TLDR: The Kingdom of Bahrain has solidified its commitment to responsible artificial intelligence development and deployment by launching a comprehensive National AI Policy and adopting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Artificial Intelligence Ethics Guideline. This strategic move, aligning with Bahrain Vision 2030, emphasizes ethical AI governance, human dignity, Islamic Sharia principles, environmental protection, and human well-being across all government sectors.
The Kingdom of Bahrain has taken a significant leap forward in the realm of artificial intelligence governance with the official launch of its National AI Policy and the adoption of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Artificial Intelligence Ethics Guideline. This comprehensive framework underscores Bahrain’s dedication to fostering a safe and ethical environment for AI technologies, ensuring their responsible development and deployment across various government sectors.
This initiative is a cornerstone of Bahrain Vision 2030, aiming to integrate advanced technologies while upholding core societal values. The adopted GCC AI Ethics Guideline, spearheaded by Bahrain’s Public Prosecution, outlines crucial principles such as justice and fairness in AI deployment, human oversight of AI-generated decisions, transparency in decision-making processes, and clear communication regarding AI’s impact. It also emphasizes the preservation of human dignity, adherence to Islamic Sharia, environmental protection, and the promotion of human well-being.
Bahrain has been a proactive leader in AI regulation within the Middle East. In April 2024, the Shura Council unanimously approved a standalone AI Regulation Law, a pioneering 38-article legislation that includes penalties of up to three years in jail or fines of up to BD2,000 for violations, demonstrating a strong commitment to responsible AI use. This law addresses critical aspects of AI governance, including the regulation of AI technologies, protection of privacy, and safeguarding against potential risks.
Furthermore, Bahrain has launched several national AI initiatives to support its regulatory vision. These include a national program to train 50,000 Bahrainis in Artificial Intelligence by 2030, with specialized tracks for leaders, general users, and AI specialists. An AI Academy has been established at Bahrain Polytechnic in cooperation with Microsoft Corporation, providing a platform for youth to enhance their innovation capabilities within the regulatory framework. Bahrain was also among the first countries globally to pilot the World Economic Forum’s new AI Procurement Rules for the public sector in 2019, designed to assist governments in adopting AI technologies responsibly and sustainably.
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During the Global AI Summit 2024 in Riyadh, the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed highlighted Bahrain’s efforts in utilizing AI technologies, emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to aligning with global privacy, security, and ethical standards. He noted that AI is being applied in key sectors such as education, health, transportation, and security, while advancing scientific research and digital infrastructure. The overarching goal is to build a robust economy, streamline processes, attract investments, and improve the quality of life in the Kingdom through AI.
