iGA Chief launches Beta Version of revamped Bahrain Open Data Portal

Agencies | Manama    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

With the follow-up and direction of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology (MCICT), Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) Chief Executive, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed announced the launch of the Beta version of the Bahrain Open Data Portal (data.gov.bh).

Al Qaed said that this project is in line with the iGA’s objective to support the Bahrain’s Economic Recovery Plan and the Government Program (2023-2026) through continuously enhancing the platform's readiness and capacity.

In addition, he stressed on the importance of equipping the platform with advanced and innovative features that ensure all beneficiaries have access to accurate and reliable government data and indicators related to key sectors in the Kingdom.

Al Qaed highlighted that the development of the Open Data Portal was carried out to be compliant with the international best practices as well as the United Nations criteria for open data.

He added that the iGA is currently working on developing and enhancing several features that will be launched soon in the initial beta platform, taking into account standards to ensure that data is available from the largest number of government entities; is free of charge and available/ accessible by everyone in a readable and downloadable format.

Al Qaed said that the beta version of the Bahrain Open Data Platform will provide an integrated open dataset from the government entities, which in turn will enhance transparency levels, encourage eParticipation and innovation.

By publishing open data offered by ministries and government entities, as well as openly sharing Geographic Information System (GIS) data on the platform, decision-makers, investors, researchers, and citizens will be able to use it in research studies, service development, and investment projects, among many other uses.

He invited public, private, and academic researchers in the Kingdom, as well as anyone who has an interest, to explore the beta version of the Bahrain Open Data Platform and provide the iGA with feedback and suggestions through its various communication channels. He emphasized that all the public users are fundamental partners in the development process.

Open data refers to data that can be used by anyone without any technical, financial, or legal restrictions. It can also be used and reused for commercial or non-commercial purposes, in accordance with the requirements of open data licensing, under which such data is distributed.