In line with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s presidency of the 46th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Kingdom will host the 7th GCC Digital Government Award 2026, one of the GCC’s leading initiatives aimed at recognising outstanding digital government projects and initiatives, showcasing successful government experiences and best practices, and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in digital government across GCC member states.

The awards will be offered in nine specialised categories covering various areas of digital government: Best Digital Government Service, Best Use of Artificial Intelligence, Best Open Data Initiative, Best Digital Inclusion Initiative, Best Digital Initiatives for Community Participation, Digitally Distinguished Government Entity, Best Purpose-Driven Digital Game, Best Government Initiative for Digital Capacity-Building, and Best Integrated Government Application. 

The nomination opens tomorrow (July 19) and will run until September 3 for government entities across GCC member states, in co-ordination with the digital government authorities in each member state.

Announcing this, the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed said the award serves as a regional platform for highlighting distinguished digital initiatives and projects across member states, recognising government achievements, and promoting innovation through the adoption of advanced technologies. 

The Award is one of the GCC initiatives endorsed by the Gulf Ministerial Committee for Digital Government in 2009. 

The award contributes to enhancing government performance, improving the quality of services delivered to beneficiaries, and facilitating the exchange of best practices in the field of digital government.

“Bahrain’s hosting of the 7th GCC Digital Government Award, alongside its chairmanship of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Digital Government, reflects the kingdom’s advanced position in digital government and highlights its commitment to supporting GCC cooperation by strengthening the exchange of expertise and best practices,” noted Al Qaed. 

These efforts contribute to advancing digital transformation and enhancing government services across GCC member states, he added.-TradeArabia News Service