Under the leadership of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information Technology and Communication (MCICT), Bahrain’s Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has unveiled the National Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This policy, available at www.iga.gov.bh, establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern AI use across the kingdom, ensuring compliance with national laws such as the Personal Data Protection Law, Protection of Information and State Documents Law, and Open Data Policy.
The policy also adopts the GCC’s Guiding Manual on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Use, promoting AI aligned with regional values including respect for human dignity, Islamic principles, and GCC identity. Key principles include human autonomy, system safety, justice, privacy, and sustainability.
iGA Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed emphasized the policy’s role in fostering responsible and secure AI deployment to boost economic and social growth, enhance government efficiency, and support Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 alongside UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The framework targets government officials, legislators, academics, researchers, and citizens, promoting AI education, awareness, and local and international cooperation. Bahrain is actively integrating AI into public services to streamline processes, add citizen value, and build a digitally-driven, sustainable society while reinforcing its leadership in regional AI governance.
The integrated national approach strengthens public trust and supports Bahrain’s vision of becoming an innovative and ethical digital nation.
