Bahrain to Lead Unified GCC AI Strategy Following Key eGovernment Summit
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
Bahrain has been entrusted with leading the development of a unified GCC Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy following the participation of Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed in the 27th GCC eGovernment Executive Committee meeting held in Kuwait.
The high-level gathering brought together senior officials and directors from eGovernment entities across the GCC, including iGA Deputy Chief Executive of Operations and Governance Dr. Khalid Almutawa. The committee reviewed the GCC General Secretariat’s progress report and evaluated key digital initiatives under the regional eGovernment strategy guide.
Among the major outcomes of the meeting was a proposal to rename the committee to the Digital Transformation Executive Committee, reflecting the expanding role of emerging technologies and the evolving digital priorities of member states. It also approved a move to restructure working teams into specialized technical committees better aligned with strategic mandates.
Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the performance of the GCC eGovernment network. The Joint eServices team was tasked with regularly updating member states on system usage to enhance service efficiency and long-term sustainability. Procurement strategies were also examined, with Bahrain presenting a licensing report on technology providers. The committee recommended further negotiations to secure more cost-effective and scalable solutions.
In a significant development, the committee approved the creation of a Unified GCC AI Strategy, assigning Bahrain to lead the initiative under the existing GCC eGovernment framework. Bahrain’s AI Ethics Guideline was also endorsed, with a mandate to organize regional workshops and expert dialogues to support the strategy's rollout.
Additional proposals reviewed included Oman’s initiative to develop an AI-powered framework for public services and the use of artificial intelligence in climate forecasting and disaster management. These ideas were recommended for elevation to the GCC Ministerial Committee for final approval.
The session concluded with updates on preparations for the upcoming 9th GCC eGovernment Ministerial Committee Meeting and a review of outcomes from the 8th session. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration and the collective advancement of digital government services across the region.
Bahrain’s active participation and leadership role highlight its dedication to regional digital integration, innovation, and fostering a future-ready GCC through transformative technology and strategic cooperation.
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