Bahrain participates in first Legislative Parliamentary Forum
Abu Dhabi, Oct. 7 (BNA): Sadiq Eid Al Rahma, a member of the Shura Council, led Bahrain’s parliamentary division at the first Legislative Parliamentary Forum, organised by the Federal National Council (FNC).
The forum aims to enhance parliamentary cooperation and exchange expertise on modern technologies among GCC states.
Al Rahma emphasised that the Kingdom of Bahrain has accorded paramount importance to developing a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI), acknowledging both its immense potential to drive progress and the ethical and social considerations it entails. He noted that this approach stems from the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the ongoing follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He noted that Bahrain’s AI legislative framework integrates national laws and strategic policies to ensure the safe and responsible use of digital technologies. He highlighted key laws forming this foundation, including Law (30) of 2018 with Respect to Personal Data Protection Law, the Electronic Communications and Transactions Law (Law 54 of 2018), and the Information Technology Law (Law 60 of 2014), all of which align with international standards and strengthen digital trust and cybersecurity.
Al Rahma added that Bahrain’s AI and digital transformation strategies, along with the national cybersecurity strategy, embed ethical and human considerations at the core of policymaking. He commended the GCC’s issuance of the Guiding Manual on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence as a leading regional model promoting responsible innovation and safeguarding national and societal interests.
He further emphasised the need for balanced legislation governing AI use in human resource management to ensure transparency, accountability, and protection of individual rights while maintaining operational efficiency.
Al Rahma also called for adopting a unified GCC AI public procurement policy, supported by a shared contractual and ethical framework to enhance transparency, good governance, and risk mitigation, pointing to Bahrain’s experience in developing the Guiding Manual on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence as a benchmark.
The forum aimed to address emerging legislative challenges in AI and strengthen proactive laws and parliamentary practices that promote responsible innovation across GCC countries.
