Bahrain’s National Policy for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): What it means for businesses and innovators.

Recently, the Kingdom of Bahrain adopted its National Policy for the use

of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a landmark framework aligned with Bahrain Vision 2030. This is the country’s first comprehensive and binding policy on the use of AI and it sets out clear expectations for how AI should be developed, deployed, and governed – ethically, securely, and in alignment with national legislation.

Building on earlier initiatives such as Bahrain’s AI procurement guidelines (2020) and the GCC’s Guiding Manual on AI Ethics (2023), the policy reinforces Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in responsible AI development and signals an acceleration in public-private collaboration.

A Structured Framework for AI Governance

The policy introduces four key pillars:

1. Compliance with Existing Laws
   AI use must align with Bahrain’s regulatory landscape, including the Personal Data Protection Law, the Law on Protection of State Documents and Information, the Open Data Policy, and the GCC Artificial Intelligence Ethics guideline.
2. Ethical and Effective AI Adoption
   Government entities are encouraged to integrate AI across diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, and public services with the aim of enhancing Bahrain’s competitiveness regionally and internationally.
3. Education and Awareness
   Public institutions are responsible for increasing internal awareness and capability through training and strategic upskilling initiatives.
4. National and International Cooperation
   The policy promotes collaboration with private sector companies, academic institutions, and international partners to drive innovation, co-develop solutions, and support AI-related R&D.

Underpinning this framework are 11 guiding principles, including human oversight, transparency, data privacy, fairness, explainability, environmental sustainability, and inclusion. Notably, the policy places strong emphasis on the necessity of human oversight in AI use, ensuring that accountability for any negative outcomes rests with relevant individuals, affirming that such results stem from human decisions rather than the technology itself.

Why it Matters for Business

Bahrain’s AI policy brings both opportunity and accountability. For companies operating in, expanding to, or engaging with Bahrain’s public sector, the policy introduces a clearly defined legal and ethical environment. It also promotes cooperation between the public sector and local companies, encouraging them to develop innovative solutions that will enhance the quality of government services. Key implications include:

1. Government Demand for Compliant AI Solutions

AI adoption is accelerating across government sectors, including health, education, traffic, utilities, and the judiciary. Companies offering AI-enabled platforms, predictive analytics, automation tools, or decision-support systems now have clearer pathways to engagement—provided their offerings align with the policy’s ethical and legislative requirements.

2. AI Governance Is Now a Market Expectation

Bahrain is moving decisively from pilot-stage experimentation to structured AI governance. Businesses must consider:

• Explainability of their models
• Privacy and data protection by design
• Security safeguards against manipulation or misuse
• Fairness and non-discrimination in outcomes

These obligations mirror international developments and are reinforced by Bahrain’s integration of the GCC AI Ethics Manual into national policy.

3. A Strengthening AI Talent Base

Workforce readiness is central to the national AI vision. Bahrain’s Labour Fund (Tamkeen) has committed to training 50,000 Bahrainis in AI by 2030, across leadership, operational, and technical tracks. Additionally, the AI Academy at Bahrain Polytechnic (launched in partnership with Microsoft) is the first of its kind in the region, creating a growing ecosystem of qualified AI practitioners, developers, and analysts.

4. Expanding Research and Innovation Channels

The government is encouraging private-sector involvement in AI-related R&D through platforms like:

• The National Innovation Hub (led by iGA)
• The University of Bahrain–Benefit Company AI Lab
• The Nasser AI Research and Development Centre

These initiatives aim to turn research into viable products and services, and offer entry points for companies seeking to co-develop solutions with public or academic partners.

5. Regulatory Certainty Encourages Long-Term Investment

Bahrain was an early mover in AI governance with its 2020 procurement guidelines. The 2025 policy now creates a full-spectrum legal framework that enhances investor and partner confidence—particularly for:

• Startups and SMEs working on AI-enabled tools
• Multinationals engaging in digital transformation projects
• Tech investors prioritising ethical and future-proof ventures in the region

How ASAR Can Help

With the policy now in force, businesses—especially those working with digital services, data infrastructure, or AI solutions—must navigate an evolving legal and regulatory environment. ASAR’s Bahrain office offers strategic legal support across all dimensions of AI adoption and compliance, including:

• Regulatory alignment with national AI policies and ethics guidelines
• Contracting and procurement advisory for public-sector engagements
• Risk allocation and liability management in AI-enabled platforms
• Data privacy, security, and cross-border considerations
• Intellectual property protection for AI models, algorithms, and training data
• Governance, audit readiness, and ethical review frameworks

We also assist clients engaging with the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), Tamkeen, and other stakeholders involved in AI procurement, partnerships, and skills development.

In Summary

Bahrain’s 2025 National AI Policy is more than a public-sector directive – it’s a defining step toward a regulated, opportunity-rich AI ecosystem. Businesses that align early with the policy’s principles and standards will be well-positioned to engage in innovation, co-creation, and digital transformation in the Kingdom.

To discuss how this policy may affect your organisation or upcoming projects, please email our Bahrain office at: asarbh@asarlegal.com

Legal References:

General Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence, Version 1.0, 20 May 2025, Bahrain Information and eGovernment Authority

The Guiding Manual on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Use in Member Sates of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Version 1.0, November 2023