Bahrain Introduces National AI Strategy for Ethical and Secure Digital Evolution
Bahrain Announces Comprehensive National Policy for AI Ethics and Safety
In a significant step towards a digitally-driven future, the Bahraini government has launched the National Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in July 2025. This policy is designed to ensure the ethical, secure, and responsible use of AI technologies, aligning with Bahrain’s national priorities, including its Economic Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals [1][2][3][4][5].
The policy is built on four main pillars:
- Legal and Policy Compliance: The policy aims to ensure compliance with key national regulations, including the Personal Data Protection Law, the Protection of Information and State Documents Law, the Open Data Policy, and the GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethics of AI Use, which was adopted through GCC collaboration [1][2][4].
- AI Adoption and Responsible Use: The policy encourages the integration of AI technologies into public services and sectors to enhance efficiency and service delivery, while upholding human dignity, Islamic principles, and GCC national identity. It emphasizes the importance of preserving human autonomy, ensuring system safety and reliability, promoting justice and non-discrimination, and protecting privacy and data security [2][4].
- Public Education and Workforce Empowerment: To develop national expertise, the policy provides targeted training, workshops, and awareness programs to government employees. This empowerment aims to enable them to use AI responsibly and effectively [1][2][3][4].
- Enhancing Local and International Cooperation: The policy fosters partnerships, innovation, and knowledge exchange regionally and internationally to support sustainable digital transformation and innovation ecosystems [1][2][4].
The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) is delivering workshops to educate ministry and government employees on AI applications, particularly in healthcare, education, and public services [6].
The Guiding Manual on the Ethics of AI Use, complementing the national policy, reinforces Bahrain's regional artificial intelligence leadership and emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation in fostering partnerships and knowledge exchange [7].
By aligning the policy with the Guiding Manual, Bahrain's AI governance framework is strengthened, promoting responsible, effective AI use, supporting digital transformation, building public trust, and advancing the Kingdom's goal of becoming an innovative, sustainable digital nation [8].
The iGA seeks to strengthen public trust in modern technologies through this national framework [9]. The National Policy for the Use of AI extends support to officials, employees, decision-makers, legislators, academics, researchers, citizens, residents, organizations involved in awareness and training, and those who utilize smart government services [10].
The policy establishes a comprehensive framework for the ethical and safe use of AI technologies, positioning Bahrain as a regional leader in AI governance and innovation [1][2][4].
- To support the ethical and secure use of AI technologies, the iGA is conducting workshops for ministry and government employees, focusing on applications in healthcare, education, and public services.
- The National Policy for the Use of AI emphasizes the importance of integrating AI technologies into healthcare, education, and other public services, while upholding human dignity and promoting justice and non-discrimination.
- The Guiding Manual on the Ethics of AI Use complements the national policy, reinforcing Bahrain's regional artificial intelligence leadership and encouraging regional cooperation in fostering partnerships and knowledge exchange in sectors like technology, education, and healthcare.
