Dr. Ahmed Abdel Hamid Al -Sheikh, CEO of the Bahrain Institute for Banking and Financial Studies (BIBF), valued the launch of the national policy of artificial intelligence announced by the Information and Electronic Government Authority, indicating that it represents a qualitative step in enhancing the Kingdom’s readiness to turn towards the digital economy, and establish its position as a regional center for technology and innovation.
Dr. Al -Sheikh stressed that preparing national competencies in the areas of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies is an essential pillar for the success of this policy, stressing that investing in the human element is no less important than investing in technical infrastructure, but rather is the decisive factor in ensuring effective and responsible use of these technologies.
He explained that the institute, as a leading national institution in the field of education and training, has been working for years to develop educational and training programs specialized in artificial intelligence, data analysis, and machine learning, in cooperation with international academic partners and technicians, with the aim of qualifying Bahraini cadres from the skills required for future jobs.
He added: “The national trend towards artificial intelligence requires an integrated system that includes education, legislation, and governance, and we at the institute are committed to providing an active contribution to this path, by providing an advanced educational environment, and providing credit programs that take into account the moral and technical aspects of this technological revolution, in line with the Gulf moral charter accompanying the strategy.”
Dr. Al -Sheikh pointed out that the institute has implemented a number of national initiatives in this field, including extensive training programs in artificial intelligence in cooperation with local and international bodies, in addition to a national initiative aimed at training more than 5,000 Bahrainis during the next five years on the most important skills and applications of artificial intelligence.
He concluded his statement by emphasizing that the next stage requires enhancing integration between government agencies and education and training institutions, in a manner that ensures building human capabilities capable of leading digital transformation, achieving the goals of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, and turning artificial intelligence from a technical tool to a comprehensive development element.
