Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is increasingly perceived as a transformative force which society and industry must ready themselves. The breakthroughs in GenAI platforms such as ChatGPT, Mi Journey, Gemini and many others are catalysing substantial changes in several aspects of daily life, including the labour market in Bahrain, leisure industry, and education. GenAI poses exceptional challenges to academic learning and teaching methodologies. Consequently, higher education institutions (HEIs) in Bahrain have addressed the emerging threat to academic integrity with a range of strategies and initiatives that encourage GenAI’s ethical and effective utilization through student guidance materials. Nevertheless, most information provided by higher education institutions (HEIs) to students has been unclear or lacking in specificity regarding the precise circumstances under which the use of ChatGPT is allowed or considered appropriate. Most higher education institutions are currently assessing their policies on the utilization of ChatGPT and its implications for academic integrity. Integration of GenAI into academic learning and instruction is not simply a reaction to technological advancement; it is a strategic imperative for preparing students for the future in Bahrain, enhancing their educational experiences, fostering critical and ethical reasoning, and encouraging innovation and creativity. Thus, it is imperative to include students not just in acclimating them to new technology but also in enabling them to become proactive contributors to their education and future. Instructors must emphasize the importance of students engaging with these technologies. A pedagogical technique will allow learners to evaluate the accuracy and quality of information obtained using AI tools, thereby cultivating fundamental abilities required for success in a society increasingly intertwined with AI technologies. These skills include critical thinking, advanced cognitive abilities, creativity, and original thought capacity. In conclusion, there is an urgent need to integrate ethical reasoning and principles of academic integrity into the educational curriculum in Bahrain. This integration would improve students’ academic experiences and prepare them to address the moral and ethical challenges associated with the use of GenAI technology in various aspects of life.