BAHRAIN will submit entries to a regional public sector awards competition for the first time.
The Arab Government Excellence Award is held under the patronage of UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
It is accepting submissions until the end of December and operates under the umbrella of the Arab League and the Arab Organisation for Administrative Development.
The UAE is not allowed to enter because it sponsors the awards, while winners are chosen by an external jury of international experts drawn from outside the Arab region.
“The award is the first initiative of its kind for government work,” said Civil Service Bureau (CSB) president Ahmed Al Zayed.
“Bahrain’s ministries and government bodies are all under the Organisational Performance Project (Takamul), which was launched in January last year and ensures that all work according to a single strategy.
“The award is positive for ministries, government organisations and civil servants – encouraging them to elevate their work, which also benefits the public.
“Bahrain will be vying for the award and striving to present its best.”
The two main award categories are Best Ministry and Best Authority or Establishment.
Seven secondary categories are: Best Government Initiative or Development Idea, Best Youth Empowerment Government Project, Best Government Project to Develop Education, Best Government Project to Develop Health, Best Government Infrastructure Project, Best Government Project to Develop Community and Best App.
Another six individual categories are: Best Arab Minister, Best Governor/Mayor, Best Director-General for an Arab Authority or Establishment, Best Municipality Council Chairman/Director-General, Best Male Government Employee and Best Female Government Employee.
Details about Bahrain’s participation were revealed yesterday by award secretary-general Mariam Al Hammadi, during an event organised by the CSB at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa.
Ms Al Hammadi said all Arab governments should be striving to ensure a culture of excellence.
“The main goal of the UAE in initiating the award is to spread the culture of excellence and share ideas in the region,” she said.
“All winners, to be announced in April, will showcase their success stories.
“There are 15 categories and any country can submit up to 45 entries – three in each category.
“For individual awards we are going to give lucrative cash prizes and an announcement in this regard will be made soon.”
Arab Organisation for Administrative Development adviser Dr Azzam Armeli said Bahrain was already regarded as a regional leader in government services.
“Bahrain is on track with its electronic government platforms, for example, and I am sure it could win several categories at the awards,” he said. “It is already a leader in government services and is continuously working to provide more and more.”
The award is regarded as the largest of its kind in the field of public sector development, improvement and administrative excellence.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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