ICT procurement requests valued at BD3.5 million were discussed at the 72nd Information and Communication Technology Governance Committee’s (ICTGC) meeting, held via video conference and chaired by Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) chief executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed.
The meeting’s agenda included the Health Ministry’s National Genome Programme, which aims to create a genetic map for Bahrain to keep pace with the rapid advancements in genetic testing technologies and an increase in the number of countries creating population genetic maps through genome projects, reflecting the kingdom’s pioneering steps in developing advanced policies in healthcare, research, innovation, and population bioinformatics.
The project will provide the necessary technical infrastructure through a cloud computing-based genetic data platform.
Also discussed was the second phase of the National Real Estate Databank (Aqari), a key real estate development project that supports the economy by providing accurate and updated property information. The phase involves enhancing user interface and experience, upgrading data verification and quality mechanisms, and improving reports and data display dashboards.
The platform will also deploy artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in interactive maps and predictive data display dashboards, helping to further develop an environment that promotes innovative real estate projects, encourages investment, and boosts investor confidence.
The meeting included discussions on the iGA’s Government Innovation Hub, which will be established at the iGA’s headquarters.
It will serve as a central hub for guiding government entities in utilising technology to overcome challenges and explore opportunities while focusing on enhancing efficiency and quality of services, reducing cost, and keeping pace with rapidly advancing technologies such as AI, augmented reality, Blockchain and others.
The committee addressed several projects, purchase requests, and government system developments that focus on improving IT services. It also reviewed progress in implementing the decisions approved during previous meetings.
The meeting was also attended by Education Ministry Under-Secretary for Policies, Strategies and Performance Nawal Al Khater, iGA deputy CEO of Operations and Governance Dr Khalid Ahmed Al Mutawa, Economic Development Board Director of Corporate Services Linda Mohammed Janahi, University of Bahrain Dean of the College of IT Dr Hessa Jassim Al Junaid, Dr Ali Al Soufi, the Information Technology Adviser, and the committee’s support team.
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