Manama: Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2026, alongside the opening of the accompanying exhibition. The exhibition showcased government and private sector pavilions, highlighting their smart transformation initiatives and solutions.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah emphasized that investment in digital infrastructure and the adoption of smart city transformation strategies are crucial elements of Bahrain's modernisation efforts, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, further guide these initiatives.
Shaikh Khalid highlighted that the integration of government work with the private sector is pivotal for transitioning from planning to implementation of future cities. Innovative solutions, he noted, support sustainability and offer a developed environment that aligns with citizens' aspirations and economic growth.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of modernising government systems and leveraging technology in infrastructure sectors to ensure resource sustainability and provide efficient services that meet sustainable development goals. He also underscored the need to build on achievements through quality urban planning and digital transformation initiatives, prioritizing citizens' interests and quality of life.
Appreciating the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture for organizing the event, Shaikh Khalid noted that joint efforts and smart solutions under "Team Bahrain" would help realize strategic visions. He honored the winners of the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2026 awards, recognizing projects and initiatives that employ smart technologies for sustainable development.
Winners included the Ministry of Interior for the National Alert System, Eskan Bank for the digital housing platform Bayti, the Information and eGovernment Authority for the eKey 2.0 project, the Electricity and Water Authority for its network control centre project, Naseej for the "Nasayim Arad" project, and Bahrain Islamic Bank for the "Smart Guide" project. He also honored Esaam bin Abdullah Khalaf and summit partners and sponsors for their contributions.
Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, noted that Bahrain's achievements in infrastructure and digital services stem from a development process led by His Majesty the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for his support and leadership in the national smart cities strategy.
Minister Al Mubarak mentioned that this year's summit themes focus on integrating planning, innovation, and digital transformation to build future cities that balance economic and environmental sustainability.
Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board, announced Bahrain's preparation for its third Voluntary National Review on progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. She emphasized Bahrain's integrated smart cities concept, linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, which fosters communities capable of meeting present and future needs through digital infrastructure investment and smart resource management.