application that could save motorists the hassle of suffering notorious queues.

The plan to go digital is expected to be fully up and running within three years and will save the General Directorate of Traffic in Riffa hundreds of thousands of dinars a year.

In the past, citizens would have to visit an SIO office in person to check on their pension entitlement '“ but with the 'e-key' system launched yesterday, such visits may soon become a thing of the past.

The number of services has now reached 47 - available to be carried out fully via the telephone, on a 24x7 basis, eGA chief executive Mohammed Al Qaed said.

Mr Al Qaed added that the centre is looking at expanding the base of its services and increasing the number of governmental entities which provide services through the centre.

Dr Al Khaja said a number of applications were developed by the eGovernment Authority in co-ordination with the related entities, and others by the relevant public entity.

He said the usage of applications has grown.

To continue empowering businesses in Bahrain, VIVA is introducing a new range of broadband plans. The new VIVA Business Broadband Plans offer full access to the Kingdom's widest and fastest 4G Network, unlimited data allowance, high throttling speeds, free VIVA to VIVA calls (fixed on-net calls), free shared broadband SIM cards, a free fixed line (131xxxxx), free static IP and customer support via VIVA's Business Helpdesk 24/7.

Taking one step further and in line with VIVA's commitment towards promoting electronic transactions, the new Business Broadband Plans incorporate free unlimited usage when accessing specific government websites, including the Labor Market Regulatory Authority's site (lmra.bh), the e-government's site (Bahrain.bh) and the Smart Card site (smartcard.gov.bh).

This website comes to keep up with the continued development in this field and expanding the sphere of making use of new this new system.

This is also aimed towards providing outstanding and useful services for both citizens and residents in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The "Gasoline Octane Inquiry" service is being offered in co-operation with the eGovernment Authority on www.bahrain.bh.

It allows citizens, residents and visitors to view information about the petrol octane characteristics and be able to use the correct vehicle fuel - regular or premium - depending on the car model and manufacturer.

In this regard, the eGovernment Authority (eGA) Vice CEO Dr. Zakareya Ahmed Al-Khaja highlighted the eGovernment milestones and declared that the authority is thriving to promote innovation and support several initiatives that are concerned with information technology and development.

It is opened to all innovative participants - individuals, government and private sectors as well as NGO's.

"The eGovernment Authority strongly believes in encouraging technological initiatives which comply with the recent practices in this field, creating a competitive climate to ensure that efficient high-quality services are provided for Bahrainis and expatriates," stated eGovernment Authority CEO Mr. Mohammed Ali Al Qaed.

The event is being held under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister and Supreme Committee for Information and Communication Technology chairman Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa.

The general public here are advised to complete their transactions related to ID cards through National Portal ‘Bahrain.bh’ to help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

In a statement, the Information & eGovernment Authority said the new decision is applicable to all services that do not require attendance in-person. Those services that require personal attendance can be carried out at Isa Town ID card centre branch and the Mina Salman branch.

The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) announced that people who may have been in contact with active cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) are being informed and asked to get tested. This is being done through the contact tracing feature of the BeAware Bahrain app, which has been launched as part of the national fight against COVID-19. The iGA announced on its Instagram account: “Over the couple of weeks, the optional data of registered individuals through the BeAware Bahrain app has been automatically collected and compared and matched with locations of active COVID-19 cases.

Civil Service Bureau (CSB) President Ahmed Al Zayed and Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Ali AlQaed yesterday inaugurated the “employment application” service package. The implementation of the scheme will begin today through the national portal (Bahrain.bh).

The new service reflects the government’s keenness represented by the Civil Service Bureau and the Information and e-Government Authority in the development of government services provided to the citizens. The CSB Chief said the “Employment Application” service package will prove out to be time efficient for applicants.

The service ‘Issuance of Insurance Policies for King Fahad Causeway’, launched in cooperation with the United Insurance Company (UIC), also enables them to pay insurance fees online without having to queue in front of insurance cabinets, and move directly to the next cabinet.