TLDR: Bahrain has officially unveiled its National Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence, a strategic framework designed to ensure the ethical, secure, and responsible integration of AI technologies across government and society. This initiative aims to drive digital transformation, enhance public services, and foster economic growth while adhering to national laws and regional ethical guidelines.
The Kingdom of Bahrain has taken a significant step towards a digitally advanced future with the official launch of its National Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence. Announced by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) under the directives of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information Technology and Communication (MCICT), this comprehensive policy establishes a robust framework for the ethical and secure deployment of AI technologies across the nation.
The policy’s primary objective is to promote the responsible and secure use of AI to accelerate digital transformation, drive economic and social growth, and enhance government efficiency across key sectors such as health, education, and public services. It emphasizes strict compliance with existing national regulations, including the Personal Data Protection Law, the Protection of Information and State Documents Law, and the Open Data Policy.
In a move to align with regional standards, Bahrain has also adopted the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) Guiding Manual on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Use. This manual reinforces shared Gulf values and ethical principles, such as fairness, privacy, human dignity, and sustainability, ensuring that AI development and application in Bahrain are consistent with broader regional guidelines.
iGA Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed highlighted the policy’s importance, stating, “This initiative ensures the responsible use of AI in critical sectors like health, education, and public services. It strengthens Bahrain’s competitiveness and positions us as a regional leader in responsible AI deployment.” He further noted that government entities in Bahrain are committed to integrating AI into public services in a practical, systematic way to unify and regulate related initiatives and investments, aiming to boost performance, streamline procedures, and add value for citizens and residents.
The National AI Policy is structured around four core pillars:
1. Legal Compliance: Ensuring all AI use adheres to existing national laws and regulations.
2. AI Use and Adoption: Promoting the practical and systematic integration of AI technologies.
3. Public Education and Awareness: Raising awareness and developing national expertise through targeted training programs for officials, employees, academics, researchers, and citizens.
4. Enhancing Local and International Cooperation: Fostering partnerships and knowledge exchange to support AI development.
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This strategic framework is designed for a wide range of stakeholders, including officials and employees involved in developing and implementing digital services, decision-makers, legislators, academics, researchers, and citizens who utilize smart government services. By strengthening public trust in modern technologies and building an innovative, sustainable, digitally-driven society, Bahrain aims to reinforce its regional leadership in artificial intelligence and align with its Economic Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
