Latest news with #iGA
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
World's best airport 2025 named with new ‘triple runway' and it has cheap UK flights
THE world's best airport has been named and it is good news for Brits as it has cheap UK flights. According to Travel + Leisure, iGA Istanbul Airport in Turkey is the best international airport in the World Best Awards ranking. 6 6 The airport scored a staggering 98.57 out of 100 overall, from readers sharing the airports that they remember the most. Istanbul Airport originally opened in 2018 and inside boasts a wealth of amazing - and some bizarre - things to do, as well as a 'triple runway'. The airport is the first in Europe to have a triple runway operation system. It essentially means the airport can have three flights take off or land at the same time and as a result, increases the airport's hourly traffic capacity from 120 to 148 aircraft movements. Inside the airport, there seems to be endless things to do, but if you want some rest before your flight you could cosy up in a sleep pod. In total there are 44 sleeping cabins, with pillows and blankets also available for purchase. But they don't come cheap, costing between €7 (£6.06) and €17 (£14.72) per hour. And there are other pods too, like business pods if you need to catch up on some work calls. For passengers aged between 15 and 30 years old, there is a Youth Lounge Area with games including a PlayStation, music, snacks and four hours of free Wi-Fi. Or for adults wanting a little vacation R&R, there is a spa offering wellness treatments and massages. I visited the pretty city that straddles both Asia and Europe For those who prefer to explore history there is also an airport museum with 316 works. Alternatively, you can head to one of the airport's TV-watching areas to watch a show or movie or grab a book at the Airport Library - home to around 2,000 books. Amongst other facilities at the airport are showers and playgrounds for kids with slides and swings. And there is even a therapy dog called Kuki, who travellers can play with. After exploring all the airport has to offer, if you want some fresh air there are also two fresh air terraces that are non-smoking areas outside. 6 6 Then there are the usual things you find at airports too, such as shops and restaurants. Corporate communications director for the airport, Gökhan Şengül said: "It is especially meaningful for us that Turkish culture known for its hospitality, refinement, and service that exceeds global standards stands out through our airport. "In doing so, we take great pride in representing not only iGA, but also Istanbul and our country's rich cultural heritage on the international stage, while contributing to its brand value." The airport was also named the best in the world in the 2024 table. Many airlines fly to the airport including Wizz Air - which offers return flights to Istanbul for as little as £50. What it's like to travel through Istanbul Airport THE Sun's Assitant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski visited the airport last year. If there's one airport I wouldn't mind being seriously delayed in, it's Istanbul in Turkiye. The place is vast and shiny with enough food (for any budget), shopping (think chic clothes and hand-painted kitchenware), and entertainment (there's even a library home to 2,000 books) to keep you occupied for hours on end. Better still, if your flight gets cancelled you won't even need to endure the faff of security again as the large Yotel sits airside. I visited last year and couldn't have been more grateful for the size of the place, meaning I could whizz straight past the screaming kids in the massive Lego store and head straight to the food courts where I had no problem finding a quiet seat for a drink – Çay Saati has traditional Turkish tea. In fact many stores in the airport blend Turkish traditions with the modern world and you could certainly get a flavour of Turkiye without ever leaving the terminal. The size of the place comes with a downside, though. Make sure you keep an eye out for your gate as it will take you a while to walk there – and try not to get lost on the way. A summer holiday warning has been issued over airport drop-off fees which are to surge by 33 per cent – here's how to avoid them and pay nothing. Plus, another European country will allow Brits to use much faster airport e-gates. 6
Bahrain This Week
15-07-2025
- Business
- Bahrain This Week
Enhanced interface redesign, AI-powered search, and statistical calendar launched
The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) announced the launch of new features on the Bahrain Open Data Portal ( The new features come in line with the directives of His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information Technology and Communication (MCICT), to streamline access to reliable data and enriching the user journey. iGA Deputy Chief Executive of Operations & Governance Dr. Khalid Ahmed Al-Mutawa stated that these enhancements support the national efforts to boost government performance and align with the Government Plan's goals, particularly in improving data systems and accessibility. The enhancements empower decision-makers in facilitating policy and strategy development while enabling researchers, academics, entrepreneurs, and institutions to access accurate and trusted data efficiently. Key enhancements include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve data search functionality through AI-driven search, enabling users to find relevant data faster and with greater accuracy. The portal's interface has been redesigned to improve navigation and user experience. Moreover, the new 'Statistical Reports' page allows users to view and download previous statistics in their original formats (PDF, Excel), providing more accessibility for research and analysis while supporting transparency. iGA highlighted the new 'Statistical Calendar,' which provides a schedule of upcoming data releases to help users plan their research and analysis. A 'Keyboard Navigation' feature has also been introduced, allowing users, including those with special needs, to access all portal functions using keyboard controls. The homepage now includes a responsive top banner compatible with all smart devices, displaying dynamic data visuals and links to detailed content in both languages (Arabic and English). Reflecting the iGA's commitment to public engagement, a 'User Ratings and Feedback' feature allows users to rate datasets by usefulness, accuracy, and relevance, and submit general feedback to help continuously improve data quality. The Bahrain Open Data Portal, launched by the iGA, provides unrestricted, free access to a wide range of datasets, covering topics like population, consumer prices, and more, without the need for registration. According to the latest statistics, the open data portal hosts approximately 454 datasets. Among the most accessed are population data with over 36,000 downloads, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock data with more than 9,000, Consumer Price Index (CPI) data with over 9,000, and both the quarterly Business Confidence Index and import data with over 8,000 downloads each.
