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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2024
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Bahrain’s digital Government








excellence takes Global Stage











Bahrain launches Global Digital Government Programme to share expertise worldwide


• The iGA has tate investment, and the national
appointment system that allows
integrated over 20 users to book appointments at
service centers. Additionally,
national systems to he highlighted Tawasul, a feed-
enhance connectivity back channel for citizens and
across government residents.
Al Qaed demonstrated the
operations success of self-service kiosks,
which now offer over 13 services
TDT | Manama and contribute to a 90% increase
in digital transformation, as well
ollowing the directives of as reducing costs by 90% and
General Shaikh Rashid bin saving an estimated 68% in time
FAbdullah Al Khalifa, Min- and effort.
ister of Interior and Chairman He also discussed how Bah-
of the Ministerial Committee rain utilizes cloud computing,
for Information and Commu- artificial intelligence (AI), and
nication Technology (MCICT), big data to enhance service qual-
the Information & eGovernment ity. Al Qaed emphasized the role
Authority (iGA) launched the of Bahrain’s Open Data Platform,
pilot phase of the "Global Twin- data.gov.bh, in fostering public
ning Digital Government Excel- participation through accessible
lence" initiative. This initiative, and accurate data.
part of Bahrain’s collaboration In addition, Al Qaed spoke
with the United Nations, aims about efforts to improve cus -
to enhance international co - tomer service and the role of
operation by sharing Bahrain’s the Government Service Center
expertise in digital governance Evaluation Committee in en-
with other countries to support couraging government entities
their goals. to improve service delivery
The iGA hosted the launch through digital solutions. He
event, chaired by iGA Chief Ex- also highlighted the Techni -
ecutive Mohamed Ali Al Qaed, cal Development Programme,
with representatives from Tu- The iGA hosted the launch event, chaired by iGA Chief Executive Mohamed Ali Al Qaed, with representatives from Tunisia and the Comoros in attendance which aims to foster innovation
nisia and the Comoros in attend- and develop young talent in the
ance. During the session, Bah- Self-service kiosks now offer over 13 services and contribute to a 90% tech sector.
During the visit, iGA officials
rain’s remarkable achievements
in digital transformation were increase in digital transformation, as well as reducing costs by 90% and directors provided insights
showcased, including the king- and saving an estimated 68% in time and effort. into the kingdom's digital trans-
dom’s 18th global ranking in the formation, including system de-
2024 UN E-Government Survey velopment, service reengineer-
and its high standing in the UN ing, and the use of Geographic
E-Government Development governance, and expand access outlined Bahrain's success in Sehati, and Mawaeed, available operations, such as the Sijilat Information Systems (GIS). The
Index (EGDI). to government services world- implementing advanced digital through the Government App system, developed with the Min- delegation also visited key loca-
Al Qaed emphasized the im- wide. He expressed hopes that technologies and innovative best Store. istry of Industry and Commerce, tions, including the Ministry of
portance of the programme in more countries would join the practices. He highlighted over which streamlines government Industry and Commerce, Bah-
strengthening Bahrain's leader- initiative, contributing to the 750 government services avail- Sijilat licensing processes. Al Qaed also rain FinTech Bay, and the BEN-
ship in global digital transforma- shared goal of global digital ex- able via Bahrain’s digital portal, The iGA has integrated over discussed the Benayat system, EFIT Company, to gain further
tion. He highlighted its poten- cellence. bahrain.bh, and more than 15 20 national systems to enhance which simplifies building permit insights into Bahrain’s digital
tial to drive innovation, improve In his presentation, Al Qaed mobile apps, such as eTraffic, connectivity across government procedures and fosters real es- initiatives and systems.


