THE INTERNET IN BAHRAIN (1995–2025)

CONNECTING PEOPLE
POWERING PROGRESS

THE WEB AS OF (1995)

FROM A SINGLE CONNECTION IN 1995 TO A FULLY CONNECTED DIGITAL NATION IN 2025, BAHRAIN’S INTERNET JOURNEY IS A STORY OF VISION, INNOVATION, AND INCLUSION.

On 15 November 1995, Bahrain connected to the Internet for the first time and entered a new era of communication, knowledge, and opportunity. Over three decades, that single connection evolved into one of the region’s most advanced digital ecosystems, shaping how people live, learn, work, and innovate across the Kingdom.

THE BEGINNING OF A DIGITAL ERA

A Historic Connection That
Changed Everything

The story begins in 1995, when Bahrain took a decisive step into the digital age by connecting to the Internet for the first time. What started as a technical milestone quickly became a social and economic turning point. Families, students, professionals, and businesses discovered new ways to communicate, learn, and collaborate. Early dial-up connections and modest computer labs set the stage for the knowledge society that Bahrain enjoys today.

BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS OF A DIGITAL NATION

From Policy to Platforms

Recognizing the transformative power of connectivity, the Kingdom established the Supreme Committee for Information and Communication Technology and launched Bahrain’s first eGovernment strategy. These early steps created a clear national vision for digital government and public services. By 2002, Bahrain had introduced its first national telecommunications plan, enacted the telecommunications law, and created the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority. These decisions ensured fair competition, wider access, and a regulatory environment that supported innovation and high quality digital services for everyone.

THE CONNECTIVITY REVOLUTION

Connected Bahrain, Anytime, Anywhere

Over the years, Bahrain has built one of the most advanced telecommunications markets in the region. The Kingdom now enjoys nationwide 5G coverage, along with free Internet access in many public spaces and key destinations. Mobile subscriptions exceed the population and Internet access reaches across the Kingdom. This level of connectivity has reshaped daily life, enabling people to stay in touch, study, run businesses, and access critical services from almost anywhere.

Transformation and Innovation

Technology at the Heart of Progress

Bahrain’s digital journey did not stop at connectivity. Over three decades, the Kingdom has become a regional leader in digital transformation, advancing e-learning, digital health, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. Building on an advanced digital infrastructure, Bahrain is among the first countries to adopt cloud technology in the public sector and turn “cloud first” from a policy into daily practice. Today, the majority of government workloads run in the cloud, supporting efficiency, resilience, and continuous innovation in public services.

Global Recognition

A Digital Leader on the World Stage

Bahrain’s achievements in digital government are recognized internationally. The Kingdom ranks 18th in the 2024 United Nations E Government Survey, reflecting its strong digital services, citizen engagement, and overall progress in eGovernance. Through initiatives such as Global Digital Twinning, Bahrain contributes to shaping international best practices in digital governance and participates actively in global conversations on the future of public service delivery.

Vision, Leadership, and Society

Guided by Vision, Empowering Society

Guided by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain continues to advance through science, technology, and knowledge. The Kingdom is leveraging artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to strengthen digitalization in every aspect of life.

Today, the Ministerial Committee for Information Technology and Communication (MICT) drives Bahrain’s digital future, shaping a national roadmap that unites technology, policy, and innovation across all sectors. This integrated approach ensures that digital progress supports economic growth, social development, and national resilience.

Bahrain Internet Society – 30 Years of Connection

Bahrain Internet Society, Internet for Everyone

Just three years after the Internet was launched in Bahrain, a group of passionate pioneers founded the Bahrain Internet Society (BIS). From the beginning, BIS focused on digital literacy, innovation, and inclusion.

For nearly three decades, BIS has organized workshops, conferences, youth programs, and community initiatives that empower students, entrepreneurs, professionals, and innovators. The Society’s vision is clear and powerful: the Internet is for everyone, everything, and everywhere.

Celebrating 30 Years

Honouring the Journey,
Inspiring the Future

As Bahrain celebrates 30 years of the Internet, the new commemorative film “30 Years of the Internet in Bahrain (1995–2025)” captures the Kingdom’s journey from the first dial up connection to a fully connected digital society.

The film highlights key milestones in infrastructure, policy, innovation, and global recognition, while showcasing the people and communities who brought this transformation to life. It is a tribute to collaboration, creativity, and national vision, and an invitation to imagine the next 30 years of Bahrain’s digital future.

BIS

Activating the leading role of the Bahrain Internet Society. Since its inception in 2002 Bahrain Internet Society (BIS) strived to serve the community of Bahrain by spreading awareness on the benefits of the Internet and working towards an efficient national digital transformation.

CONNECTING PEOPLE POWERING PROGRESS

A Historic Connection That Changed Everything