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iGA Participates in Arab International Cybersecurity (AICS) Conference & Exhibition

  • article
06 Dec 2023

The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) took part in Arab International Cybersecurity Conference & Exhibition (AICS). The event, now in its 2nd edition, is being held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and was opened by HE General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information & Communication Technology (MCICT). AICS is organized by the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) on 5th and 6th December 2023 at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir.

The iGA pavilion showcased digital initiatives that were launched as per the directives of HE the Minister of Interior to support the Kingdom’s digital transformation and develop high-quality eServices for the public and private sectors. Incorporating the iGA’s advanced digital infrastructure and systems, the initiatives enhance the protection of government networks against digital attacks and cyber threats. These include developing and upgrading the Government Data Network (GDN), which links over 45 government entities. GDN plays a crucial role in improving data exchange, offering higher quality, speed, and cost-effectiveness, and ensuring a higher level of security.
The iGA also showcased the National Appointment System (Mawa’eed), which was recently launched in a beta version. It serves as a unified and centralized platform for users to schedule appointments for government services requiring in-person attendance at service centers. Visitors learned about how the system helped reduce waiting times and make service center visits more convenient. The application provides features such as appointment rescheduling, notifications for confirmed bookings, and the ability to add frequently used services or entities to a favorites list, and view documents and service requirements. The app is available for download via the eGovernment Apps Store, bahrain.bh/apps. 
In addition, the iGA highlighted new features available to the public on the National Portal, bahrain.bh. These include personalization features, which allow users to view and update profile data, create a list of favorite eServices, receive notifications from various government entities through the Government Notification System, make online payments, and view a directory of eServices, among other features designed to enhance user experience. 
The iGA had a section within its pavilion dedicated to introducing the audience to the Technical Development Program, as well as raising awareness and encouraging unemployed Bahraini youth with technical backgrounds to register for the program’s second batch before 15th January 2024. The program aims to provide participants with practical and academic training opportunities, and refine their skills to meet public and private sector requirements. Visitors learned about the program’s registration conditions and perks such as the provision of a monthly stipend and professional courses to streamline their employment in government or private organizations. 
Held annually, the Arab International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition (AICS) highlights the importance of cybersecurity in the region. It attracts a large audience of international speakers, business leaders, and academics to explore the perspectives of specialists, exchange experiences, and discuss cyber security best practices and innovations. The conference provides a space for learning about cybersecurity through panel discussions, workshops, and associated events. Visitors are invited to visit the iGA’s stand at Halls 9 and 10 at Exhibition World Bahrain from 9am to 5pm. 
#cyber security #digital transformation #IT #egov #team bahrain #bahrain