Manama: The first day of the 8th Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2025, held on April 15-16, highlighted the need for smart cities based on sustainable planning, continuous improvement, and human-focused development. Sessions featured in-depth discussions on urban challenges, sustainable land use, and the application of global metrics in geographic planning.
According to Bahrain News Agency, experts addressed smart building technologies, AI-enabled infrastructure, and digital twins in urban development. Discussions also highlighted the role of fintech in enhancing urban services, digital payments, and the integration of technological systems.
Speakers underscored the importance of understanding local geographic contexts, applying sustainability principles, and using data to improve urban performance. The summit emphasised that smart cities require more than technology, as they demand strategic planning, inclusive governance, transparency, and effective data management.
Legal and regulatory challenges were also addressed, including data governance and document management laws. The role of education and cybersecurity in ensuring cohesive, resilient smart cities was emphasised as a foundation for sustainable development.