iGA CE highlights Bahrain’s AI initiatives at Global AI Summit 2024

Riyadh, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), participated in the Global AI Summit 2024 in Riyadh, which is being held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA). The two-day event, organised by SDAIA in collaboration with UNESCO, runs from September 10-12 in Saudi Arabia. The summit features keynote speakers, including government officials, leaders, experts, and AI specialists from 100 countries, focusing on eight core topics. Through various sessions, it will showcase the latest AI innovations and trends, explore advanced generative AI algorithms and big data applications, and highlight the development of technical and creative skills aligned with ethical AI standards. On the first day, Al Qaed participated in the ministerial session titled "Global Approach to Advance Ethical Governance of AI," commending Saudi Arabia's efforts and SDAIA's thorough preparations, while expressing his hopes for the summit's success in achieving its goals. Al Qaed highlighted Bahrain's initiatives in adopting AI technologies, noting that under the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Kingdom is employing advanced technologies and AI to enhance government services and improve performance. This is part of Bahrain's broader drive towards comprehensive digital transformation, aligned with international standards for privacy, security, and ethical compliance. He emphasised Bahrain's national AI initiatives and its digital economy strategy, which aims to enhance government operations and productivity through innovation. This strategy incorporates AI into sectors such as education, health, transport, and security, while also promoting scientific research and improving digital infrastructure. Al Qaed underscored AI's c ritical role in building a strong economy, noting its potential to streamline processes, attract investment, and improve the quality of life in Bahrain. He pointed out that global experiences in AI utilisation, across both government and private sectors, highlight the importance of frameworks, policies, and best practices in AI governance to mitigate risks, protect data privacy, and address the ethical, social, and economic implications of AI. Al Qaed also stressed the significance of ethical AI governance, referring to Bahrain's GCC AI Ethics Guideline initiative, which promotes the use of AI in key sectors through partnerships with the private sector to support government systems and enhance data sharing. He noted Bahrain's efforts to integrate AI into education and training, including AI degree programmes in universities and vocational institutions, the establishment of university AI labs, and Hackathons designed to provide young people with opportunities to gain knowledge, explore future sciences, and de velop innovative solutions. The Global AI Summit features over 456 speakers participating in 150 discussions and workshops, drawing more than 32,000 registered attendees from around the world. Source: Bahrain News Agency