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Al Qaed expressed his appreciation for the continuous support of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the guidance of His Excellency General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology (MCICT),which has accelerated digital transformation, adoption of advanced technologies, and fostering readiness to implement government policies in alignment with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).

Al Qaed noted that ID card and population registry statistics for 2024 revealed over 900,000 transactions completed related to ID, population, civil records, and address services, out of which 95% completed through digital channels. He stated that that most of the transactions conducted at the service centers were related to biometric data collection and signatures. The ID card issuance and renewal marked 405,000 transactions in addition to 33,000 birth and death certificate requests and over 15,000 address service transactions.

iGA Chief Executive also highlighted that iGA launched several new eServices via Bahrain’s National Portal (bahrain.bh), including updating household status online using the eKey, in addition to adding a QR code to verify ID card statements. The new services also included enhancements in GCC ID cards activation through adding biometric data, photo, fingerprint, and signature. The iGA also launched its Virtual Customer Service Center via its official website www.iga.gov.bh to expand service delivery channels.

In regards to statistical data development, Al Qaed emphasized that the iGA has enhanced and updated national datasets and systems to improve data accuracy. This included updating the national accounts (2010 to 2023), according to the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC Rev. 4), enhancing GDP calculation accuracy. The updates led to a 5-6% increase in average GDP estimates at both constant and current prices, reflecting significant improvement in economic data quality. Moreover, iGA also enhanced the GCC Common Market statistical database for the period 1995–2022.

On the Population & Demographic Statistics front, Al Qaed stated that the iGA continued refining its population and household statistics methodology in line with UN Population Division guidelines. In this context, Bahrain has notably advanced 33 places to rank 32nd globally in the Human Capital Index.

The year 2024 also showcased the launch of the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES 2024), the National Health Survey, and the Tourism Statistics Survey, offering accurate insights into Bahrain’s socio-economic landscape. These data support informed and evident-based decision-making across various sectors. Moreover, 120+ statistical reports and indicators were issued in 2024, besides more than 250 data requests have been accommodated at the local, regional, and international levels.

With regards Bahrain Open Data Portal (www.data.gov.bh), Mr. Mohamed Al Qaed stated that the Portal has experienced remarkable enhancements in 2024, to reinforce transparency and public engagement. More than 435 datasets have been added from 40 government entities. The platform logged over 9 million visits and 128,000 dataset downloads, reflecting high local and international interest towards the portal and its data, as well as the portal’s role in empowering researchers, investors, civil society, and the private sector with reliable information for better decision-making.

The iGA continues its collaboration with local and international entities to ensure accurate and reliable data management through its on-going efforts with the government entities such as Ministry of Finance and National Economy, the National Bureau for Revenue, and the Central Bank of Bahrain. In addition to its efforts with international institutions like the Arab Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Tourism Organization (WTO), reaffirming Bahrain’s commitment to data transparency and sustainable development.
The year 2024 also marked the launch of Bahrain’s National Summary Data Page (NSDP), in accordance with the IMF’s General Data Dissemination System (GDDS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and National Economy and the Ministry of Sustainable Development. Bahrain also hosted, for the first time, the 49th Board meeting of the Arab Institute for Training and Research in Statistics and the 16th session of ESCWA’s Statistical Committee, remarking its growing leadership in regional and international statistical cooperation.

Al Qaed concluded by highlighting upcoming projects, including the Tourism Survey, Labor Force Survey, and the update of the base year for national accounts. Other major initiatives include the launch of a self-service center in Isa Town and the rollout of the newly enhanced ID card, completed in Q1 2025.

He reaffirmed the iGA’s commitment to continuously updating data, improving the population registry, and fostering a trusted data environment that supports effective economic and social policymaking, while delivering more efficient, flexible government services in line with Bahrain’s digital transformation journey.

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