Bahrain is preparing to host the ninth edition of the Bahrain Smart Cities Conference 2026, bringing together government entities, technology companies and urban development experts to discuss the future of sustainable and digitally-driven cities.
The two-day conference, scheduled for April 21 and 22, at the Bahrain Convention Centre at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa, will focus on strengthening co-operation between the public and private sectors to support smart infrastructure, digital transformation and sustainable urban development.
The event is being organised by the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry and will be held under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.
According to the organisers, the conference agenda will focus on several transformative pillars, including artificial intelligence as a driver of economic growth, smart transportation systems, renewable energy, financial technology and sustainable urban investment models.
The programme will also address integrating afforestation projects with real estate development, improving urban resource management and enhancing operational efficiency through advanced technologies.
Officials say the discussions aim to position Bahrain as a regional hub for innovation in smart infrastructure while strengthening its competitiveness as a financial and technological centre.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry special projects adviser Yousif Al Qassab said during the recent Capital Trustees Board meeting that the conference has evolved into an important regional platform over the past decade. “This summit aims to integrate the public and private sectors under the slogan: ‘Vision Cities…Where Sustainability, Innovation and Smart Transformation Meet’,” he said.
“The goal is to create an effective collaborative environment between government institutions and the private sector to produce innovative and applicable solutions that support national infrastructure and improve the quality of services provided to citizens and residents.”
Mr Al Qassab believes that the conference helps reflect Bahrain’s long-standing leadership in municipal governance and urban planning. “Municipal work in Bahrain dates back more than a century, with the establishment of the first municipal authority in 1919,” he said. “Today we are building on that legacy by embracing digital transformation and advanced technologies to shape the cities of the future.”
He added that the summit would bring together decision-makers, experts and technology providers to exchange ideas and develop policies that support smart national infrastructure.
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said the conference highlights Bahrain’s commitment to sustainable development and innovation in urban services.
“The conference represents an important opportunity to strengthen co-operation between government institutions and the private sector in developing smart solutions that enhance municipal services and improve the quality of life for citizens and residents,” he said.
Vice-chairwoman Dr Khulood Al Qattan said expectations were high. “We’re looking forward to the results of this conference and the ideas that will emerge from it,” she said.
“Preparations have been ongoing for some time, and every year the event continues to grow in scope and impact, reflecting Bahrain’s commitment to modern urban development.”
She added that despite regional challenges, Bahrain continued to move forward with strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure and public services.
“We remain confident in Bahrain’s ability to overcome challenges and continue its development journey,” she added.
Capital Trustees Board member Dr Abdulhassan Al Dairy highlighted the conference’s track record over the past decade. “This event marks 10 years of success in bringing together expertise and innovation in the field of smart cities,” he said. “It reflects the vision of Bahrain’s leadership in advancing sustainable development, digital transformation and modern municipal services.”
The Bahrain Smart Cities Awards 2026 recognises and celebrates innovative solutions and best practices that drive smart city development in Bahrain. These awards aim to inspire, promote and accelerate the adoption of sustainable, efficient and technology-driven smart city solutions that enhance urban living, resource management and sustainability.
Awards to highlight achievements include:
* AIoT Innovation: Transforming urban ecosystems through AI and IoT technologies.
* Waste Management Solutions: Pioneering strategies for sustainable and circular waste systems.
* AI in Fintech: Revolutionising financial services for smart city economies.
* Excellence in ESG Implementation: Promoting environmental, social and governance leadership.
* Renewable Energy and Sustainability Initiatives: Recognising projects in solar, wind and other renewable energy
* Smart Cities Initiative Award (Open Category): Recognising ground-breaking projects across various smart city sectors.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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