This new program extends the country’s original electronic ID system, which saw Gemalto documents distributed since September 2007. Gemalto will also provide consultancy on smart card related solutions, including Public Key Infrastructure and smart card applications and training. This new high-end identity card combines built-in biometrics (with in particular match-on-card fingerprint authentication), contact and contactless technologies, and serves as official ID and travel document. Prepared for the future, the card can store medical information of the cardholder (including URL’s pointing to the cardholder electronic medical files, to facilitate medical information and document sharing under the cardholder’s authority) and allows possibility for e-driving license. It also includes provision for a payment application, plus access to e-gates (at airports and in civil service locations) and capability to securely access e-government services over the Internet.

This electronic identity card, the size of a credit card, is now the official ID for Bahrain citizens, as well as foreign residents. Thanks to the software and security features embedded in the Gemalto Java™ microprocessor, the cardholder will have the opportunity in the future to access to the kingdom’s e-government services. The contactless technology combined with the match-on card biometric capability allows this ID card to be also used as a travel document, increasing speed, convenience and security of identity verification at border crossing.

Dr Mohamed Ahmed Al-Amer, President of the Central Informatics Organization (CIO) comments: "The Kingdom of Bahrain is strongly committed to leverage on the technology to improve its citizens’ life while contributing to the modernization of its administration. The digital security technology provided by Gemalto strikes us as the appropriate platform for a global approach towards citizens, featuring convenience, security and privacy".

"Gemalto is proud to contribute to the Kingdom of Bahrain nation-wide ID program. It is one of these ambitious multi-application programs that covers a large span of interests and needs for both governments and citizens, perfectly fitting the scope of possibilities that Gemalto digital security expertise endeavors for public sector," added Jacques Seneca, executive vice president Security Business Unit for Gemalto.

About CIO

Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) plays a leading role in enhancing the quality of life for citizens of the kingdom of Bahrain through comprehensive, secure, accurate and timely information and services.

CIO has chartered mandate to ensure efficient and effective public sector information technology, provide effective governmental bureau services, provide a secure and reliable network service for the Bahrain government, set relevant government information technology policies, provide quality customer service, manage and control the Bahrain national data service, and maintain national geospatial and national addressing database. 

The Kingdom of Bahrain ID Card (Smart Card) Project is one of a series of flagship projects known collectively as E-Government programme initiated in 2004. The card was developed as a multi-purpose card replacing the old paper-based Central Population Register (CPR) card which was initiated by CIO back in 1984 and has now evolved to become the core national data set.