In light of the economic recovery plan, Bahrain launched the ICT and Digital Economy Strategy (2022-2026), which is based on four main pillars, including developing infrastructure in the telecommunications sector, supporting the digital economy, enhancing e-governance, and developing the Kingdom's digital capabilities, as the strategy aims to improve the Kingdom's global position in terms of e-participation in the United Nations e-Government Survey, in addition to strengthening its digital infrastructure, and increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of government services through Digital transformation.
Musab Abdullah, Executive Director of the Investment Development Department, ICT Sector, EDB, said:
"Many technology companies are based in Bahrain to launch their business in the region, benefiting from the continuous development of the sector, which is one of the Kingdom's strategic priorities. The Bahrain team supports these companies by enhancing the competitive advantages that make Bahrain an ideal destination for international companies in the ICT sector, including highly qualified talent and competencies, competitive operational cost, 100% foreign ownership, strategic location and close connectivity with the region as a whole."
According to the United Nations, Bahrain topped the Middle East and North Africa region in the field of ICT readiness, as this advanced ranking came as a result of the government's vision to strengthen the Kingdom's leading regional position in ICT, including global data centers and the gaming industry.
The ICT sector is among the main pillars of the Bahraini economy, as this sector contributes to the creation of many quality job opportunities, with Bahrainis occupying 59% of these jobs, contributing 6.8% of Bahrain's real GDP in the last quarter of 2021.The total direct investment attracted by the Council during the first nine months of this year amounted to US$921 million (BD348 million), with 66 companies investing in a number of vital sectors including financial services, industrials, logistics, tourism and ICT, and is expected to contribute to the creation of 4,700 jobs over the next three years.
Musab Abdullah, Executive Director of the Investment Development Department, ICT Sector, EDB, said:
"Many technology companies are based in Bahrain to launch their business in the region, benefiting from the continuous development of the sector, which is one of the Kingdom's strategic priorities. The Bahrain team supports these companies by enhancing the competitive advantages that make Bahrain an ideal destination for international companies in the ICT sector, including highly qualified talent and competencies, competitive operational cost, 100% foreign ownership, strategic location and close connectivity with the region as a whole."
According to the United Nations, Bahrain topped the Middle East and North Africa region in the field of ICT readiness, as this advanced ranking came as a result of the government's vision to strengthen the Kingdom's leading regional position in ICT, including global data centers and the gaming industry.