Daily Tribune
04-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Tech Awards Close Soon
TDT| Manama With just over a week left to go, Bahrain's Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has reminded innovators, government entities, private firms, and individuals to submit their entries for the 2025 edition of the eGovernment Excellence Award before the deadline on Sunday, July 13th. The award recognises outstanding digital initiatives across the Kingdom and has become a leading national platform to highlight innovation, digital transformation, and public service enhancement. Categories across sectors This year's award categories reflect Bahrain's evolving digital priorities. Public and private entities can compete in categories including Best Website, Best Practice in eParticipation, Best Integrated eServices, Best Work Environment for Digital Innovation, Best Utilization of Artificial Intelligence, and Best Project for Digital Transformation. In addition, the private sector has a dedicated category for Best Applications for Smart Devices, while individuals can compete for the Best Digital Initiative Award. The iGA noted that the deadline extension was granted in response to participant requests, allowing extra time for applicants to meet submission requirements. Entries must be submitted through the official portal at Showcasing innovation By spotlighting digital projects that improve the quality and accessibility of public services, the award serves as a reflection of Bahrain's long-term digital vision. It not only recognises high-impact technologies but also positions the Kingdom's achievements on regional and global stages.
Biz Bahrain
04-07-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
The opportunity to participate in the eGovernment Excellence Award 2025 is still open until 13th July
As part of its commitment to providing broader opportunities for government entities, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and individuals with digital initiatives, the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has announced that the opportunity to participate in the eGovernment Excellence Award 2025 is open until 13th July via In response to the participants' requests, the deadline aims to provide them with sufficient time to complete submission requirements. A leading national platform fostering innovation, the award drives digital transformation by highlighting projects that elevate the quality of government services in alignment with the expectations of citizens and residents. Public and private sector award categories include Best Website, Best Practice in eParticipation, Best Integrated eServices, Best Work Environment for Digital Innovation, Best Utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Best Project for Digital Transformation and Best Applications for Smart Devices (for private sector participation only). And for individuals award categories include Best Digital Initiative Award. The award recognizes leading ICT initiatives, while highlighting digital innovations and showcasing projects on the local and global stages. The iGA urges interested organizations and individuals to participate with their digital initiatives, which can be submitted via by Sunday, 13 July 2025 and to follow @iGABahrain for updates.
Biz Bahrain
24-06-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
iGA Extends 2025 eGovernment Excellence Award's Submission Deadline to Thursday, July 3rd
The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has extended the submission deadline for the 13th eGovernment Excellence Award till Thursday, 3 July 2025, in response to the requests from the interested participants. The deadline extension aims to grant more time for the entities and individuals to submit their digital initiatives via The extension provides an opportunity for public and private sector institutions, civil society organizations, and individuals to join Bahrain's digital excellence journey. The iGA highlighted that the Awards' individuals' category encourages young national talents to submit innovative digital ideas that address, and tackle community needs and elevate government services. The iGA revealed that Individual category affirms its commitment to attract creative and innovative talents, and provide a platform for a pool of innovative digital ideas, while enabling public and private entities to review and potentially adopt these proposals as tangible projects. The iGA specifically encouraged young people to unleash their creativity and contribute to overall Bahrain's digital sector. The award's public and private sectors category includes Best Website, Best Practice in eParticipation, Best Integrated eServices, Best Work Environment for Digital Innovation, Best Utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Best Project for Digital Transformation. The iGA emphasized the award as a key national platform for recognizing leading technological initiatives, highlighting entities' digital efforts, and showcasing these projects locally and globally. The iGA urged interested institutions and individuals take advantage of the extended deadline to submit entries via and follow iGA's social media accounts @iGABahrain for upcoming updates. Registration closes on Thursday, 3 July 2025, after which judges will select innovative projects that advance digital excellence and high-quality service delivery for citizens and residents.
