Bahrain has reached a significant milestone by completing six critical initiatives as part of its National Digital Economy Strategy (NDES). These developments aim to bolster the kingdom's ambitions to become a leader in digital economies within the region.

This accomplishment aligns with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s vision of using artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies to revamp government services and reinforce Bahrain's stature as a nexus for digital innovation. The strategy enjoys guidance from Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, while General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology (MCICT), oversees its execution.

Advancing Bahrain’s Digital Economic Ambitions

Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), emphasized that AI stands at the forefront of Bahrain’s innovation agenda and is crucial for sustainable development and prosperity. He pointed out that these completed projects are part of the NDES's initial phase, which comprises nine short-term initiatives out of 49 planned through 2030.

Core Focus on AI and Emerging Technologies

A notable achievement includes the establishment of Bahrain's first official AI unit dedicated to emerging technologies. The Innovation and Advanced Technologies Directorate within iGA now leads this charge, crafting national policies for emerging tech adoption across governmental endeavors.

The expansion of STEM scholarships marks another significant stride. Orchestrated by the Ministry of Education, these scholarships have accounted for over 84 percent in the academic year 2023/2024 alone.

Additionally, in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC), Bahrain aligned its digital economy strategy with national cybersecurity strategies to enhance safety, resilience, and data protection across various governmental activities.

Fostering a Connected Economic Landscape

Al Qaed stressed that these initial efforts form part of Bahrain’s comprehensive digital strategy spanning public and private sectors alike. They promote sustainable growth across financial services, tourism, industry sectors like IT logistics, and healthcare.

The initiatives not only fortify Bahrain's standing as an economic hub but also foster a seamless digital economy conducive to long-term economic health. Moving forward, Alkhbr News highlights that iGA’s strategic team collaborates actively with stakeholders to roll out further initiatives within prioritized areas during subsequent phases.

The team remains committed to tracking progress rigorously while evaluating impact metrics to ensure each initiative enriches Bahrain’s broader economic framework measurably.

Bahrain Advances AI-Driven Transformation with Completion of Key Digital Economy Initiatives

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