Bahrain

6TOTAL

1OFFICIAL SOURCES

5TOPIC AREAS

Law / Act2

Policy / Guidance1

Standard / Framework1

Other2

CybersecurityData Privacy & ProtectionGenerative AIOnline Safety & Child ProtectionSandbox

Policy / Guidance✓ Official

Bahrain launches National Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence, adopts GCC ethical manual

The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) has launched the National Policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and announced the adoption of the GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethical Use of AI. This initiative, implemented in line with the directives of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology, reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to establishing a comprehensive framework for the responsible and ethical use of AI. The National Policy targets government officials, developers of digital services, decision makers, academics, researchers, and beneficiaries of smart government services. It focuses on four key pillars: commitment to relevant laws and policies, encouraging AI adoption in government, empowering employees with AI knowledge and skills, and reinforcing partnerships to support innovation. The GCC Guiding Manual on the Ethical Use of AI serves as a complementary framework to the national policy, reflecting shared regional values that emphasise respect for human dignity, alignment with Islamic principles and national identity, and a commitment to sustainability, cooperation, and human wellbeing. It is founded on four core ethical principles: safeguarding human autonomy in decision making, ensuring safety and the prevention of harm, promoting fairness and equality, and protecting privacy and data integrity.

26 July 2025Data Privacy & ProtectionCybersecurity

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Standard / Framework

Arab League calls for AI regulation framework

It is reported that at the Arab Dialogue Circle on Artificial Intelligence in the Arab World, Arab League Secretary General Ahmad Abu Al-Gheit has urged scholars to draft a regulatory framework for AI that aligns with Arab values and interests. The call to action includes (1) addressing the rapid developments in AI, particularly in large language models and generative AI, (2) localizing AI industries and investing in strategic planning and financial resources, and (3) ensuring active participation in the global AI race to achieve safe and culturally aligned AI integration.

2 February 2025Generative AIData Privacy & ProtectionOnline Safety & Child Protection

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Other

Bahrain and Algeria seeks Arab AI regulation deal

It is reported that at the sidelines of the 2024 UN Internet Governance Forum, Bahraini and Algerian delegates discussed efforts to establish an Arab framework agreement aimed at creating unified regulations for AI and digital technology. If implemented, the agreement would commit participating nations to adopt common standards for the development and application of AI and related technologies.

18 December 2024Data Privacy & ProtectionCybersecurity

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Other

Bahrain government pushes back on draft AI law, preferring regulatory sandboxes instead

It has been reported that the Bahrain government has submitted a written letter to Parliament suggesting that the draft AI law (as proposed by the Shura Council) may be redundant in light of existing legislation. The government argues that current laws, such as the Electronic Communications and Transactions Law (2018), the Personal Data Protection Law (2018), the Cybercrime Law (2014), and the Civil Code (2001), already address many of the aims of the proposed AI regulation. Instead of introducing a new standalone law, the government recommends refining existing legislation and implementing a 'Regulatory Sandbox' approach to safely test new AI technologies while avoiding overlapping rules that could create confusion and enforcement challenges.

23 November 2024SandboxData Privacy & ProtectionCybersecurity

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Law / Act

Bahrain proposes new AI law

It has been reported that Bahrain has a proposed law to regulate AI, which has been approved by the Shura Council and is now being sent to the executive branch for consideration. The law includes (1) the establishment of a dedicated unit to oversee AI development, (2) protection for investors and individuals (including protecting privacy and other fundamental human rights, and protecting children), (3) specific guidelines and requirements to minimise exploitation and promote responsible AI development and deployment, (4) prohibition of AI replacing humans in critical areas, and (5) provisions for licensing AI development activities while prohibiting unlicensed operations.

31 August 2024Data Privacy & ProtectionOnline Safety & Child ProtectionSandbox

↗ Link availableSecondary source

Law / Act

Bahrain approves comprehensive AI law

Bahrain's Shura Council has unanimously approved a law aimed at regulating the use of AI within the country. It’s been reported that the new legislation will (1) curb illicit activities associated with AI, including tampering with biometrics, invasion of privacy, and discrimination, with fines ranging from BD1,000 ($2,653) to BD10,000 ($26,526); (2) criminalise use of AI that could lead to societal unrest or political disturbances, with imprisonment of no less than three years; (3) extend liability to establishments whose resources are employed in AI-related criminal activities, with penalties including permanent closure; and (4) establish a dedicated AI unit to enforce compliance. Governing executive bylaws will also be issued within six months to provide clarify classifications and operational procedures.

29 April 2024Data Privacy & ProtectionCybersecurity

↗ Link availableSecondary source