3 days ago
iGA launches AI Talent Program via Innovation Hub
The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) announced the launch of the 'AI Talent Program' during a ceremony at the Innovation Lab at its headquarters in Isa Town. The first batch features 14 top-performing ICT students from University of Bahrain and Ahlia University who are preparing for their graduation projects. Running from 15 June to 15 December, 2025, the program offers a comprehensive blend of academic and hands-on AI work through six months of on-the-job training at the iGA.
Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, iGA Chief Executive, highlighted the importance of the training program, emphasizing its alignment with the government vision and iGA's commitment to implementing directives by General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information Technology and Communication (MCICT). The program aims to empower Bahraini talent with AI skills to prepare specialists capable of improving government services through innovation.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Fuad Mohammed Al Ansari, University of Bahrain President; Dr. Hessa Al Junaid, University of Bahrain Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Professor Mansoor Alaali, President of Ahlia University.
Al Qaed also noted that the AI Talent Program offers hands-on training with AI and digital transformation experts, focusing on teamwork, programming, and the development of AI prototypes for areas related to government needs. The students will work in multiple teams to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and their projects will be documented to support implementing impactful solutions.
Al Qaed has extended his appreciation to the University of Bahrain, Ahlia University, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) for their strategic partnerships. He stressed that collaboration between academia and the government is essential to preparing skilled talent capable of meeting digital age challenges. He thanked AWS for partnering with the iGA to train the first batch, enhancing training quality, and supporting student development, in line with Bahrain's Vision 2030 towards an advanced eGovernment.
iGA Director of Innovation and Advanced Technologies, Latifa Al Abbasi stated that the AI Talent Program bridges academic learning with market needs by combining graduation projects, practical training, and optional courses as selected by each university. She noted that the iGA aims to empower students to deliver innovative solutions for government processes and affirmed that investing in youth supports Bahrain's future and helps build a knowledge and innovation-based economy.
The program's key anticipated outcomes include preparing students for future jobs through comprehensive academic and professional experience, developing innovative government solutions, enhancing AI and programming skills, and providing professional guidance to support their career growth.
Students from higher education institutions interested in joining the AI Talent Program can contact the iGA's Innovation and Advanced Technologies Directorate at [email protected].
The AI Talent Program builds on the iGA's efforts to keep pace with ICT developments and cultivate young Bahraini professionals capable of efficiently managing the sector. It reflects the iGA's commitment to developing skills at all levels by supporting students throughout their academic journeys.
BNA(R)
