Bahrain clinches top 50 global spot in AI readiness

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

Bahrain, alongside four other GCC economies, is ranked among the top 50 worldwide in the Oxford Insight Government AI Readiness Index, which assesses the ability of governments to implement AI technologies within public services. In recent years, Bahrain has been leading efforts to enhance its AI sector.

A report from the IEEE Computer Society predicts that the economic impact of AI in the GCC, including Bahrain, will surpass $277 billion by 2030.

GCC governments have incorporated AI into their national strategies.

For example, around 70% of the 96 strategic objectives in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 relate to data and AI.

In October 2020, Saudi Arabia announced its National AI Strategy, aiming to train 20,000 data and AI specialists and to support an entrepreneurial ecosystem with 300 active startups.

By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to be among the top 15 countries worldwide in AI.

Frameworks To enhance their AI capabilities, GCC economies have established regulatory and administrative frameworks.

The UAE, for instance, created the world’s first Ministry of AI.

In March 2021, Qatar’s Cabinet approved the formation of an AI Committee within the Ministry of Transport and Communications to oversee AI-related projects.

Bahrain has also launched various initiatives to advance AI and other technologies. AI integration is especially prominent in the financial services sector, focusing on improving customer experiences.