Bahrain Launches National Policy for Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence
On July 26, the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) of Bahrain announced the launch of the National Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on its official website. Alongside this, Bahrain adopted the GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethical Use of AI, marking a significant step toward responsible AI governance in the Kingdom.
This initiative follows directives from General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology. It aims to provide a clear framework for the ethical and secure deployment of AI technologies across government sectors.
Objectives of the National AI Policy
The policy focuses on supporting economic and social development while enhancing government efficiency. It aligns with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. A key priority is ensuring AI applications comply with national and international laws, including the Personal Data Protection Law and the Open Data Policy.
Government entities are encouraged to educate and empower employees, especially in critical sectors such as health, education, and public services. To this end, the iGA is rolling out training programs and workshops aimed at building AI proficiency and ethical awareness among public sector staff.
Four Pillars of the National Policy
- Legal and Policy Compliance: Adhering to existing laws and frameworks governing data protection and information security.
- AI Adoption in Government: Promoting the use of AI to improve public service delivery and government performance.
- Employee Empowerment: Equipping government employees with skills and knowledge to use AI responsibly.
- Partnerships and Innovation: Strengthening collaborations to foster innovation and sustainable digital transformation.
GCC Ethical Manual: Regional Values and Principles
The GCC Guiding Manual complements Bahrain’s national policy by emphasizing shared regional values. It respects human dignity, Islamic principles, and national identity while promoting sustainability and cooperation.
The manual is built on four core ethical principles:
- Human Autonomy: Ensuring AI supports human decision-making without undermining it.
- Safety and Harm Prevention: Protecting users from risks associated with AI technologies.
- Fairness and Equality: Avoiding bias and ensuring equal treatment for all individuals.
- Privacy and Data Integrity: Safeguarding personal information and maintaining data security.
Building Public Trust and a Sustainable Digital Society
Through this comprehensive framework, Bahrain aims to build public confidence in AI technologies while encouraging innovation. The policy targets government officials, developers, decision-makers, academics, researchers, and users of smart government services.
By integrating ethical considerations and clear guidelines, Bahrain is positioning itself to manage AI responsibly, improve public sector performance, and deliver tangible benefits to citizens and residents.
Government employees interested in expanding their AI knowledge can explore relevant training and certification programs to stay updated on best practices. Resources such as Complete AI Training offer practical courses designed for professionals working with AI technologies.
