4 days ago
Bahrain launches National Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence, adopts GCC ethical manual
The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) has launched the National Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on its official website and announced the adoption of the GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethical Use of AI. This initiative, implemented in line with the directives of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology, reflects the Kingdom's commitment to establishing a comprehensive framework for the responsible and ethical use of AI.
Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of the iGA, said that the policy aims to harness AI to support economic and social growth, enhance government efficiency, and ensure the secure and ethical application of AI in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasised that the policy adheres to national and international ethical and legal standards.
He noted that the policy underscores compliance with key national laws and frameworks, including the Personal Data Protection Law, the Law on the Protection of State Documents and Information, the Open Data Policy, and the GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethical Use of AI. He also highlighted the importance of government entities in educating and enabling national talent to use AI technologies professionally and ethically.
Al Qaed outlined the iGA's efforts to deliver training programmes and workshops to build awareness among public sector employees, particularly in critical sectors such as health, education, and public services, contributing to Bahrain's competitiveness at the regional and global levels.
He emphasised the government's commitment to integrating AI into public services in a systematic and unified manner, ensuring the alignment of related initiatives and investments to maximise performance, streamline services, and deliver tangible benefits to citizens and residents. The national framework also seeks to enhance public trust in advanced technologies and foster a sustainable, innovation driven digital society.
The National Policy targets government officials, developers of digital services, decision makers, academics, researchers, and beneficiaries of smart government services. It focuses on four key pillars: commitment to relevant laws and policies, encouraging AI adoption in government, empowering employees with AI knowledge and skills, and reinforcing partnerships to support innovation.
The GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethical Use of AI serves as a complementary framework to the national policy, reflecting shared regional values that emphasise respect for human dignity, alignment with Islamic principles and national identity, and a commitment to sustainability, cooperation, and human wellbeing. It is founded on four core ethical principles: safeguarding human autonomy in decision making, ensuring safety and the prevention of harm, promoting fairness and equality, and protecting privacy and data integrity.
The iGA concluded that the integration of the policy and ethical charter provides a strong foundation for responsible AI governance, supporting institutional digital transformation, public confidence, and the development of a sustainable and innovative society.
BNA(R)
