MANAMA — Bahrain’s Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has graduated the first cohort of its AI Talent Programme, marking a milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to strengthen digital innovation and develop national capabilities in artificial intelligence. The programme was delivered in strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and in collaboration with the University of Bahrain and Ahlia University.
The six-month initiative focused on preparing academically distinguished IT students for real-world applications of artificial intelligence within the government sector. Participants received practical training at the iGA Innovation Hub, gaining hands-on experience in programming, teamwork, and the development of AI-based prototypes aligned with government needs. The programme aimed to bridge academic learning with practical implementation, enabling students to contribute directly to public sector innovation.
Students worked on two primary projects addressing government challenges. One project supported the Ministry of Industry and Commerce through the development of an AI-enabled system designed to organise and monitor promotional campaigns and commercial discount activities, improving regulatory oversight and accelerating licensing processes. The second project focused on the Statistics and Population Registry sector, where students developed a smart system to track and analyse foreign investment data, supporting decision-making through AI-driven insights and predictive analysis.
iGA Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed noted that the programme aligns with Bahrain Vision 2030 and reflects the authority’s commitment to building national talent capable of transforming academic knowledge into practical digital solutions that enhance government services. The initiative also highlights collaboration between government entities, universities, and global technology partners to support the Kingdom’s broader digital transformation agenda.
During the ceremony, iGA announced the launch of the programme’s second batch, which will include students from six universities and expand the number of applied projects, reflecting growing demand for AI-driven innovation across government sectors. The programme is positioned as part of Bahrain’s long-term strategy to equip young professionals with future-ready skills while strengthening the country’s competitiveness in emerging technologies.
