Manama: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) released its global report on assessing the Kingdom of Bahrain's readiness in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), commending the Kingdom's promising progress in this technological area. The report forms part of UNESCO's initiatives to support member states in measuring their readiness to adopt AI technologies through the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in line with internationally recognised standards. Bahrain is the second GCC country to have such a report issued.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the announcement was made during an official meeting between the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) and UNESCO representatives to launch the AI Readiness Assessment Report on the Kingdom of Bahrain, published on iGA's official website www.iga.gov.bh and the National Portal www.bahrain.bh. Present were Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, iGA Chief Executive; Salah Khaled, Director of the UNESCO Doha Office for the Gulf States and Yemen; Dr. Mubarak Abdullah Butti, Secretary-General of the Bahrain National Commission for Education, Science and Culture; and Dr. Diana Al Jahromi, Secretary-General of the Higher Education Council, as well as representatives from several government and private entities that contributed to the report.
Al Qaed expressed pride in the launch of the report, stating that it reflects the government's dedication to supporting national efforts to enhance Bahrain's digital advancement and competitiveness in the regional technology sector. He said it also demonstrates the iGA's commitment to implementing the directives of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology, chaired by General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior. The committee's approach focuses on expanding the adoption and utilisation of AI technologies through well-studied plans that define priorities, challenges, and practical solutions, enabling Bahrain to enhance national operations, improve services, and develop modern systems that deliver a unique experience for individuals, entities, and businesses.
He underlined the importance of this achievement as a step forward that reflects Bahrain's commitment to the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies. He explained that the UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment (RAM) serves as an important international tool for evaluating national preparedness through six main pillars: national governance, legislation and regulation, society and culture, research and education, economic factors, and technological infrastructure.
Al Qaed noted that the report helps accurately assess the current situation, identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for development, and establish future national plans that enhance Bahrain's readiness to adopt AI technologies safely and responsibly. It also supports the Kingdom's efforts toward a knowledge- and innovation-based digital economy and reinforces its position among the leading countries in this field regionally and internationally.
He commended UNESCO's role in promoting AI adoption among member states and supporting their strategic objectives, expressing appreciation to all government and private entities that partnered with the iGA in providing the data required for the report. He commended their cooperation and joint efforts in aligning visions and exchanging expertise, contributing to strengthening Bahrain's AI readiness and supporting sustainable development based on global best practices.
On his part, Salah Khaled, Director of the UNESCO Doha Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, congratulated the Kingdom of Bahrain on this achievement, noting that the launch of the report reaffirms Bahrain's commitment to digital transformation and its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to education, innovation, equality, and strong institutions. He highlighted Bahrain's leadership in digital governance, ranking 18th globally in the 2024 United Nations E-Government Development Index, reflecting the strength of the Kingdom's institutions and public policies in advancing digital services and transformation.
He also pointed to Bahrain's commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, noting that 42% of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are women, and that the Kingdom continues to invest in developing digital skills to ensure comprehensive transformation.
Khaled added that the report includes a set of key recommendations serving as a clear roadmap for Bahrain to strengthen its efforts in developing ethical and inclusive AI, aligned with Bahrain Vision 2030, which places people, rights, and values at the core of technological progress. He stressed the importance of continued partnership to support the implementation of these recommendations.
The UNESCO report commended Bahrain's progress in adopting AI and its potential to become a regional leader in ethical, inclusive, and innovative AI. It highlighted key national initiatives in digital transformation and eGovernment, including the establishment of the iGA's Innovation and Advanced Technology Directorate, the adoption of the GCC AI Ethics Guiding Manual in 2023, and the launch of the National AI Policy in 2025, along with several supporting initiatives such as the Innovation Hub and AI Talent Programme.
The report also presented a set of recommendations to further support Bahrain's efforts in adopting AI and advancing research on the social, economic, and environmental impacts of this technology to ensure sustainable, people-centred innovation.
The AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) is regarded as one of the leading global frameworks that help countries evaluate their preparedness for AI adoption within an ethical and responsible framework, identify challenges and solutions, and develop robust strategies that drive digital and technological advancement.