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Bahrain is on the verge of becoming one of the world’s first fully digital governments, with 95 per cent of all public services already available online and a major biometric identity rollout set to eliminate the need for physical visits to government offices altogether.
The ambitious transformation was revealed yesterday by deputy chief executive officer for e-transformation Ali Janahi during the ninth edition of the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2026 at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa.
Mr Janahi said Bahrain has reached an advanced stage in its national digital transformation strategy and is now pushing towards full digitisation of nearly every government service by the end of next year.
“Our plan is comprehensive digital transformation and today we can say that around 95 per cent of government services are already online,” he said.
“We currently have more than 850 services digitally available, and only a few still require physical attendance because they involve fingerprint verification or procedures that legally need in-person presence.”
However, even that may soon disappear.
Mr Janahi revealed authorities are now developing new biometric authentication solutions that will allow users to verify identity remotely using advanced digital recognition systems integrated into Bahrain’s national platforms.
“We are currently working on alternative solutions using biometric verification technology,” he said.
“By the end of 2027, we aim to announce the completion of the transition where virtually all government services can be completed digitally.”
A major part of that transformation involves expanding the capabilities of Bahrain’s MyGov Bahrain platform, which officials plan to turn into a single national digital hub.
“We are gradually integrating multiple applications into one platform,” said Mr Janahi.
“The plan is to merge seven major applications into a single smart app, while also reducing procedures and customising services based on each individual user’s needs.”
Artificial intelligence will also increasingly drive service delivery, with virtual assistants expected to guide users through applications and simplify access to services.
Perhaps most significantly, Mr Janahi said, Bahrain’s advanced digital infrastructure has already positioned the kingdom to take the lead regionally in future GCC-wide digital integration.
Through eKey 2.0 Bahrain and the national digital identity system, Bahrainis can already use mobile phones as official identification replacing physical cards and driving licences.
“In Bahrain today, you can officially use your digital ID and driving licence directly from your phone,” he said.
“When it comes to wider GCC integration, Bahrain is technologically ready from today to lead implementation of cross-border digital identification systems for transport and mobility.”
He said the kingdom’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem is increasingly positioning Bahrain at the forefront of smart government innovation across the Gulf.
Meanwhile, he pointed out an AI assistant is on its way for the government website and applications.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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