Record STMT-WDBB9D1Legally binding

General Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence

Institutional policy State lawMiddle East · BHin force

The General Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence Version 1.0 establishes a comprehensive framework for the safe and ethical adoption of AI across all government entities in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Issued by the Information & eGovernment Authority and approved on May 20, 2025, the policy outlines core principles, four main operational pillars, and specific rules regarding data protection, cybersecurity, transparency, and human oversight. It aims to drive economic and social growth, improve government service efficiency, and position Bahrain as a leader in digital innovation.

Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.

Who issued it

Information & eGovernment AuthorityRegulator · BH

Lead issuer

Legal forceLegally binding

Under whose authorityState law

Judged fromfull text

Who it governs

Public sector bodiesNational governmentAI developers and providersAI deployers and users

Public sector employees, government decision-makers, and developers working on AI initiatives within the government of Bahrain should read this to understand their compliance and operational obligations.

Sectors

Public administration · government entities and public servicesCross-sector

What the document contains

What's covered

The policy covers the institutional use of artificial intelligence within Bahrain's government entities, establishing mandatory rules and requirements across four main pillars: commitment to existing policies and legislation, adoption of AI technologies, awareness and education, and local/international cooperation. It addresses data classification, privacy protection, human oversight requirements, training initiatives, and strategic partnerships.

What's missing

The text does not include detailed technical specifications for specific machine learning algorithms, quantitative auditing metrics, or certification procedures for private sector vendors not engaging with government bodies.

Key takeaways

The policy applies to all government entities in the Kingdom of Bahrain to guide the safe and effective adoption of AI technologies.
It is built upon eleven fundamental principles, emphasizing human decision-making, safety, fairness, transparency, and privacy protection.
Government entities must comply with existing national legislation, including the Personal Data Protection Law and the Protection of Information and State Documents Law.
Human oversight is mandatory at all stages of AI use so that accountability for outcomes remains with responsible individuals rather than the machine.
The Information & eGovernment Authority manages, updates, and supervises the effective implementation of this policy across the public sector.

Principles it states

Human Decision-MakingSafety and Prevention of HarmFairness, Equity, and Non-DiscriminationTransparency and ExplainabilityResponsibility, Accountability, and AwarenessIntegrity and Non-FabricationPrivacy and Data ProtectionReliability and SafetyInvestment in Advanced TechnologyPromoting Technological InnovationProtection of Intellectual Property Rights

Outline

1. Glossary
2. Introduction
3. Scope
4. Principles
5. Objectives
6. General Policy Pillars for the Use of Artificial Intelligence
  6.1. First Pillar: Commitment to Policies and Legislations
  6.2. Second Pillar: Use and Adoption of Artificial Intelligence Technologies
  6.3. Third Pillar: Awareness and Education
  6.4. Fourth Pillar: Encouraging Local and International Cooperation
7. Roles and Responsibilities
8. Activation of the General Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence
9. Changes That May Occur to This Policy
10. Comments and Suggestions
11. Related Sources and References

Issued20 May 2025

Length4,459 words

FormatNot recorded

Scopenational

How it scores

Pending review

Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.

Accountability

4/5

Clear responsibility for AI outcomes

Government entities bear the responsibility of applying and using AI technologies, meaning that any negative effects resulting from these solutions are attributed to the responsible individuals, not to the machine.

Section 6.2.2

screening score · 2026-10-23

Fairness

3/5

Non-discrimination and equitable treatment

This principle emphasizes that artificial intelligence technologies must be fair, ensuring equity for all without any discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or any other non -objective factors

Section 4

screening score · 2026-10-23

Human Dignity

3/5

Respect for the inherent worth of persons

This principle aims to ensure that all artificial intelligence applications are safe and capable of preventing any physical or psychological harm to individuals or society.

Section 4

screening score · 2026-10-23

Human Oversight

4/5

Humans remain in control of consequential decisions

However, the final decision in important matters must remain under human control, especially in cases related to individual and societal rights.

Section 4

screening score · 2026-10-23

Privacy

4/5

Protection of personal data and private life

This principle involves protecting privacy and ensuring that personal data is preserved and secure when used in artificial intelligence systems, in accordance with applicable laws and standards

Section 4

screening score · 2026-10-23

Transparency

3/5

Openness about how AI systems work and are used

This principle states the importance of having processes carried out by artificial intelligence systems that are clear and transparent, such that they are explainable and understandable by users and specialists

Section 4

screening score · 2026-10-23

Enforcement

4/5

Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force

From that date, all government entities are required to comply with the rules, requirements, and guiding principles outlined in this policy.

Section 8

screening score · 2026-10-23

Impact Assessment

3/5

Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use

Government entities should study the possibility of employing AI solutions in government initiatives, projects, and procurements.

Section 6.2.2

screening score · 2026-10-23

Topics

Physical AI Governancesupporting

artificial_intelligence government_policy data_protection ethics digital_transformation