Manama: Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the 26th Gulf Engineering Forum and Energy Management Conference and Exhibition under the theme “Energy Transition Challenges.” The event, organised by the Bahrain Society of Engineers in collaboration with the Gulf Engineering Union, was attended by Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, along with ministers and senior officials.
According to Bahrain News Agency, during the forum, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to energy transition by adopting innovative initiatives and technologies and encouraging the use of renewable energy sources. He noted that these efforts form a key pillar of the Kingdom’s comprehensive development process, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He also emphasised that energy transition presents a strategic opportunity for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to enhance economic diversification, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen long-term energy security. The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of fostering public-private sector collaboration to accelerate energy transition, develop the necessary infrastructure for renewable energy, and achieve the strategic objectives of the region’s nations.
He commended the Bahrain Society of Engineers and the Gulf Engineering Union for organising the forum, recognising its role as a platform for regional cooperation in the energy sector and an opportunity for specialists to exchange expertise and develop innovative solutions supporting sustainable energy strategies. On her part, Dr. Raeda Al Alawi, President of the Bahrain Society of Engineers and Chairperson of the forum, expressed her appreciation to the Deputy Prime Minister for inaugurating the event, reflecting his continuous support for the society’s objectives and its role in advancing the engineering profession at local, regional, and global levels.
She reaffirmed the society’s commitment to active participation in the Gulf Engineering Union’s initiatives, particularly the Gulf Engineering Forum, which it has supported since its inception in 1997. Following the opening ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister honoured distinguished engineers from the GCC, heads of Gulf engineering associations and institutions, winners of the Gulf Engineering Union’s Excellence and Innovation Award in its 26th edition, as well as sponsors and supporters of the forum.