Bahrain's Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has signed an agreement with the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) in a move aimed at strengthening joint co-operation and the exchange of expertise and knowledge in the fields of Data and Artificial Intelligence.

The MoU covers several areas of mutual co-operation, most notably the exchange of expertise and knowledge in advanced technologies, co-operation in data governance, and the development of infrastructure and technologies supporting artificial intelligence, including Large Language Models (LLMs). 

It also supports joint research projects, as well as the development and testing of prototypes for innovative technological solutions that serve both parties.

The MoU was signed by iGA Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed and SDAIA President Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, in the presence of Latifa Mohammed Al Abbasi, Director of Innovation and Advanced Technologies at iGA, representing the Bahraini side, and Abdullah Al Khudairi, Chief Executive of the Strategy Management Office at SDAIA, representing the Saudi side, along with a number of officials from both sides.

Speaking on the occasion, Al Qaed said the agreement reflects the depth of the longstanding relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He emphasized the shared commitment to strengthening technical cooperation and exchanging expertise and knowledge in support of the two countries’ future aspirations in data and artificial intelligence.

He noted that the MoU covers several areas of mutual cooperation, most notably the exchange of expertise and knowledge in advanced technologies, cooperation in data governance, and the development of infrastructure and technologies supporting artificial intelligence, including Large Language Models (LLMs). It also supports joint research projects, as well as the development and testing of prototypes for innovative technological solutions that serve both parties.

The areas of cooperation also include the implementation of joint and specialized training programmes, as well as the exchange of experiences and best practices in national data governance. These efforts contribute to developing specialized competencies and skills, maximizing the benefits of shared expertise, and supporting efforts to build an advanced and sustainable ecosystem in the fields of data and AI, he stated.

On the deal, Dr Alghamdi said it reflects the strength of the longlasting relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as their shared efforts to expanding cooperation in data and artificial intelligence.

"The MoU represents a step towards strengthening the exchange of expertise, developing national capabilities, and supporting research and innovation," he stated. 

"These efforts will contribute to the responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies, the development of innovative solutions that enhance government services, and the support of digital transformation in both countries," he added.

Al Qaed pointed out that the MoU opens broader horizons for co-operation between the two countries in harnessing modern technologies and developing innovative solutions that address shared priorities. 

This includes leveraging mutual expertise, undertaking joint projects and initiatives, promoting research and innovation, and investing in the development of national capabilities and specialized skills, he stated.

This co-operation comes at a time when AI technologies are witnessing rapid developments and growing opportunities, noting the importance of unified efforts and leveraging the capabilities and expertise of both sides to translate these technologies into practical solutions with tangible impact, he added.-TradeArabia News Service