Manama, Dec. 13 (BNA): The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Police (RAP), recognised winning teams from public and private universities at the 2025 AI GameDay Challenge. The initiative was organised in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Amazon Web Services (AWS), with support from stc Bahrain, as part of national efforts to advance digital innovation and build AI and cloud computing talent.
The event was attended by Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of the iGA; Major General Fawaz Hasan Al Hassan, Commandant of the Royal Academy of Police; university representatives, sponsors, and participating students. A total of 17 student teams competed, demonstrating strong creativity, analytical skills, and practical application of advanced technologies.
Al Qaed said the AI GameDay Challenge has become a leading national platform for strengthening innovation and problem-solving skills among Bahraini youth, aligning with the Kingdom’s vision to empower future-ready digital talent. He highlighted that the initiative supports Bahrain’s digital transformation journey, including the National Digital Economy Strategy and government efforts to promote responsible AI adoption through ethical frameworks and specialised innovation directorates.
Major General Al Hassan emphasised the Academy’s role in supporting national innovation initiatives and providing a conducive environment for skills development. He noted the importance of collaboration with the iGA and partners to equip young Bahrainis with future-oriented technological capabilities.
Shaikh Zeyad bin Faisal Al Khalifa, Chief Government Affairs Officer at stc Bahrain, said the company’s support reflects its commitment to developing national talent and fostering innovation in AI and cloud computing through strong public-private collaboration.
The winning teams received cash prizes sponsored by stc Bahrain, while teams ranked fourth to eighth were awarded specialised training opportunities through the UNDP Arab Knowledge Project. The challenge included preparatory training sessions and three competition stages focused on AI-driven applications in creative content generation, voice and data analytics, and healthcare information solutions, offering students hands-on experience aligned with real-world needs.
