Information Communication Technology (ICT)
Bahrain boasts the Middle East’s most liberal and advance information, communications and technology (ICT) infrastructure and policies. The island has one of the highest mobile and internet penetration rates in the region. The Kingdom has always been the Gulf’s technological pioneer. With their open and forward-thinking approach, Bahrainis have proved to be an ideal testing ground for the introduction of new technologies to the region and Bahrain has experienced a fast rate of innovation.
Bahrain was the first country in the Middle East to:
- Install a computer (1978)
- Completely digitize its national and international phone switches (1992)
- Hold an online referendum (2001)
- Introduce 3G and 3.5G high-speed download services
- Introduce Smartcards (2005)
- Fully deregulate and liberalize its telecommunications market (2004)
- To go nationwide with WiMax wireless networks (2007)
The Bahrain information and communication technology (ICT) market is expected to reach $375 billion by 2010, due to high demand for IT products and services from both public and private sectors. The growing need for robust IT solutions is also being driven by massive eGovernment and eCommerce initiatives, which are aimed at achieving economic diversification.
Bahrain offers low entrance costs and its underdeveloped market is rich with opportunity. The Kingdom is also the only country in the GCC to have ratified a Free Trade Agreement with the United States of America which facilitates the exchange of technology expertise.
E-government: Making business easy
Bahrain’s eGovernment strategy aims to have over 90% of key services available online. For business this includes business and office registration, work permits, banking services, environmental compliance and the eTendering of government contracts.
The concept of e-government is long-established in Bahrain with a number of government services available on the internet. For example, residents can pay utility bills, traffic fines and visitors can apply for tourist visas online. The government aims to have more than 150 services related to key “lifecycle events” for both residents and businesses available online in the near future.
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)
To facilitate competition and fair pricing Bahrain unbundled its local loop and dismantled Batelco’s monopoly in 2002. Since 2003 the TRA has issued 140 licenses across 12 segments since and eight other companies have been issued licenses for national fixed-line services. The TRA follows European model.
Global Information Technology Report
Bahrain’s regional leadership in Information Technology (IT) has been acknowledged by the World Economic Forum and INSEAD in the organisations’ Global Information Technology Report 2007-2008. Bahrain is ranked 45th global information and communications technology readiness index ahead of Jordan 47, Saudi Arabia 48 and Oman 53.
Information Communication Technology Opportunities in Bahrain
The Bahrain information and communication technology (ICT) market is expected to reach $375 billion by 2010, due to high demand for IT products and services from both public and private sectors.
Find out more >