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Winners of the eGovernment Excellence Award 2023

Under the patronage of His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, Chairman of the ministerial committee for Information and Communication Technology (MCICT), the winners of the eGovernment Excellence Award 2023 were awarded.

Public & Private Sector Winners

Best Website

Award nominees:

  1. Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning
  2. Ministry of Industry and Commerce - Sijilat - The Commercial Registration Portal
  3. Tamkeen
  4. National Cyber Security Center
  5. Council of Representatives

Winner : Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning

Project: Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning Website

Description

The Ministry of Housing website provides multiple housing eservices suitable for citizens with low incomes to ensure their stability and achieve a decent livelihood. The ministry has successfully digitally transformed all its services by using novel technologies and based on consistent user centered research. Housing e-services are clearly categorized and can be easily accessed directly from the website.This new revamped website is unique and reflects innovative designs, giving visitors a feeling of beauty and creativity. The placement of images, banners, other visual elements, and its aesthetics makes it a captivating experience. In addition, use of tools like Google maps, social media assist the users in performing the desired action, also engages visitors actively, and asking for the user feedback.The site content stands out with quality of text using an appropriate language and tone of voice complement the experience quality. Robust login system ensures user authentication, allowing users to log in securely and offering a personalized user experience. The website also offers a unique service allowing users to book an appointment online for a virtual consultation for the housing finance programs without the need to attend our customer service center.

Winner : Ministry of Industry and Commerce

Project: Sijilat - The Commercial Registration Portal

Description

The commercial registers system “Sijilat” is a strategic and ambitious project that was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC). Sijilat serves as Bahrain's national online business registration and licensing portal providing a single digital platform that is available 24/7 and accessible worldwide. The portal offers an enhanced overall experience for investors and guides them through the path of establishing their business considering optimal user experience through providing a user-friendly system that is compatible with smart devices while providing a full fledge Dashboard to logged in users offering a rich personalized and tailored platform to enhance the overall users’ interface and experience. The portal also offers multiple feedback channels including access to live chat, call center, tawasul, virtual video calls, investor relations contact, as well as surveys.

Award nominees:

  1. Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba)
  2. The Benefit Company
  3. Bahrain Chamber
  4. Gulf University
  5. Bahrain Airport Company (BAC)

Winner : Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba)

Project: Alba Website

Description

Alba’s first website was launched on October 1998, the website went through a series of transformations, and in December 2021, Alba launched its newest state-of-the-art website which provides an exceptional experience for its stakeholders, through its interactive and animated webpages that are rich of focused information, infographics, high-resolution photos & high-quality Videos. The revamped website enables convenient navigation, and an organised body portion that is rich of optimised contents

Winner : The Benefit Company

Project: Benefit Website

Description

The Benefit company since its launch in 1997, has left no stone unturned for the advancement and innovation of the banking sector within Kingdom of Bahrain. Likewise, in today’s world where the features and functionality of your website and/or application defines the benchmark of success within the business market. The Benefit company has yet again has set a new standard by providing a rich- content with excellent standardization and unmatched user experience. Nevertheless, the website excels not only in aesthetics but also in delivering wide range of digitalized services such as application for BenefitPay Merchant, eKYC Member, Bahrain Credit Reference Bureau Member, Payment Gateway Merchant, Benefit Fintech Lab Partner, and Fawateer Bill. In addition to the adaption of international standards and technology which empowers the website to craft engaging and accessible user interfaces that not only looks impressive but also functions seamlessly across various devices and browsers.

Best Integrated eServices

Award nominees:

  1. University of Bahrain – eAdmission Service
  2. Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning - Integrated eServices
  3. Ministry of Works - Material Testing Results eServices
  4. Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications - Marasi
  5. Ministry of Works - Contractor Prequalification eService

Winner : University of Bahrain

Project: eAdmission: an online student admission

Description

The eAdmission Service is an integrated online service launched with the collaboration of three government organizations, the University of Bahrain (UOB), the Ministry of Education (MOE), and the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA). The eAdmissions service provides a smooth process for high school graduates in the Kingdom Bahrain to apply for Admissions in the university while adding their information and degree preferences, as well as paying the fees online. Having this streamline as an eService has also increased the accuracy of the applications, reduced paperwork and resulted in high ROI (Return on Investment). The service relies on data-driven decision-making, utilizing sophisticated analytics to analyze application trends and preferences.

