Bahrainis and expatriates who are renewing their identity cards will now receive newer and smarter versions being rolled out across the kingdom.
Interior Minister and Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology chairman General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa unveiled the card over the weekend, as part of three strategic projects at the Information and eGovernment Authority (IGA).
During a Press conference yesterday IGA chief executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed noted that these cards will only be rolled out to those renewing their CPRs, and the old cards currently in use are valid until their expiry date.
At the renovated IGA head office, the team also highlighted the new museum showcasing the history of identity cards and census studies conducted in Bahrain since the 1950s.
In addition, the IGA also highlighted the new self-service centre now open at the IGA offices in Isa Town, as well as the projects currently being explored within its newly inaugurated Innovation Hub.
“The new Self-Service Centre in Isa Town has been established to provide citizens and residents with more efficient access to services through a collection of self-service kiosks in a single location, enabling them to complete their government transactions effortlessly, especially the ID card chip update,” Mr Al Qaed added.
He also highlighted the success of previously installed self-service kiosks across government entities and post offices, which recorded more than 193,000 completed transactions in 2024.
With the launch of the new centre operating 24/7, access to these services will become even more convenient.
IGA’s Identity and Population Registry director Shaikh Subah bin Hamad Al Khalifa explained that the centre provides users with multiple self-service machines which provide ID card-related services. They include chip reader services and chip updates, eKey services for eKey 1.0, including registration, advanced eKey activation, and password reset for those who have not yet registered with the upgraded eKey 2.0, government notification service registration, and electronic payment and service transactions through dedicated self-service kiosks.
Meanwhile, the iGA’s Innovation and Advanced Technologies director Latifa Al Abbasi noted that the Innovation Hub has been set up to promote digital transformation in the public sector.
The Hub will serve as a platform to develop prototype and pilot solutions that improve service quality and align with global technology trends.
Amongst the projects that the hub is currently working on are artificial intelligence (AI)-powered sign language aids for travellers flying to and through the Bahrain International Airport.
Another project in the works, that Mr Al Qaed said should be functional in the coming months, is a national virtual assistant. This will align information about government services in a chatbot environment, enabling citizens and residents to get quick answers to pressing questions related to government services.
Ms Al Abbasi highlighted the IGA’s partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), which will facilitate the development of eight prototype initiatives for various government entities.
These include enhancing the national complaints and suggestions system (Tawasul) through AI; upgrading the Sijilat 4.0 system for the Industry and Commerce Ministry and the Education Ministry’s anti-cyberbullying initiative, powered with AI technologies.
Ms Al Abbasi added that this will accelerate the adoption of AI-driven innovation, providing a testing ground for emerging technologies and enhancing national digital capabilities.
Additionally, this initiative strengthens regional and international co-operation, reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a leader in digital innovation.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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