Builds Momentum on Ethical AI

Bahrain has highlighted its growing focus on responsible artificial intelligence and ethical technology governance at a major international forum in Riyadh.

Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed participated in the 4th UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence 2026, held in Saudi Arabia.

The forum brought together ministers, senior government officials, policymakers, experts and specialists to discuss the future of ethical AI.

Al Qaed joined a high-level ministerial session titled “Five Years of the Recommendation: Where We Are, Where We Go Next,” focusing on progress in implementing UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and strengthening national capacity for AI governance.

He highlighted Bahrain’s progress in AI readiness and said UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology had helped the Kingdom assess its capabilities, identify development priorities and shape its next steps.

The priorities include strengthening data infrastructure, developing national AI expertise, improving governance and increasing public awareness of responsible AI use.

Al Qaed also pointed to initiatives supporting education, skills development and the public sector’s adoption of emerging technologies.

He stressed the need for stronger cooperation between sectors and greater research into AI ethics, as countries move from assessment to practical implementation.

Bahrain’s participation, he said, reflects its continued engagement in global discussions on responsible AI while building on national initiatives to use the technology to improve government services and benefit society.