Award nominees:

  1. Bahrain Airport Services - SAWAED
  2. National Bank of Bahrain - Unified Payment Gateway Solution (UPGS)
  3. Bahrain Islamic Bank - PayPal integration
  4. Bahrain Airport Company - Flight Information Display System (FIDS)

Winner : Bahrain Airport Services

Project: SAWAED

Description

As part of its Digital Transformation strategy, the Bahrain Airport Services has implemented the SAWAED system. The system has transformed external resource management through a centralized digital platform connecting employees and partners providing a convenient and automated environment for employees and customers. The user-friendly solution replaces paper workflows with efficient online services like attendance tracking and invoice processing that benefit both internal staff through single-point access to all records and information, and external users through automated alerts and real-time availability checks enabling faster response times. The system was built using Agile methodology to ensure that resources are used effectively and that the project stays on track, reducing waste and enhancing efficiency.

Best Project for Digital Transformation

Award nominees:

  1. Bahrain Defense Force - MKCC e-Referral system
  2. Ministry of Interior – Police Wallet application
  3. Electricity and Water Authority - Smart Meters
  4. Royal Humanitarian Foundation - RHF Digital Transformation
  5. Southern Governorate – Digital Map feature in “Aljunobya”
  6. Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs - Bahrain E-passport

Winner : Bahrain Defense Force

Project: MKCC e-Referral system

Description

Bahrain Defense Force in collaboration with Mohamed bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa Cardiac Centre (BDF MKCC) has revolutionized the referral systems related to the Cardiology within the hospitals in Bahrain. It has transformed the procedure from Brick-and-Mortar into an online seamless process. The systems development has resulted in the reduction of time, latency, cost and importantly in the efforts of the medical staff where now, the focus can shift more on the patients care. The digital transformation within the medical field is essential for the better social and economic situation within the country especially considering the unforeseen situations i.e., pandemic or disasters. The BDF MKCC e-referral system contributes towards the proactive approach required for the emergency situations. It has been proven since its launch that it is less time consuming, more reliable, and faster than the traditional system. It has also improved the patients’ health service experience to a next level as well as medical staff’s satisfaction within the Kingdom of Bahrain. It proves to be guiding step for further and future digital transformation steps in the medical field within the country.

Winner : Ministry of Interior

Project: Police Wallet application

Description

The Police Wallet mobile application is the ideal way to benefit from the Ministry's security services, which in turn reduces time and effort and allows security personnel to accomplish their tasks easily. The application contains a distinct package of services related to the ministry’s various systems for an easier and more advanced use experience, these services include but not limited to Inquiry about wanted people, inquire about the wanted vehicles, print the criminal investigation report, print notifications details, inquiring about the validity of residency and many other services that will ease the experience of the user in finding any services related to Ministry of Interior. The application also provides a numerous number of services with specials access to the general directorate to implement alternative rulings and penalties which supports digital transformation in security services and provide innovative solutions that facilitate the beneficiaries of security services to access information and services quickly, safely and conveniently and contribute to raising the level of work quality and performance in the Ministry.

Award nominees:

  1. Kalaam Telecom - Enabling Digital Transformation
  2. MRE WLL - Valencia Project
  3. Gulf University - Digital Transformation Project

Winner : Kalaam Telecom

Project: Enabling Digital Transformation

Description

Kalam Telecom provided cutting-edge technologies that provides a fully digital & personalized customer experience for users and businesses. Including emerging technologies to Kalaam’s process resulted in offering a seamless streamline of automated customer onboarding. i.e. Kalaam has leveraged the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology in both WhatsApp and ePortal platforms to transform the information on the CPR image the customer uploads to useful data that is used within the application. Kalaam also included an AI Chatbot that was extensively trained to address customer inquiries accurately in an engaging experience. Furthermore, with multiple payment gateway and the enhanced billing system provided, customers no longer need to rely on periodic or delayed updates; instead, they can instantly access their billing information and receive notifications on the spot. That’s not all, Kalaam also provides an efficient Ticketing system, an automated digitalized Order Processing with real-time status updates for customers, a Technical Service Platform that acts as a single hub to access and monitor all the services, and finally the Utilization of AI & Robotic Tools to save time, improve collaboration, and enhance overall meetings efficiency.

