MPs are seeking to introduce a dedicated curriculum on artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity in schools to equip students with future-ready skills in an increasingly digital world.
It has been presented by Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Mohammed Al Bulooshi, who has stressed the need to modernise Bahrain’s education system further to keep pace with global developments.
“AI and cybersecurity are no longer optional fields of study, they are necessities,” he explained in the proposal.
“If we want Bahrain to remain competitive in the global economy, we must ensure that our students are proficient in these critical areas from an early age.”
The proposal, which will be debated on Tuesday, highlighted the importance of AI and cybersecurity in fostering technological innovation and driving economic development.
Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma welcomed the proposal and said the ministry’s 2023–2026 strategic framework focuses on digital empowerment in education, aligning with global trends in AI and cybersecurity adoption.
“We are continuously updating educational materials to ensure that students are exposed to contemporary technological advancements. The ministry has introduced various learning modules, workshops, and hands-on training programmes aimed at enhancing digital literacy among students,” he said.
Dr Juma also pointed out that primary school students were being introduced to visual programming languages such as Scratch, fostering foundational coding skills.
“Middle and high school students learn programming languages like Python, which are crucial for AI development,” he said.
“Educational materials also include lessons on digital ethics, online safety, and data protection, ensuring that students understand how to safeguard themselves in the digital world.
“Secondary school students can take dedicated courses such as ‘Computer Networks and Cybersecurity,’ covering Internet safety, cyber threats, and responsible online behaviour.”
Mr Al Bulooshi, however, insisted that more needs to be done to formalise AI and cybersecurity education as a core component of Bahrain’s school curriculum.
“Our current efforts are promising, but we must go beyond supplementary programmes,” he said. “We need a structured, mandatory curriculum that ensures every student gains proficiency in AI and cybersecurity by the time they graduate.”
Mr Al Bulooshi further called for increased investments in teacher training and infrastructure to support this transition.
“This is not just about education; it’s about national security, economic progress, and our future as a knowledge-based society,” he added.
Meanwhile, Parliament is also pushing for increased investment in hi-tech sectors to position the kingdom as a regional hub for advanced technology.
A proposal submitted by the Strategic Thinking Bloc, led by its president and Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom, calls on the government to prioritise hi-tech industry development to drive economic diversification and reduce reliance on oil revenues.
The proposal urges the government to implement a strategic framework that fosters the localisation of advanced technologies.
The recommendations include:
* Crafting a strategy tailored to Bahrain’s economic conditions, incorporating effective initiatives to attract and integrate high-tech industries.
* Offering attractive incentives and competitive benefits to draw major global tech firms to Bahrain.
* Encouraging Bahraini youth with technical expertise to establish pioneering industrial ventures in artificial intelligence and advanced technology sectors.
* Promoting collaborations between Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat Holding Company, and both local and international firms.
* Launching high-tech projects aimed at enhancing local expertise and fostering a skilled workforce in the technology sector.
Mr Al Salloom said it was time to empower youth to lead the tech revolution by providing them with the necessary support to launch AI-driven and advanced industrial ventures.
“A thriving tech ecosystem will not only create high-value jobs, but also elevate Bahrain’s global competitiveness,” he said.
Also set for debate and a vote is a proposal to form joint venture companies between government and people presented by Dr Ali Al Nuaimi.
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