Latest news with #iGA
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
National policy for the use of AI launched in Bahrain
Bahrain has announced the launch of a national policy for the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) also announced the adoption of the GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethical Use of AI. The initiative is in line with the directives of Interior Minister and ministerial committee for information and communication technology chairman General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. iGA chief executive Mohammed Al Qaed said that the AI policy, available at 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. 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. Mr Al Qaed also highlighted the importance of government entities in educating and enabling national talent to use AI technologies professionally and ethically. He 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 AI 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 on AI, reflecting shared regional values that emphasise respect for human dignity, alignment with Islamic principles and national identity, and a commitment to sustainability, co-operation and human well-being. The manual 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. Mr Al Qaed said 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. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
4 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Bahrain launches national AI policy, adopts GCC ethics manual
Under the directives 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) launched the national policy for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and also adopted the Guiding Manual on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Use in the GCC, issued by The Ministerial Committee for eGovernment of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. The national policy emphasises compliance with key national regulations, including the Personal Data Protection Law, the Protection of Information and State Documents Law, and the Open Data Policy, as well as the Guiding Manual on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Use, which was adopted through GCC collaboration. Available at the policy establishes a comprehensive framework to regulate AI use in Bahrain, ensuring alignment with national priorities and maximizing its benefits. iGA Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed said the policy aims to promote the responsible and secure use of AI to drive economic and social growth, while improving government efficiency across key sectors. The framework supports Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, aligning with ethical standards and national and international regulations. Al Qaed highlighted the vital role of government entities in raising awareness and developing national expertise through targeted training as well as iGA's ongoing efforts in delivering workshops to educate ministry and government employees on AI applications, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and public services, enhancing Bahrain's regional and global competitiveness. Al Qaed noted that government entities in Bahrain are committed to integrating AI into public services in a practical, systematic way to unify and regulate related initiatives and investments. This aims to boost performance, streamline procedures, and add value for citizens and residents, he added. Through this national framework, the iGA seeks to strengthen public trust in modern technologies and build an innovative, sustainable, digitally-driven society, reinforcing Bahrain's regional artificial intelligence leadership. The National Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence is designed for officials and employees involved in developing and implementing digital services within government entities, as well as decision-makers and legislators. It supports academics and researchers working in the field of AI and other digital technologies, citizens and residents who utilize smart government services, and organizations responsible for awareness and training initiatives. According to iGA, the policy also aims to establish a comprehensive framework to ensure the ethical and safe use of AI technologies. It is based on four main pillars: legal compliance, AI use and adoption, public education and awareness, and enhancing local and international cooperation to foster partnerships and knowledge exchange. The guiding manual complements the national policy, reflecting shared Gulf values and ensuring AI use respects human dignity, Islamic principles, and GCC national identity. It also promotes regional co-operation, environmental protection, sustainability, and human well-being. Its core principles include preserving human autonomy, ensuring system safety and reliability, promoting justice and non-discrimination, and protecting privacy and data security. The iGA affirmed that aligning the policy with the manual strengthens Bahrain's AI governance framework. This integrated approach promotes responsible, effective AI use, supports digital transformation, builds public trust, and advances the kingdom's goal of becoming an innovative, sustainable digital nation, it added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
BIBF CEO: Developing national AI talent is a cornerstone for digital-economic transformation
Manama – Dr. Ahmed Abdulhameed Al-Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), commended the launch of the National Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence, announced by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), and the adoption of the GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethical Use of AI. He affirmed that this national policy represents a significant step in advancing Bahrain's vision to become a digitally empowered, innovation-driven economy. Dr. Al-Shaikh emphasised that building national capacity in artificial intelligence is a critical enabler of digital transformation. He noted that equipping Bahraini talent with AI-related skills and knowledge is essential to ensure the responsible, secure, and effective application of emerging technologies, in line with the ethical principles outlined in the GCC manual and Bahrain's national frameworks. He stated: 'The successful implementation of the AI Policy depends not only on regulation and infrastructure, but also on investing in people. At BIBF, we are committed to supporting the national AI agenda by offering academic and professional development programmes in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics - ensuring alignment with ethical standards and the future needs of the economy.' Dr. Al-Shaikh highlighted BIBF's ongoing efforts to develop specialised training programmes and workshops in collaboration with leading global partners. These efforts aim to equip Bahraini professionals with the skills required for the jobs of the future. Dr. Al-Shaikh noted that over the past two years, the BIBF has implemented a number of national initiatives in this field, including intensive programmes in artificial intelligence in partnership with local and international entities, in addition to 'AI Readiness' programme to train more than 5,000 Bahrainis over the next five years in AI skills and applications. Concluding his remarks, Dr. Al-Shaikh reiterated the importance of cooperation between government, academia, and industry to achieve the goals of the AI policy. He stressed that public confidence in AI - and its ethical and effective use - is built on education, awareness, and empowerment, all of which remain central to BIBF's mission.
Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Ethical AI Gets Bahrain Boost
TDT | Manama Bahrain has formally launched a national artificial intelligence (AI) policy and an ethics charter rooted in shared Gulf values, becoming the first country in the region to define AI governance through a blend of local legislation and cultural identity. Announced by the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) through its official website, the policy was launched in line with directives from His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology. The policy aims to ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly, ethically, and in line with the country's long-term development goals, including Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Governance and Growth Mr. Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of iGA, stated that the new framework seeks to promote economic and social development, enhance government efficiency, and raise Bahrain's competitiveness by unifying AI-related initiatives and embedding ethical safeguards into all implementations. The policy outlines clear compliance with national laws such as the Personal Data Protection Law, State Documents and Information Protection Law, and Open Data Policy. It also places strong emphasis on educating national cadres and raising awareness about AI's role in sectors like health, education, and public services. 'Through this initiative, we aim to build community trust in modern technologies while advancing digital transformation,' Al Qaed said. Ethical Foundations Complementing the policy, the newly adopted 'Guiding Charter for Artificial Intelligence Ethics' sets out core principles aligned with Islamic law and national identity. Approved by the GCC Ministerial Committee for eGovernment, the charter reinforces values such as human dignity, sustainability, privacy, fairness, and justice. The ethics charter rests on four pillars: supporting human autonomy, ensuring system integrity, preventing harm, and promoting non-discrimination. It also seeks to strengthen Gulf cooperation through knowledge exchange and shared digital standards. Stakeholder Engagement The policy is directed not only at government agencies and digital service providers but also at legislators, academics, and the broader public. It encourages AI literacy, training programs, and local-international partnerships to build a more informed and innovative society. By aligning AI development with local legislation and Gulf identity, Bahrain positions itself as a regional leader in ethical and strategic AI governance.
Biz Bahrain
5 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
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)
