Bahrain's Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has signed an agreement with Thales, a global technology leader, to comprehensively revamp Bahrain’s ID card system. 

 

This comes following the directives of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology (MCICT).

 

The agreement was signed by iGA Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Ali Al Qaed and Thales Vice President and Head of Identity & Biometric Solutions Domain (Middle East and Saudi Arabia) Yousaf Ghous in the presence of iGA directors and senior officials.

 

Al Qaed said this agreement highlights iGA's dedication to the government’s vision to develop Bahrain’s digital infrastructure, and the authority’s keenness to partner with international tech leaders in support of the kingdom’s development. 

 

The agreement, he stated, comes following an extensive study by the Authority on ID card system renewal procedures, which are aimed at providing more efficient services. 

 

The study emphasized the necessity of adopting modern and sustainable technology which will offer cost-reduction benefits, including to printing system support and maintenance expenses. These benefits will help secure medium and long-term savings, he added. 

 

According to him, the agreement will see comprehensive changes to ID card printing systems. 

 

"In addition to improving the design and quality of ID cards, premium features such as biometric and security features will be enhanced," explained Al Qaed.

 

The upgraded ID card system will align with the latest technologies and meet global standards for digital transformation, he added.

 

On the deal, Ghous said the iGA partnership aligns with our mission to develop advanced solutions and products for public and private entities, enhancing their service quality. 

 

"The ID card system revamp is one of many digital initiatives the iGA anticipates this year to improve customer satisfaction among citizens, residents, business owners, and organizations," he noted. 

 

"This project reflects Thales’s unwavering commitment to a safer and more sustainable world with secure identities for all. We proudly support Bahrain's 2030 Economic Vision to transition towards a more digitally driven, knowledge-based economy," he added.-TradeArabia News Service