BAHRAIN has been urged to work with other GCC nations to develop a comprehensive and unified AI strategy covering education, governance, ethics, innovation and private sector partnership.
MPs yesterday unanimously approved a proposal calling on the government to take the initiative that could help the kingdom achieve regional AI dominance.
The proposal – spearheaded by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman and Strategic Thinking Bloc president Ahmed Al Salloom, alongside bloc spokesman Khalid Bu Onk and MP Hisham Al Awadhi – has been referred to the Cabinet for review.
Speaking on behalf of the trio, Mr Al Salloom stressed that although each Gulf state has made significant strides in digital transformation, fragmented efforts would limit their long‑term impact.
“The region must move decisively,” he told Parliament.
“Artificial intelligence is a reality shaping the economy, education and the labour market.
“It is not enough for each country to work alone. We need genuine co-ordination and a clear Gulf-wide strategy in artificial intelligence, where we benefit from each other’s expertise and unify our efforts instead of dispersing them.”
He added that the initiative is about people first and not just technology.
“This proposal is not only about systems and software. It is about developing education, building a national workforce capable of competing globally and giving our youth real opportunities for creativity and innovation.”
MPs also highlighted the importance of establishing a shared ethical framework to ensure AI applications respect cultural values and protect privacy.
“We must set a clear ethical framework that safeguards society’s values and ensures these technologies are used for development and the public good,” Mr Al Salloom said.
According to the legislative and legal affairs committee’s report, several ministries indicated that AI policy extends beyond a single authority, requiring broad national and regional co-ordination.
The Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry pointed to the recently adopted Arab AI Strategy, suggesting Gulf states support and implement it collectively to avoid duplication.
Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry – through the Information and eGovernment Authority – backed the creation of a unified GCC AI strategy, noting that Bahrain has already proposed drafting such a document at the GCC level. Bahrain has been tasked with preparing a unified AI strategy document under the GCC eGovernment Executive Committee, with plans to share recommendations and develop a joint implementation roadmap.
The Education Ministry outlined ongoing efforts to integrate AI into curricula, teacher training and regional collaboration through the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, including AI hackathons, research initiatives and digital skills development programmes.
The Nasser Scientific and Technical Centre also expressed readiness to contribute, describing the initiative as an opportunity for Bahrain to strengthen its position as a regional AI hub by exporting locally developed solutions and leveraging skilled Bahraini graduates.
The committee unanimously recommended approval, citing strong public interest considerations including economic growth, innovation investment, workforce development and enhanced regional competitiveness.
“If we want our region to be an influential player in the new global economy, we must move today – with studied steps and one Gulf spirit,” Mr Al Salloom said. “This proposal is a step in that direction.”
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