Best Practice in eParticipation

Award nominees:

  1. Southern Governorate – “Aljunobya” video call services
  2. General Directorate of Traffic – TrafficBH Social media account
  3. Ministry of Health - eParticipation Initiatives
  4. Ministry of Interior – سوالف واعي series

Winner : Southern Governorate

Project: “Aljunobya” video call services

Description

The Southern Governorate “service for visual communication with customers” was launched in March 2022, which confirms the keenness to maintain effective investment in remote visual communication technology to communicate with families and citizens, in commitment to implementing the principle of community partnership through its smart channels. This includes providing effective electronic channels to monitor and follow up on needs. People and listening to their opinions. This service is considered one of the most important electronic platforms for direct interaction with citizens, which contributes to building a comprehensive picture of what the people of the governorate areas aspire to, including the implementation of initiatives and programs related to the security, development, and service aspects. The Aljunobya application is considered the main platform for benefiting from the “Aljunobya service for visual communication with customers,” as the governorate sought to meet the requests of the target audience, and enabled users to easily deliver their voice and comments to those with expertise in the governorate, so that these initiatives, ideas, and projects could be studied and sent to the concerned departments in the governorate. To research it and submit reports on it to senior management, and then discuss it with representatives of the service, security and social ministries and work to develop a plan to implement it on the ground based on the community’s need for this initiative or project.

Award nominees:

  1. Local Bahrain – LocalBH social media accounts
  2. Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) - Alba eParticipation

Winner : Local Bahrain

Project: LocalBH social media accounts

Description

LocalBH is an active dynamic online hub that promotes active participation and content creation within the online community. They utilize popular social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to reach to achieve local outreach. They are dedicated to strengthening community interaction by actively involving users in content creation and empowering them through user-generated content, surveys, vibrant discussion forums, and feedback such as the "We Asked, You Answered” initiative. They prioritize their users' feedback and actively seek to improve their platform based on user suggestions, as they ensure the implementation of a robust and clear Social Media Response strategy to process any remarks, suggestions or comments received by their audience. They also utilize data-driven insights to better understand user preferences and behaviors, ensuring that they continually meet the diversified needs of their audience. LocalBH aims to promote positive content that showcases trending topics, activities, and latest happenings in the Kingdom while reflecting a positive image of Bahrain.

Best Work Environment for Digital Innovation Award

Award nominees:

  1. Central Bank of Bahrain - CBB Innovation Lab
  2. University of Bahrain - Cloud Innovation Center at the University of Bahrain
  3. Ministry of Interior - Directorate of Information Technology & Electronic Creativity
  4. Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications - Tower Simulator for Air Traffic Control - Simulate the Future, Innovate the Present

Winner : Central Bank of Bahrain

Project: CBB Innovation Lab

Description

FinHub 973 is a digital innovation platform by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) that connects financial institutions and fintechs. It offers a centralized sandbox for testing and prototyping, integrating technical validation with CBB's regulatory framework. The platform showcases qualified fintechs for collaboration, procurement, and investment, while facilitating regulatory testing and supporting business scalability. FinHub 973 strengthens Bahrain's position as a financial hub and promotes innovation and cross-border collaboration in the region.

Award nominees:

  1. stc Bahrain - Best Work Environment for Digital Innovation
  2. Bapco Refining - Fostering a Data-Driven Culture for Digital Innovation

Winner : stc Bahrain

Project: Best Work Environment for Digital Innovation

Description

STC since its establishment has been known for its ability to stand out among the competitors. When it comes to strategies, policies, and environment, STC has also been progressive. In the present day, the organization has successfully created the environment which fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation by breaking down the traditional work barriers. The STC has established the Agile work environment which strives on transparency, trust and openness and it has been proven through the higher revenue, customer retention and employee satisfaction. To highlight the huge success of Digital Innovation in the Work Environment, here are few of the initiatives by STC made possible efficiently through the efforts of Agile workforce, i.e., My STC App -Revamp (eShop, Contract Renewal and Plan Upgrade), Gaming (Online Platform and Purchases) and Bahrain’s largest 5G network. The Agile approach has increased the organization’s work performance by 220% in comparison to the former method. As a result, the STC has the competitive advantage over the others.

Best Utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Award nominees:

  1. Nasser Vocational Training Center - Green Anode Density Prediction for ALBA
  2. Ministry of Finance and National Economy - ML Sentiment Analysis Tool
  3. Ministry of Interior - AI Risk Level Assessments
  4. Survey and Land Registration Bureau - Smart Urban Change Detection

Winner : Nasser Vocational Training Center

Project: Green Anode Density Prediction for ALBA

Description

The Nasser Vocational Training Centre in collaboration with Alba initiated the the Green Anode Prediction Project. The project provides Artificial intelligence generated predictions of the quality of green anode based on carefully selected parameters and standards. Obtaining such predictions allows ALBA in doing pre-studied enhancements to the manufacturing process and ensure a consistent product quality. This project is designed and implemented by NAIRDC data scientists who gathered data from ALBA’s manufacturing process, analyzed and then narrowed down the most important features and parameters for predictions using feature engineering in Python. The process included several machine learning algorithms which their performance was compared based on various metrics. The five best models were then deployed to a user-friendly simulation dashboard to input process parameters and receive green anode density predictions.

Winner : Ministry of Finance and National Economy

Project: ML Sentiment Analysis Tool

Description

The sentiment analysis tool uses YouTube's Data API and machine learning to gain insights into tourist perceptions of Bahrain from tourism videos and comments. The tool processes content collected from the API with an ML model, displaying results in a Power BI dashboard for real-time social listening and optimization of the tourism experience. Understanding how tourists perceive Bahrain and what they expect can help the government make informed decisions regarding infrastructure, marketing, and services, ultimately leading to increased tourism revenue. The tool also offers benchmarking capabilities to neighboring countries enabling the Kingdom to view where it stands relatively in terms of tourist perception and allows Bahrain to study the strategies and content creation mechanisms of those countries.

Award nominees:

  1. INFINITEWARE – Labour Law Instant Chat
  2. RemoteApps - RemoteApps Human Capital Management

Winner : INFINITEWARE

Project: Labour Law Instant Chat

Description

Labor Law Chatbot developed by INFINITEWARE; it is designed to assist Bahrainis employed in the private sector by providing easy access to essential labor law information. The chatbot gathers and digitizes relevant labor law data and employs algorithms to ensure precise and pertinent responses to user inquiries. It continuously learns and improves through feedback loops, refining its understanding and answers over time. This initiative exemplifies their dedication to utilizing AI technology for positive societal impact, and the Labor Law Chatbot has already proven to be an invaluable resource for individuals seeking labor law guidance in Bahrain's private sector.

Best Applications for Smart Devices

Award nominees:

  1. Ministry of Interior (General Directorate of Traffic) – eTraffic Application
  2. Ministry of Interior – “Mawaeid” Application
  3. National Health Regulatory Authority – “Tafteesh” application
  4. The Supreme Judicial Council – “Ahkam” application

Winner : Ministry of Interior (General Directorate of Traffic)

Project: eTraffic Application

Description

The eTraffic mobile application was developed with an aim to raise the level of customer satisfaction by simplifying its processes As part of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s comprehensive Digital Transformation strategy the application was developed based on comprehensive studies that aimed to measure the effectiveness of services provided to the users and their impact on the community. The focus was on ensuring the safety of the community through adhering to traffic laws and ensuring the validity of the data. This application allows setting preferences, saving useful information and sharing media on social networks. The e-Traffic application offers its users a tailored communication in the language (English/Arabic) they speak and understand. E-Traffic mobile application can let users clearly define and set their preferences from the beginning, based on which they can be served customized content e-Traffic Mobile application provides secure and protected smart payment features by providing multiple payment option to the end users By providing fast loading time, high-end performance and ease of use, this app has become a part of user’s life in Kingdom of Bahrain. The e-Traffic Mobile application provides all type of services including informative, interactive, transactional and integrated as end-to-end. Informative and transactional services, allowing the users to view information as well as complete most of the traffic-related tasks in one convenient place.  The design is interactive to provide a user-friendly experience.  E-Traffic is an integrated end-to-end mobile application, with an aim to enhance user convenience, streamline workflows, and provide a cohesive experience. e-Traffic mobile application also utilizes native features of respective mobile devices to enhance user Experience which can significantly shorten the time users take to initiate and perform an action and fundamentally change the way a user interacts with the device and the applications The application aims to serve citizens, residents, and businesses (Commercial Registration) of Kingdom of Bahrain requiring access to traffic-related services.

Award nominees:

  1. Unipal – Unipal application
  2. Bahrain Islamic Bank – BisB application
  3. Mazad B.S.C. – Mazad application
  4. Takaful - Smart Takaful application
  5. Batelco – Batelco application

Winner : Unipal

Project: Unipal application

Description

The way students view, search for, and redeem benefits has changed thanks to the Unipal student app. In Bahrain and the GCC, Unipal is the first platform to fully digitize the student ID, enabling students to demonstrate their student status with the tap of a button from their smartphones. Numerous Unipal features set the bar high for individualized user interfaces. The homepage is completely personalized for each user, The geolocation map includes comprehensive filter options to further customize the experience in addition to showcasing brands close to you. Some of the outstanding features of Unipal is that the reply rate is currently averaged at less than 30 minutes and with around 41,000 users. Push notifications are separated in 2 formats. 1 personalized format where students get to rate experiences that they have personally experienced. Unipal application was created with young people and college students in mind and personalization is the core of Unipal's technology, as one of its most clever features is the ID's real-time verification, which lets the company know whenever it is scanned whether the kid is still enrolled in school or not.

Winner : Bahrain Islamic Bank

Project: BisB application

Description

The Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) mobile application provides a range of convenient and secure features for banking on the go. It offers options for face and fingerprint recognition for easy sign-in, cardless cash withdrawals when your card is misplaced, and a Send or Receive Money service that eliminates the need to add beneficiaries. The app also allows users to manage credit limits, deactivate cards, and restrict card usage in specific countries and currencies. Additionally, it provides tools for budgeting and saving, including the ability to open accounts for receiving monthly contributions. Overall, the BisB mobile application offers a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for various banking needs.

Citizen Awards

Best Digital Initiative

Winner : Salem Mesifer

Project: Infrastructure Maintenance Initiation Using Artificial Intelligence

Description

This AI-driven initiative proactively maintains Bahrain's infrastructure. IoT sensors and cloud servers gather condition/performance data which machine learning analyzes to predict faults and maintenance schedules. Over time, the AI improves its predictions, enabling optimal timing and location of work. This predictive approach aims to reduce costs, improve efficiency and enhance system performance through preventative upkeep. Data communication security is crucial as sensors transmit readings to centralized data lakes for analysis. Overall, the system leverages IoT, machine learning and predictive analytics to maximize infrastructure reliability through data-driven maintenance insights.

Winner : Ibtisam Ali & Zainab Ghulfam

Project: Abshir application

Description

Abshir's digital initiative is revolutionizing roadside assistance through its innovative mobile app that provides an easy and seamless way for drivers to request help with ease ranging from emergency towing to minor fixes. The app focus on the speed of service, convenience, and customer satisfaction It connects users to a reliable network of vetted service providers, offering transparency through real-time tracking of their location and ETA. Cutting-edge technologies optimize operations while data-driven insights enhance the initiative's effectiveness, demonstrated through reduced response times of under 20 minutes contributing to the improvement of safety on Bahrain's roads by providing faster assistance which contributes to reducing traffic hazards and potential accidents. Faster assistance times, job creation, and steady growth in adoption indicate the positive impact of Abshir's user-centric, technology-powered approach to transforming the industry.

Winner : Asya Ali Habib

Project: “Together for a better vision” app, for effective communication between medical staff, patients, and their families.

Description

The “Together for a Better Vision” initiative constitutes an electronic platform for effective communication between medical personnel, patients and their families from the moment the patient enters the hospital until he is licensed. The idea of ​​the initiative revolves around creating an electronic application that will be installed on the mobile phones of various professionals, as well as patients and their families, to enhance communication, clarity and transparency, as well as employing the needs and goals of users from institutions, employers and social services departments. The application contributes to implementing the wise leadership’s directives, vision and policies and meeting the requirements of government work in accordance with the goals and objectives of sustainable development.

Winner : Saleh Kadhem Abdulla

Project: MyBFA / BFA connect

Description

The BFA Connect and MyBFA digital platforms developed for the Bahrain Football Association successfully streamlined its operations through digitizing paper-based processes. BFA Connect simplified game reporting for referees by allowing electronic submission of reports with e-signatures on web and mobile apps integrated with cloud storage, saving significant time over physical forms. MyBFA centralized HR functions through an online system improving productivity. Together these solutions enhanced efficiency, transparency, and collaboration while analytic capabilities provided valuable insights. Measurable outcomes included substantial time savings, reduced errors, improved data access and lower costs, confirming the positive impact of transitioning traditional workflows to user-friendly, technology-driven solutions.