ICT
From The Report: Bahrain 2023
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ICT sector development forms a central element of Bahrain’s economic growth and innovation plans, enabling the development of multiple sectors and enhancing public service provision. Owing to a favourable business environment, advanced digital infrastructure and a deep talent pool, the kingdom has emerged as an attractive proposition for international ICT companies seeking a base in the region. The local sector is now pursuing a medium-term strategy designed to propel it into the next phase of development. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Bahrain Economic Recovery Plan listed ICT as a priority sector for enhancing growth, diversification and resilience. Key objectives include strengthening cybersecurity resilience and advancing the digitalisation of government services, including through the use of artificial intelligence.

This chapter contains interviews with Philip Marnick, General Director, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and Mikkel Vinter, CEO, Beyon.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Innovative landscape: Advanced digital infrastructure and a supportive business environment cement the sector’s role in actualising growth
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ICT sector development forms a central element of Bahrain’s economic growth and innovation plans, enabling the development of multiple sectors and enhancing public service provision. Owing to a favourable business environment, advanced digital infrastructure and a deep talent pool, the kingdom has emerged as an attractive proposition for international ICT companies seeking a base in the region. The local sector is now pursuing a medium-term strategy designed to propel it into the next phase of…

Analysis

Encouraging experimentation: A new licence aims to provide a regulatory environment conducive to innovation and next-generation technology
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As part of ongoing efforts to stimulate growth in the digital economy, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) launched a new Innovation Licence in October 2022, encouraging companies to experiment with next-generation services using wireless technologies. By eliminating lengthy regulatory approval processes, companies can test and deploy new technologies more quickly, fostering greater innovation. Regulatory Sandbox As of March 2023 the TRA had issued five Innovation Licences to mobile…

Interview

Strong signals: Philip Marnick, General Director, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), on enabling innovation
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Interview:Philip Marnick How could regulatory changes boost the country’s attractiveness as an ICT investment destination? PHILIP MARNICK: Bahrain is making significant strides towards achieving the objectives outlined in its fifth National Telecommunications Plan, the blueprint for the country’s communications sector. Bahrain aims to become a frontrunner in innovation and investment, fostering the growth of ideas and the development of solutions for both businesses and individuals. To…

Interview

Digital safety: Mikkel Vinter, CEO, Beyon, on promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors to spur innovation
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Interview:Mikkel Vinter Where do you identify the main investment opportunities in the ICT sector? MIKKEL VINTER: Investment opportunities are centred around two main segments: telecommunications and digital technologies. Regarding the telecommunications space, we are investing in networks – 5G in particular – and rolling out fibre to more homes and businesses across Bahrain. We are also investing in international connectivity, with a focus on attracting international players and tech companies…

Analysis

Digital fortress: Confronting the next generation of cyberthreats in the GCC
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With global geopolitical instability elevating the threat of cyberattacks against businesses and government agencies alike, the GCC is rapidly developing more robust and comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to respond to the evolving nature of such threats. Since experiencing their first major cyberattacks in the early 2010s, the six members of the GCC have looked at ways to bolster their cybersecurity by increasing their resilience and upgrading capacity. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine…