Manama: The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Police (RAP), celebrated the victorious teams from public and private universities that excelled in the 2025 AI GameDay Challenge. The event was organized in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Amazon Web Services (AWS), with support from stc Bahrain. The challenge aligns with the iGA’s efforts to promote digital innovation and develop AI and cloud computing skills among students, preparing future generations with essential knowledge and practical experience.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the ceremony was attended by key figures such as Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of the iGA, Major General Fawaz Hasan Al Hassan, Commandant of the Royal Academy of Police, along with university representatives, sponsors, and participating students. The challenge saw robust participation, with 17 teams comprising three to five students each, showcasing Bahraini youth’s creativity and analytical prowess in handling advanced technologies.
Mohammed Ali Al Qaed emphasized that the AI GameDay Challenge is a pivotal national platform for cultivating students’ skills in innovation and problem-solving using AI and cloud technologies. He noted that the initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s leadership vision to empower youth in technology, contributing to building a ‘digital future’ and driving innovation.
He further highlighted the initiative’s role in fulfilling directives from General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa to equip young Bahrainis with essential skills for the future digital landscape. Al Qaed stressed that this initiative is part of a broader national vision to invest in youth development, complementing the digital transformation journey and the National Digital Economy Strategy launched in 2023.
Al Qaed also mentioned the government’s commitment to AI deployment, including forming a specialized committee to prioritize AI research, leading to the development of a regional manual on AI ethics. He underscored national programmes like the Technical Development Programme and AI Talent Programme, which have facilitated job placements and supported innovation among Bahrain’s youth.
Major General Al Hassan highlighted the Academy’s commitment to empowering Bahraini youth in technology and innovation. He noted that the Academy prioritizes social responsibility by providing a supportive educational and training environment, and expressed eagerness to expand partnerships with the iGA to bolster innovation and digital transformation efforts.
Shaikh Zeyad bin Faisal Al Khalifa of stc Bahrain commended the AI Challenge’s role in equipping young Bahrainis with advanced technological skills, emphasizing stc Bahrain’s commitment to community development and fostering innovation.
The competition awarded cash prizes to top teams, with BD1,500 for first place (M and M’s Team), BD1,000 for second place (Cloud Unicorns Team), and BD500 for third place (Tech Team). Fourth to eighth place teams received opportunities for specialized training through the UNDP Arab Knowledge Project.
The challenge included virtual training sessions to prepare students for the competition, led by expert trainers. The competition itself consisted of three stages-Mystery Code, Unicorn Voice, and Unicare-providing comprehensive practical experience in using AI for real-world solutions, enhancing students’ technical and analytical skills.