Global stocks pull lower on US rate concerns






There is also growing concern Germany's central bank sharply key leaders said at the annual
• The latest US Key figures around 1630 GMT over the inflationary pressures downgrading its growth fore- Central Economic Work Con-
consumer price index New York - Dow: n at 43,923.45 points from president-elect Donald casts on Friday for 2025 and ference they would implement
Trump's pledges to cut taxes and 2026. It predicted a prolonged a "moderately loose" monetary
data released this week New York - S&P 500:  less than 0.1% at 6,046.31 impose tariffs, as inflation still period of weakness for Europe's policy, increase social financing
showed prices ticked Nasdaq Composite:  0.2% at 19,860.33 stands above the bank's target. biggest economy. and reducing interest rates "at
London stocks were also low- the right time".
"While the markets still antic-
higher in November London - FTSE 100:  0.1% at 8,300.33 (close) ipate a rate cut from the Federal er after official data showed that The gathering came after Bei-
• Investors will Paris - CAC 40:  0.2% at 7,409.57 (close) Reserve next week, the likeli- the UK economy unexpectedly jing in September began unveil-
Frankfurt - DAX:
 0.1% at 20,405.92 (close)
hood of a move in January has shrank for the second consecu- ing a raft of policies to reverse a
be eagerly awaiting Tokyo - Nikkei 225:  1.0% at 39,470.44 (close) dropped," said Patrick Munnel- tive month in October. growth slump that has gripped
how the Fed sees the Hang Seng Index:  2.1% at 19,971.24 (close) ly, partner at broker Tickmill The euro recovered after flirt- the economy for almost two
inflation outlook Shanghai - Composite:  2.0% at 3,391.88 (close) Group. ing with two-year lows against years. "We're still not convinced
The CME FedWatch tool the dollar following a warning that policy support will prevent
Euro/dollar:  at $1.0496 from $1.0468 on Thursday shows the market sees a nearly Thursday by ECB president the economy from slowing fur-
AFP | London, United Kingdom 80% chance of Fed holding rates Christine Lagarde that the eu- ther next year", said Julian Ev-
Pound/dollar:  at $1.2626 from $1.2669
steady in January. rozone economy was "losing mo- ans-Pritchard, head of China
push higher by global stocks Dollar/yen:  at 153.67 yen from 152.68 yen Investors will be eagerly mentum", cautioning that "the economics at research group
A ran out of steam Friday as Euro/pound:  at 83.16 pence from 82.59 pence awaiting how the Fed sees the risk of greater friction in global Capital Economics.
US bond yields rose in a signal Brent North Sea Crude:  1.1% at $74.25 per barrel inflation outlook for hints about trade could weigh on euro area Seoul extended to four days a
that investors see the US Federal the pace of future cuts. growth". rebound from the selling sparked
Reserve pausing after an expect- West Texas Intermediate:  1.4% at $70.97 per barrel In Europe, the Paris CAC 40 in- In Asia, Hong Kong and by South Korean President Yoon
ed interest rate cut next week. dex ended the day down 0.2% af- Shanghai both tumbled as in- Suk Yeol's brief martial law dec-
Wall Street had opened higher champ, Chief Market Analyst at inflation," he added. ter French President Emmanuel vestors were unimpressed with laration, as the focus there turns
on AI optimism and European online trading platform IG. The latest US consumer price Macron named his centrist ally Beijing's pledge to introduce to a second impeachment vote
markets were trading higher "Yields rose to their highest index data released this week Francois Bayrou as prime min- measures aimed at "lifting con- planned for Saturday.
into the afternoon. levels in over two weeks as mar- showed prices ticked higher in ister, ending days of deadlock sumption vigorously" as part of The advance helped the Kospi
But "earlier gains have drift- kets brace for the Federal Re- November and the wholesale over finding a replacement for a drive to reignite growth in the briefly rise back above the level
ed away as US Treasury yields serve's final meeting of the year, data also showed stubborn in- Michel Barnier. world's number two economy. it sat at before Yoon's December
strengthen," said Chris Beau- reflecting concerns over sticky flationary pressures. Frankfurt also dipped, with President Xi Jinping and other 3 shock.
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