The updates include an ‘Issue of Open Government Data License’ which regulates the terms and conditions in using the published open data across the Bahrain Open Data Portal www.data.gov.bh  and government entities’ websites. The updates also introduce ‘Data History and Version Tracking, giving users access to all previous dataset versions with publication and modification details.

A new ‘Data Request Procedure’ has been updated which enables the public to evaluate published data and provide suggestions for adding new datasets, in addition to providing options to ‘Download Datasets’ in bulk or selectively based on user preferences.

Previously limited to XML and CSV, Version 2.0 now expands machine-readable data formats to include JSON, GeoJSON, and RDF. It adopts international statistical and metadata exchange standards such as SDMX. Government entities must provide open, machine-readable metadata. The update also strengthens awareness initiatives, encouraging government entities to promote open data through hackathons, campaigns, and workshops, while promoting partnerships and public engagement with stakeholders including individuals, government, private sector, civil society, and research institutions for dataset co-creation and valuation.

The policy has also been enhanced through restructured content, improved formatting, clarified terminology to improve readability and understanding, along with the addition of a document version history record.

iGA Deputy CE of Operations and Governance, Dr. Khalid Almutawa, highlighted that the changes comply with local laws, including the State Information and Documents Protection Law and the Personal Data Protection Law, while also meeting international standards such as Open Data Inventory (ODIN) and UN e-Government Development Index (EGDI) requirements.

He emphasized that Open Government Data Policy 2.0 promotes innovation, community participation, and transparency. It allows citizens to give feedback and improve government data, and provides them with multiple machine-readable formats for easy access and system and app integration.

The iGA encourages government entities to implement the updated policy across projects, initiatives, services, and operations. Developers and researchers can take the advantage of the open data available on the Bahrain’s Open Data Portal, data.gov.bh, to develop and implement innovative projects and services. iGA also encouraged all entities and the public to take the initiative in submitting their opinions and suggestions regarding the updated Government Open Data Policy 2.0 and to contribute to its continual improvement.

The Open Government Data Policy, part of Bahrain’s digital policies and approved by the Cabinet in October 2021, reflects the government’s commitment to transparency by making non-sensitive data available for public, which empowers citizens, researchers, and entrepreneurs to use government data to improve services, advance Bahrain’s digital achievements, and boost regional and global competitiveness.


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