Bahrain’s commitment to advancing smart and sustainable cities took center stage at the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2024, inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. The event highlighted the kingdom’s ambitious plans to integrate AI technology into urban infrastructure and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2024 vision for smart and sustainable cities
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla highlighted Bahrain’s vision, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to shift towards smart and sustainable cities that prioritize quality of life standards.
In line with royal directives to develop an integrated national plan for digital economy readiness, Bahrain’s Telecommunications, Information Technology, and Digital Economy Strategy (2022-2026) aims to provide a high-quality infrastructure that will reinforce the concept of “Smart Cities” locally. This strategy focuses on equipping cities with the necessary technology to achieve sustainability and ensure optimal resource utilization, both environmentally and economically.
Comprehensive smart city strategy
The Ministerial Committee for Development Projects and Infrastructure has tasked the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry with preparing a comprehensive strategy to develop and apply smart city standards and specifications. This initiative underscores Bahrain’s commitment to urban transformation.
The Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2024, organized by the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture in cooperation with Smart Way Consulting, provided a platform for discussing the latest developments and showcasing innovative solutions for smart city development.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla stressed the importance of hosting such specialized conferences, positioning Bahrain as a regional and Arab center for smart cities. The summit facilitated the exchange of expertise and highlighted successful local and global experiences in urban transformation.
Recognizing pioneering initiatives
During the summit, public and private entities were honored for their pioneering initiatives in various categories, including innovative use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), advancements in food security and agritech, community engagement and inclusion, smart real estate and sustainable building, renewable energy and sustainability initiatives, and excellence in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) implementation.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry and all the organizers, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in adopting smart city solutions and gradually implementing them to drive sustainable development.
The Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2024 showcased Bahrain’s unwavering commitment to urban transformation and its determination to lead the way in smart city development. By fostering innovation, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and promoting public-private collaborations, Bahrain is paving the path towards a digitally advanced and sustainable future for its citizens.
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