Strong AI workforce by 2030

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Artificial intelligence is the future — and Bahrain isn’t waiting.

The kingdom is gearing up to build a 50,000-strong AIskilled workforce by 2030.

Leading the charge is the Labour Fund Tamkeen, steering a government-backed mission outlined by the Economic Development Board.

In support, the Information and eGovernment Authority has already rolled out the National Artificial Intelligence Policy and an AI ethics guide — tools now serving as a reference point for neighbours across the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Bahrain’s Economic Recovery Plan also leans heavily on AI, aiming to weave it into production lines and services to boost output and create high-quality jobs.

To drive this shift, the kingdom is advancing a threepronged strategy: the Digital Economy Strategy, the Financial Services Development Strategy and the Industrial Sector Strategy.

The Ministry of Finance and National Economy says it is already using AI-driven economic modelling to track performance and forecast growth.

On the talent front, the Artificial Intelligence Academy at Bahrain Polytechnic is preparing citizens for digital innovation, while youth are exposed to AI through the Khalid bin Hamad Innovation Competition and Hackfest events.

Artificial intelligence forms a core pillar of the National Digital Economy Strategy, itself anchored within the wider Telecommunications, Information Technology and Digital Economy Strategy. AI is also embedded throughout the enabling frameworks of Bahrain Economic Vision 2050.

The Ministry of Cabinet Affairs notes that the Government Programme 2023–2026 carries a full pillar on state performance and digital transformation, with 48 national initiatives designed to spark innovation, build digital skills a n d prepare infrastructure and legislation for a fully digital economy.

According to the ministry, the Digital Economy Strategy approved in 2023 rests on three pillars: an inventive and borderless digital economy; a flexible, responsive digital government; and a globally connected digital hub. Strong collaboration between the public and private sectors is seen as essential to delivering these goals.

For its part, the Nasser Centre for Science and Technology says a dedicated national AI strategy would be a pivotal step towards boosting competitiveness and achieving Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. It added that AI promises major advances across industry, finance, education and health.