The Kingdom of Bahrain is focusing on digital transformation, with a commitment to fostering innovation, laying the groundwork for an AI ecosystem.
Bahrain's AI Strategy and Initiatives
While Bahrain has yet to formulate a comprehensive national AI strategy, the country has identified AI as a key focus area within its broader digital strategy plans. The sixth National Telecommunications Plan, approved by Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in November 2023, includes provisions for developing a national AI strategy, collaborative AI governance, and the adoption of AI across high-impact sectors.
Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 and Digital Government Strategy 2022 also address AI policy and development, emphasizing the importance of fostering an innovation ecosystem that leverages emerging technologies for the benefit of Bahraini society. The government encourages stakeholders involved in designing, developing, and deploying new technologies to ensure alignment with the Kingdom's values and adherence to international norms and standards.
Ethical Considerations
As Bahrain progresses in its AI journey, addressing ethical considerations remains a top priority. The country has taken positive steps by enacting the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) in 2018, which shares similarities with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The PDPL protects individuals' rights regarding the collection, processing, and storage of their personal data and establishes obligations for data controllers and processors.
However, concerns persist regarding the use of AI for mass surveillance purposes in Bahrain.
Balancing Innovation and Regulation
Bahrain faces the challenge of striking a delicate balance between fostering innovation and implementing appropriate regulations to govern AI. The country's participation in the Global Entry Partnership, which utilizes facial recognition and biometric kiosks for expedited entry into the United States, highlights the potential benefits of AI in streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency.
However, the adoption of AI in sensitive domains such as law enforcement and the judiciary requires careful consideration and robust safeguards. The draft bill currently pending before Bahrain's Shura Council, which sets offenses and punishments for misusing AI, is a step in the right direction. Nonetheless, the country must ensure that any AI legislation is comprehensive, transparent, and informed by multi-stakeholder input to strike the right balance between innovation and regulation.
The Way Forward
To fully realise the potential of AI while mitigating its risks, Bahrain must prioritise the development of a comprehensive national AI strategy that aligns with international best practices and ethical principles.
By prioritizing the development of a comprehensive national AI strategy, aligning with international best practices, and ensuring robust safeguards and oversight mechanisms, Bahrain can foster a thriving AI ecosystem. The path ahead requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including government, industry, academia, and civil society.
This country report is our interpretation and summary of the "CAIDP Artificial Intelligence & Democratic Values Index 2023". The full report can be found here - https://www.caidp.org/reports/aidv-2023/