Title: Information Minister Applauds AI Training Program for Over 1,000 Public Sector Employees
Short Intro
In a landmark move to accelerate Bahrain’s digital transformation, the Ministry of Information has successfully trained more than 1,000 government employees in artificial intelligence (AI) skills. Launched earlier this year, the program equips public servants with practical AI tools to deliver faster, smarter services. Information Minister Mohammed bin Ali Al-Khalifa hailed the initiative as a vital step toward creating an agile, efficient government aligned with the kingdom’s national AI strategy.
Main Article
Bahrain’s Ministry of Information kicked off its comprehensive AI training in March 2025, inviting staff from across multiple government ministries and agencies. Over six weeks, trainees joined interactive workshops on machine learning, data analytics, natural language processing and AI ethics. Sessions were held both in person at the ministry’s headquarters and online, ensuring wide accessibility.
The curriculum was developed through partnerships with local universities, international tech firms and AI experts. This blend of academic rigor and industry know-how gave participants real-world insights and hands-on experience. “Our aim was to demystify AI and give public servants tools they can use on day one,” explained the ministry’s training director. Attendees practiced building simple chatbots, automating routine tasks and analyzing datasets.
Ethical AI practices formed a core pillar of the program. Trainees learned how to safeguard personal data, secure information systems and minimize bias in algorithms. These lessons reflect Bahrain’s broader commitment to responsible AI, as outlined in its national AI policy. By embedding ethics into every module, the ministry hopes to foster a public sector that uses AI transparently and fairly.
Information Minister Mohammed bin Ali Al-Khalifa praised the initiative for its role in boosting government efficiency. “This marks a new chapter in our public sector’s journey,” he said. “By equipping our employees with these skills, we ensure they can meet citizens’ needs with speed, accuracy and innovation.” He also announced plans to extend the training to remaining ministries and agencies later this year.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. A records manager shared, “I used to sort and tag documents manually. Now I see how AI tools can complete that task in seconds.” An IT officer added, “Building a basic machine learning model opened my eyes to new ways of serving the public. I’m excited to apply these skills back at my department.”
Beyond individual skill-building, the program laid the groundwork for pilot AI projects in several ministries. Early initiatives include deploying chatbots to handle common citizen queries, using predictive analytics for traffic management and monitoring social media for public sentiment. These pilots will test and refine AI solutions before scaling them across Bahrain’s government services.
The training supports Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, which emphasizes digital innovation and public sector modernization. As part of this vision, the Information Ministry is establishing an AI center of excellence. This hub will offer ongoing training, share best practices and coordinate AI projects government-wide.
To maintain momentum, the ministry will roll out advanced courses later in 2025. Topics will cover deep learning, robotics and advanced data visualization. Employees who complete the initial program can advance to these next-level modules, while newcomers can join a streamlined foundation course. The ministry also plans to host hackathons and innovation challenges throughout the year to spur creative problem-solving.
International observers have praised Bahrain’s approach. Experts from the World Economic Forum cited the program as a model for small nations aiming to leapfrog traditional bureaucratic processes. They noted that training public servants in AI from the ground up can accelerate adoption of digital government services and improve citizen satisfaction.
Looking ahead, the ministry envisions a fully AI-enabled public sector where routine tasks are automated, freeing employees to focus on strategic work. Real-time data analysis could guide policy decisions, and predictive tools might forecast service demands. “Our vision is not just about technology,” said Minister Al-Khalifa. “It’s about empowering our people and improving lives through smarter government.”
3 Takeaways
• More than 1,000 government employees completed a six-week AI training covering machine learning, data analytics, NLP and ethics.
• Pilot projects—such as AI chatbots, traffic prediction models and social media monitoring—are set to test new services.
• An AI center of excellence and advanced courses will ensure ongoing skill development and project coordination.
3-Question FAQ
Q1: Who took part in the training?
A1: Over 1,000 employees from various ministries and agencies, including IT officers, records managers and policy analysts, participated.
Q2: What did the program cover?
A2: The curriculum included AI basics, machine learning, data analytics, natural language processing and ethical AI practices, with hands-on labs and real-world case studies.
Q3: What’s next after this phase?
A3: The ministry will launch advanced courses in deep learning and robotics, run pilot AI projects across government services, hold hackathons to drive innovation and open an AI center of excellence to oversee future efforts.
Call to Action
Ready to bring AI into your work? Visit the Ministry of Information’s website to learn about upcoming training sessions, pilot programs and innovation events. Join us in shaping Bahrain’s digital future!
