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Bahrain Ranks 5th globally, 3rd in Arab world in ICT Development Index

Manama, For the second consecutive year, Bahrain was ranked fifth worldwide and third in the Arab world in the 2024 ICT Development Index (IDI) issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Bahrain scored 97.5 points, surpassing the global average of 74.8 points.

This achievement underscores Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to achieving the strategic objectives of the telecommunications, information technology, and digital economy sector (2022-2026), aiming to consolidate its position among leading nations in this vital sector.

Mohammed bin Thamer Al Kaabi, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, said that Bahrain’s continued progress in the ICT sector was the outcome of concerted efforts aimed at developing the country’s sectors in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and under the oversight of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He added that the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications r
emains dedicated to further advancing this vital sector, providing all necessary resources to realise its ambitious vision of constructing an advanced, sustainable economy that serves Bahrain and its people. This achievement also reflects Bahrain’s efforts to advancing the telecommunications and ICT sector through the objectives outlined in the Sixth National Telecommunications Plan for 2023-2026.

The Minister emphasised that this ranking underscores Bahrain’s dedication to fostering innovation and digital transformation across various economic sectors, thereby contributing to sustainable development and enhancing Bahrain’s regional and global advancement in telecommunications infrastructure and information technology.

These positive outcomes highlight Bahrain’s economic and technological progress, serving as a catalyst for further innovation and development in this vital sector, he added.

The Minister commended the efforts of those monitoring performance indicators and analysing results, including members
of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and telecommunications companies. He highlighted that this achievement was made possible through dedicated national efforts to enhance technological development, infrastructure, competitiveness, and service quality to meet the highest global standards, thereby boosting Bahrain’s standing in global ICT indices.

The ICT Development Index, published by the International Telecommunication Union, is a pivotal component of the Measuring the Information Society Report and one of the most significant global indicators assessing countries’ progress in the ICT field, considering three dimensions: ICT access, usage, and skills.

Source: Bahrain News Agency