A new multimillion-dollar regional data centre is set to be built in Bahrain to promote collective digital transformation across the Arab world, Arab News reported.
The hub’s aim will be to help evolving local economies and enrich the lives of common people in the Arab world.
Digital transformation is the cornerstone of Bahrain’s economic development. In the next three years, Bahrain is expected to spend $2.1 billion on developing its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. The country has been an early adopter of advanced technologies, enabling widespread digital transformation in its public and private sectors. Empowered by its Vision 2030, the Kingdom is inching closer to its goal of becoming the region’s ICT hub.
By joining the new Digital Cooperation Organisation, Bahrain has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of its digital economy to further empower economic diversification, especially in a post-pandemic world. However, as the Kingdom continues to build its digital economy and implements new and innovative technologies, it also faces sophisticated and complex cybersecurity challenges.
Read more: Bahrain’s digital economy requires a collaborative approach to cybersecurity
BenefitPay, Bahrain Car Parks Company, Bahrain, Mobile Payment Bahrain Car Parks Company announces the launch of its Mobile Payment Portal for use at its flagship mixed-use multi-storey building ‘the Terminal’ in partnership with BenefitPay and Scheidt & Bachmann, the German company dealing in smart parking solutions.
The advanced contactless parking payment system creates a stress-free parking experience for customers visiting the Terminal in the busy area of Block 338 in Adliya, a major cultural and dining destination in Bahrain. Partnering with BenefitPay allows contactless payment where consumers can transact without the use of cash or cards, completely electronically, securely, and immediately.
Read more: Bahrain Car Parks Company to launch Mobile Payments with BenefitPay
“This system includes many services, including licensing a new facility or branch, changing the classification of the facility, adding a service, transferring ownership, changing the address, changing the name, and closing the facility or one of its branches,” NHRA chief executive, Mariam Al Jalahma told GDN Online. This week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) opened its 152nd office, in Manama. Bahrain became the first capital in the Middle East to be dubbed a “Healthy City” by the WHO earlier in the year.
THE LARGER CONTEXT ON THE RECORD
The Kingdom’s digital transformation is part of the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, which was first unveiled in 2008. The country is among those in Asia with the highest E-Government Development Index (EGDI) values, as per a 2020 report by the United Nations. It ranks just ahead of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), but behind the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “The WHO was monitoring the response of member states and what was accomplished in Bahrain deserves to be acknowledged,” said WHO representative and Bahrain Head of Office, Tasnim Atatrah, during the latest WHO office launch on Monday.
Read more: Bahrain to Launch National Digital Platform for Health Facility Management Services
The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) said that the number of visitors in the service centres in Muharraq and Isa Town would be reduced to preserve the safety of everyone based on the recommendations of the National Medical Team.
NPRA called on the public to use the available electronic platforms to provide services to avoid crowding and to quicken the completion of transactions.
Read more: Go online for passport and visa services in Bahrain: NPRA