Nairobi:The National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI) was awarded the GCC Digital Government Award 2026 in its seventh edition for its Data Portal project. The recognition was in the Best Open Data Initiative category among GCC states.
According to Oman News Agency, the award ceremony took place under the auspices of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology. The event saw participation from representatives of government entities across the GCC member states.
Dr. Khalifa Abdullah bin Hamad Al Barwani, Chief Executive Officer of NCSI, highlighted that this award marks a national achievement, reflecting Oman's progress in digital transformation and the development of its government data ecosystem. He acknowledged the significant role played by Omani institutions in spearheading GCC initiatives.
The award, Dr. Al Barwani noted, was the result of concerted institutional efforts and the contributions of national talent toward the development of the Data Portal project. It enables the utilization of official statistics for societal and economic benefits and underscores the importance of integration and the exchange of expertise among GCC member states.
Al Barwani further emphasized that the portal is a testament to NCSI's dedication to fostering a more open and efficient data environment. It provides tools for users to access and utilize statistical data with ease and flexibility. The award also serves as motivation to continue enhancing data quality, expanding data availability, and adopting modern technological solutions.
The Best Open Data Initiative category aims to facilitate access to government data for public and private sector institutions via a national portal, promoting transparency, improving government performance, and supporting scientific research and innovation. Evaluation criteria include beneficiaries of open data, services and products developed using such data, as well as the availability, accessibility, timeliness, and quality of data.
The GCC Digital Government Award is a prestigious initiative where government entities from GCC member states participate by showcasing best practices in providing information and conducting transactions electronically. The award is based on predetermined criteria aimed at bolstering the digital economy and supporting digital transformation across the GCC region.
