UoB Concludes International Law Conference & Issues Key Legislative and Academic Recommendations

Sakhir – University of Bahrain (Yasmeen Khalaf)
24 April 2025

The University of Bahrain’s College of Law concluded its Third International Conference on Thursday (April 24, 2025), held under the theme: “Legal Challenges of Artificial Intelligence Technology.” At the closing session, participants recommended the development of comprehensive legal and ethical frameworks for the use of artificial intelligence (AI), guided by European regulations, international conventions, and the principle of human security, especially in high-risk systems to safeguard human rights. They called for the establishment of an international agreement under the umbrella of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to regulate the legal protection of works generated by AI.

Participants also called on Bahraini legislators to define legal responsibility in accidents involving self-driving vehicles, to eliminate legislative ambiguity. They emphasized the importance of promoting international cooperation to regulate blockchain-based contracts, particularly in the field of international trade. Also, developing a clear legal framework for AI use in public administration, to ensure operational efficiency and protection against potential negative impacts. The conference also advocated revising criminal legislation to permit AI-assisted investigation and evidence gathering, supported by a detailed regulatory structure that outlines how AI may be used to detect crimes, especially complex offenses such as drug trafficking, while considering technical risks and ethical concerns.

Participants proposed studying China’s AI-supported judicial system in Shanghai, and the possibility of adapting it to the Bahraini legal context. They also recommended activating AI use in case management procedures at the Civil and Commercial Case Management Office, with full integration into the Ministry of Justice’s electronic systems.

Held over two days (Wednesday and Thursday, April 23–24, 2025), the conference brought together academics, legal experts from around the world, and representatives of Bahrain’s judicial, regulatory, and professional institutions.

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