Bahrain Charts Confident Path Toward Smart, Sustainable Cities
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
Deputy Prime Minister HH Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa reaffirmed Bahrain’s steady progress toward building cities with advanced infrastructure and integrated facilities designed to meet both present-day needs and future aspirations. His statement came during the opening of the Bahrain Smart Cities Conference and Exhibition 2025, held under the theme “Building the Future: Smart Cities and Sustainable Growth.”
The Deputy Prime Minister underscored that Bahrain’s urban development is fully aligned with the comprehensive development vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the continuous follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He emphasized the government's dedication to fostering sustainable, secure, and inclusive urban environments through forward-thinking planning and smart technology adoption.
In his address, HH Shaikh Khalid highlighted that Bahrain’s efforts extend beyond merely integrating digital tools into city infrastructure. Rather, the approach is centered on a comprehensive, people-focused model that prioritizes sustainability, governance, innovation, and community participation as key pillars of development.
He praised the strong collaboration between the public and private sectors, which continues to drive innovative projects and transform challenges into opportunities for the benefit of the Kingdom and its citizens.
HH Shaikh Khalid expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture for organizing the conference, and to all participating and supporting institutions, wishing them success in producing recommendations that would further solidify the foundation of smart city practices in Bahrain.
The conference was attended by senior dignitaries including Interior Minister Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa and Engineer Abdulrahman Hisham Al Asfoor, Secretary-General of the Arab Towns Organization, alongside ministers, officials, and experts from Bahrain and abroad.
Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, also spoke at the event, highlighting Bahrain’s advanced urban planning model, which balances technological progress with social and human development. He thanked HH Shaikh Khalid for inaugurating the event, describing it as a reflection of the government’s commitment to both present prosperity and long-term sustainability.
He further noted Bahrain’s global recognition, with the Kingdom securing the 36th spot out of 146 nations in the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) Smart Cities 2024 Competitiveness Index — an achievement driven by robust digital infrastructure, smart governance, and sustainable development strategies.
The event also celebrated the winners of the Bahrain Smart Cities Awards for innovative contributions toward building sustainable urban solutions:
Innovation Award in Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (AI & IoT):
Real Estate Sector: Survey and Land Registration Authority for its “Artificial Intelligence System and Monitoring Changes in Smart Cities.”
Public Services Sector: Ministry of Interior for the “First Responder” project.
Real Estate Technology Sector: Eureka For Smart Living for its patented “Eureka Internet of Things and Smart City Applications” platform.
Waste Management Solutions Award:
Ministry of Public Works for its initiative, “Using Recycled Construction and Demolition Waste as a Material for Road Construction.”
Smart Urban Initiatives Innovation Award:
Information & eGovernment Authority for the “My Government” digital platform.
Renewable Energy Solutions Award:
University of Technology – Bahrain for its “Renewable Energy” project.
The two-day conference continues to bring together thought leaders and practitioners to explore innovative ideas, foster collaboration, and shape the smart cities of the future.
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