Artificial Intelligence

Accelerating Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Bahrain

The vision of Bahrain’s leadership to employ modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) has improved government services and contributed to Bahrain’s digital achievements. Bahrain recognizes the importance of Artificial Intelligence in streamlining processes and informing strategic decision-making of businesses across all industries, taking steps in the study and application of AI in a range of fields. AI has had a significant impact on various aspects of our lives and is now a key driver of sustainable development in the Kingdom.

In line with its commitment to advancing digital transformation through continuous system development and implementing the latest technologies to improve service quality and efficiency, Bahrain launched several initiatives to enhance government operations and increase their effectiveness and competitiveness, including:

Artifical Intelligence Training Programs

Tamkeen, in cooperation with Bahrain Polytechnic and Microsoft Corporation, launched the Artificial Intelligence Academy at Bahrain Polytechnic, which provides a platform for youngsters to boost their innovation and creative capabilities. This academy is the first of its kind in the Middle East and aims to train and qualify students from various schools and universities across Bahrain as well as their teachers.

His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, launched a tournament for students aimed at encouraging innovation in AI. The Khalid bin Hamad Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Competition allows students to showcase their ideas and develop their capabilities.

In 2019, Bahrain announced it will pilot new guidelines for the procurement of AI in the public sector, produced by the World Economic Forum's Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Centre worked closely with the Economic Development Board and the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) to design guidelines that enable governments to use AI technologies responsibly and sustainably.

Ethics of Using AI

The main principle of AI is to simulate human understanding and interaction with the world. The rise of various machine learning techniques that recognize data patterns has led to both positive and negative consequences for societies, ecological systems, and the human mind.

To ensure the responsible use of AI technologies, Bahrain created legal frameworks that safeguard individual privacy and mitigate algorithmic biases. Additionally, it has established guiding principles and values for the adoption and development of these technologies, which include:

Preserving the right to privacy, data protection, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. AI systems should be designed to protect the privacy of individuals and their data. They should also be used in a way that does not discriminate against or harm any individual or group.
Sustainability and minimizing the environmental consequences of AI systems. AI systems should be developed and used in a way that is sustainable and minimizes their environmental impact.
Ensuring diversity and inclusion of all the most vulnerable individuals, groups, or communities. AI systems should be designed to be inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of their background or abilities.
Striving to ensure the building of peaceful and just societies. AI systems should be used to promote peace and justice, and to help solve global problems such as poverty, hunger, and disease.
Seeking to avoid safety-related damages and avoid security-related risks. AI systems should be designed to be safe and secure. They should not be used to harm or exploit individuals or groups.
Justice, equity, and non-discrimination. AI systems should be used in a way that is just, equitable, and non-discriminatory. They should not be used to perpetuate or exacerbate existing inequalities.
Relying on human beings to supervise and make decisions. AI systems should not be used to replace human judgment and decision-making. Humans should always be in control of AI systems and their use.
Transparency and the ability to explain the results of AI systems in an easy to understand way. AI systems should be transparent and explainable. Individuals should be able to understand how AI systems work and how they are used.
Taking moral and legal responsibility and accountability. Those who develop, deploy, and use AI systems should be held accountable for the ethical implications of their actions.
Enhancing awareness and knowledge of AI technology. The public should be made aware of the potential benefits and risks of AI technology. They should also be educated about how to use AI ethically.
Governance and means of multilateral cooperation. The development and use of AI should be governed by international norms and standards. Multilateral cooperation is essential to ensure that AI is used for the benefit of humanity.

AI Certification

Bahrain Polytechnic provides academic courses on AI at the Artificial Intelligence Academy which provides a platform for youth to boost their innovation and creative capabilities. The academy partners with the community, businesses, and government entities to ensure that workforce is trained to meet market needs to support Bahrain’s economic growth. Students who complete the AI Academy program receive professional certification, as well as a certificate of attendance by Bahrain Polytechnic upon program completion.

AI Innovation

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports launched an annual “HackFest” aimed at university and high school students, focusing on innovation in AI. The HH. Sh. Khalid Bin Hamad Competition for Innovation in Artificial Intelligence is organized by Bahrain Polytechnic and supported by several private companies. The competition tests the ability of participants in creating innovative projects that use AI applications.

AI Research

The government of Bahrain approved the establishment of a national research committee for the field of AI. The University of Bahrain and the Benefit Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create a lab for AI and advanced computing, which will expand research and innovation in areas such as cybersecurity, fraud detection, big data analysis, sustainable energy, quantum physics, engineering applications, climate change and sea level prediction.

AI in Detecting Construction Changes and Violations

Bahrain employed AI to detect changes and construction violations using satellite imagery. This system utilizes AI techniques for the early identification of violations related to construction quality and increased electrical loads. It generates clear periodic reports on construction changes throughout the Kingdom, aiming to reduce violations and prevent potential damages, thus enhancing the development of the Kingdom’s construction sector.

AI in Courtrooms

Bahrain aims to enhance the efficiency of courtrooms and the judiciary system through digital transformation and the use of AI. The Supreme Judicial Council organized the first international conference on AI in the judiciary to be held in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Courts 4.0 - international conference for Artificial Intelligence in judiciary

The Chatbot Project

Bahrain is actively adopting new technologies, particularly AI-powered chatbots. This is evident in the private sector, where leading companies have implemented AI-driven chatbots in their customer service platforms. These virtual assistants include "Basma" from Batelco, "Fatima" from ila Bank, "Dana" from Bahrain Islamic Bank, and "Noora" from the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF). These advanced chatbots enhance user experience by providing instant and accurate responses to customer inquiries, underscoring Bahrain's commitment to leveraging AI technology to drive innovation and efficiency in its services.

The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) is working on the chatbot project, which is expected to be launched soon. This contributes to enhancing customer service levels and raising the capacity of the Government Services Contact Center via 8000 8001 as it will improve answering frequently asked questions more efficiently.

AI for Agriculture

Bahrain employed AI techniques in the automatic monitoring of all palm trees existing on Bahraini land, which enables researchers and investors to carry out research in the field of food security by estimating the amount of production for each palm tree. The initiative is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) related to food security, SDG2.