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 informs strategic decision-making of businesses across all industries and has taken steps in the study and application of AI in different fields. AI changed various areas of our lives and it’s seen by Bahrainis a major source of achieving sustainable development in the kingdom. The Kingdom also offers training and development programmes in this field.

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 Artificial Intelligence. 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 Artificial Intelligence 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 iGA to design guidelines that enable governments to use artificial intelligence technologies responsibly and sustainably.

Ethics of Using Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly developing technology with the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives. However, there are also ethical concerns that need to be considered as AI is developed and deployed.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has established a set of principles and values to guide the ethical use of AI. These principles 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 artificial intelligence systems in an understandable 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 the means of artificial intelligence 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.

These principles are designed to ensure that AI is used in a way that is ethical, responsible, and beneficial to society.

AI for Agriculture

Bahrain employed artificial intelligence techniques in the automatic monitoring of all palm trees existing on the land of the Kingdom of Bahrain 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 the service of one of the sustainable development goals related to food security, SDG2.

Using AI to count palm trees

AI Certification

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

Artificial Intelligence Academy

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 students and high school students about innovation in Artificial Intelligence. The of H.H. SH. Khalid Bin Hamad Competition for Innovation in Artificial Intelligence is organized by Bahrain Polytechnic and supported by several privet sector companies. The competition tests the ability of participants in creating innovative projects that use features for Artificial Intelligence.

H.H. SH. Khalid Bin Hamad Competition for Innovation in Artificial Intelligence

AI Research

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

AI in Courtrooms

Bahrain is looking to improve the efficiency of courtrooms and the judiciary system with digital transformation in courts and use of artificial intelligence. The Supreme Judicial Council have organized the first international conference for artificial intelligence in the judiciary to be held in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council to support to explore the possibilities of using AI in the courtrooms.

Courts 4.0 - international conference for artificial intelligence in judiciary

The Chatbot Project

The Information and eGovernment Authority 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 8000 8001 that is going to improve answering frequently asked question more efficiently.