COUNTRY FOCUS : BAHRAIN
Funding for start-ups is available from a range of sources , including the Bahrain EDB , which launched the $ 100m venture capital fund Al Waha . Other accelerators include Level Z , Flat6Labs , Brinc and Brilliant Lab . Batelco , Microsoft and Zain Bahrain are key supporting companies .
In November 2022 Zain Bahrain signed a strategic partnership with Tamkeen to train Bahrainis in the CODE2030 employment programme , with courses in data analytics , robotic process automation , fintech , cybersecurity , user interface design , user experience design , AI and machine learning .
Bahrain ’ s start-up ecosystem has made progress in terms of gender inclusivity in the region and globally , with the highest share of female founders in the world . Some 18 % of homegrown start-ups were founded by women , compared to 15 % in London and 16 % in Silicon Valley , according to a 2022 report by the Bahrain EDB and regional business intelligence firm MEED .
Modernisation of networks
The telecom market is dominated by Bahrain Telecommunications Company , Batelco ; Zain Bahrain , local subsidiary of Kuwaiti firm Zain ; and stc Bahrain , local subsidiary of stc Group .
BNET , the national provider of fibre optic infrastructure in Bahrain , announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Huawei
Bahrain . This strategic partnership signifies a mutual commitment to enhancing broadband experiences for users in Bahrain .
The MoU establishes a collaborative framework aligned with BNET ' s strategic goals of elevating the national fibre broadband experience . By leveraging Huawei ' s cutting-edge solutions and technological advancements , BNET aims to deliver unparalleled fibre broadband services to all users across Bahrain .
This partnership will significantly enhance coverage for both residences and businesses , positioning Bahrain as a provider in global fibre broadband provision and setting new benchmarks with BNET ' s robust infrastructure .
BNET plans to connect all Bahrain ’ s businesses , including public radio-communication stations , submarine cable landing stations , data centres and other network nodes – as well as 95 % of household . About 83 % of households were connected to fibreoptic broadband as of April 2023 , amid an effort to lay 6,000km of fibre-optic cable nationwide .
Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs has selected Thales for the maintenance of TopSky Aeronautical Messaging Handling System , AMHS . This solution was initially supplied and recently upgraded by Thales to support the country ’ s aviation growth . Thales will provide extensive support throughout the lifespan of the messaging service system ; while ensuring it remains compliant with the latest regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation , ICAO .
By driving a significant improvement in communication , safety and efficiency , TopSky has proven to be an important asset for Bahrain ’ s civil aviation operations . Serving as a link between air traffic services , airlines , and other aviation stakeholders , the solution ensures seamless and reliable transmission of vital information .
By streamlining message handling , TopSky AMHS reduces the risk of errors and misunderstandings , thus enhancing flight safety . Moreover , the automation and simplification of various processes significantly improve BCAA ’ s response times and resource management , essential for maintaining smooth operations in the bustling airspace .
In summary , the national efforts of Bahrain are focussed towards becoming the eGovernment leader committed to providing government services that are integrated , best-in-class and available to all through channels of choice . This will help Bahrain to transform into the finest country in GCC to visit , live , work and conduct business . p
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