Ethical AI Gets Bahrain Boost
Bahrain has formally launched a national artificial intelligence (AI) policy and an ethics charter rooted in shared Gulf values, becoming the first country in the region to define AI governance through a blend of local legislation and cultural identity.
Announced by the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) through its official website, the policy was launched in line with directives from His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology.
The policy aims to ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly, ethically, and in line with the country's long-term development goals, including Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Governance and Growth
Mr. Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of iGA, stated that the new framework seeks to promote economic and social development, enhance government efficiency, and raise Bahrain's competitiveness by unifying AI-related initiatives and embedding ethical safeguards into all implementations.
The policy outlines clear compliance with national laws such as the Personal Data Protection Law, State Documents and Information Protection Law, and Open Data Policy. It also places strong emphasis on educating national cadres and raising awareness about AI's role in sectors like health, education, and public services.
'Through this initiative, we aim to build community trust in modern technologies while advancing digital transformation,' Al Qaed said.
Ethical Foundations
Complementing the policy, the newly adopted 'Guiding Charter for Artificial Intelligence Ethics' sets out core principles aligned with Islamic law and national identity. Approved by the GCC Ministerial Committee for eGovernment, the charter reinforces values such as human dignity, sustainability, privacy, fairness, and justice.
The ethics charter rests on four pillars: supporting human autonomy, ensuring system integrity, preventing harm, and promoting non-discrimination. It also seeks to strengthen Gulf cooperation through knowledge exchange and shared digital standards.
Stakeholder Engagement
The policy is directed not only at government agencies and digital service providers but also at legislators, academics, and the broader public. It encourages AI literacy, training programs, and local-international partnerships to build a more informed and innovative society.
By aligning AI development with local legislation and Gulf identity, Bahrain positions itself as a regional leader in ethical and strategic AI governance.
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