Bahrain's Best Ideas: Fikra Competition Sparks Innovation as Submissions for 6th Edition Closes

Mahir Haneef

TDT| Manama

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has announced the conclusion of the application period for the sixth edition of the Government Innovation Competition, known as ‘Fikra’, on Wednesday.

The initiative, launched under the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, aims to empower Bahrain’s national workforce to enhance government operations and achieve the Kingdom’s broader aspirations.

Ideas That Transform

Fikra, meaning ‘idea’ in Arabic, was established to foster creativity and innovation within the public sector. The competition offers a platform for government employees to present proposals that can improve services and align with Bahrain’s development goals. By focusing on sustainability, competitiveness, and fairness, Fikra reflects the guiding principles of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.

Spotlight on Proposals

This year’s application window, which opened on October 27th, attracted strong participation from public sector employees and government enterprises. Participants, either individually or in groups of up to four, were encouraged to submit ideas designed to enhance government services and improve operational efficiency. The evaluation committee has begun reviewing the submissions, marking the next stage of the competition.

Legacy of Excellence

Fikra’s previous editions have led to tangible advancements in government services. The fifth edition, concluded in February last year, spotlighted innovative projects such as the ‘Motorcycle Ambulance (The Fast Responder)’ from the Mohammed Bin Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa Specialist Cardiac Centre and the ‘Legislation Laboratory’ from the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission. Finalists included ‘Mashatil’ from the Ministry of Interior, ‘Daribni’, a knowledge-sharing platform by the Ministry of Information Affairs, and ‘Ambassadors at Large’ from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Other notable entries included ‘Circular Bahrain’ by the Prime Minister’s Office, ‘Green Plastic’ by the Supreme Council for Environment, and ‘The Maintenance Apprentice’ from the University of Bahrain.

Mawaeed’s Success

A standout success from Fikra’s second edition is the ‘Mawaeed’ app, a national unified system for booking government service appointments. Developed by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) and launched in September, it supports Arabic and English, allowing users to manage bookings, receive notifications, and provide feedback. Since its pilot launch last November, ‘Mawaeed’ has been downloaded over 9,679 times and processed more than 50,000 booking requests, showcasing its transformative impact.

Citizens’ Choice Matters

In January last year, Fikra introduced public engagement through electronic voting for the "Public Vote" category, enabling citizens to participate in selecting innovative projects. This approach highlights the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity.

Pioneering the Future

Fikra continues to drive innovation across government institutions. By aligning with the 2023-2026 Government Programme and Economic Vision 2030, it fosters a culture of progress. As submissions undergo evaluation, there is optimism for ideas that will benefit both citizens and residents, reinforcing Bahrain’s dedication to excellence in governance.