Manama: Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2025, held under the theme "Building the Future: Smart Cities, Sustainable Growth."
According to Bahrain News Agency, the two-day event, organised by the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, brings together representatives from the public and private sectors and experts from various countries. In his opening remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised Bahrain's commitment to developing cities with advanced infrastructure and comprehensive facilities that meet current needs and future aspirations. He highlighted the government's focus on investing in the future of cities by adopting solutions that contribute to creating a sustainable, safe, and inclusive urban environment for all residents.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Bahrain's approach to city development involves a comprehensive understanding of future requirements and the establishment of a system that places people at the centre of development, based on principles of sustainability, governance, innovation, and community participation. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah commended the ongoing collaboration between the public and private sectors, which has led to numerous initiatives ensuring the sustainability of services and quality of life, transforming challenges into opportunities for the benefit of the Kingdom and its citizens.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture for organising the summit and to all supporting and participating entities. He wished the organisers success in producing recommendations that reinforce the concept of smart cities in society and strengthen their foundations on sustainable principles aligned with Bahrain's future development goals.
Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, highlighted Bahrain's vision, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to prioritise sustainable development in urban planning. He highlighted the Kingdom's commitment to adopting the highest standards in urban planning, combining technological innovation with human and social dimensions.
The Minister expressed his appreciation to the Deputy Prime Minister for inaugurating the summit, highlighting the government's commitment to current development and building a bright, sustainable future for upcoming generations. He also noted that Bahrain has achieved a notable ranking on the IMD Smart City Index 2024, placing 36th out of 146 countries. This achievement reflects progress in digital infrastructure, efficient smart government services, and the adoption of sustainable city solutions.
During the opening ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister honoured the winners of the Bahrain Smart Cities Awards 2025 for their projects related to the development of sustainable smart cities. The awards recognised achievements in various categories, including AIoT Innovation, Waste Management Solutions, Innovation in Smart Urban Initiatives, and Renewable Energy and Sustainability Initiatives.