MANAMA: Bahrain has cracked the code, bagging the top rank among GCC countries in terms of availability of advanced computer programming talent, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Analysing ‘Digital trends in the Arab States region 2021’, the United Nations’ specialised agency and standard-setter for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) found that Bahrain leads the way in advanced-skill penetration, with 18.1 per cent of the country’s population being able to write a computer programme using a specialised programming language.
The kingdom is followed by the UAE, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, with levels from 13pc to under 18pc.
Positive reports like this and Bahrain’s army of keen, willing and eager bright young tech-savvy talent will continue to help the kingdom in its bid to attract investment.
“Bahrain continues to attract direct investments within the ICT sector which is driven by many factors such as the availability of ICT talent, the competitive cost of doing business which forms the financial attractiveness for investors to set up and operate from the kingdom,” delighted Dalal Buhejji, executive director of investments at the Economic Development Board (EDB), said.
“Bahrain’s high ranking in this report is a testament to the kingdom’s strategy and investment to further advance the ICT sector. In fact, just last year the Bahrain Economic Development Board attracted more than BD300 million in direct investments which included many within the ICT sector which will generate employment opportunities in Bahrain.”
Penetration levels of basic skills are well above 50pc in Bahrain, Oman, the UAE, Kuwait, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the report adds, with potential for further skill development too.
In terms of households with Internet access, the region is above the global level, with an average penetration rate of 58.9pc and Bahrain coming in second after Kuwait with 99pc of households having access.
The EDB is the national investment promotion agency and says it attracted over BD300m in direct investments last year, including many in the ICT sector which will generate employment opportunities in the country.
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