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Bahrain is rapidly transforming into one of the region’s most technologically advanced security hubs, with 500 smart traffic cameras being rolled out, crime reporting moving fully online and artificial intelligence increasingly becoming central to policing and public safety.
The major developments were revealed yesterday by the Interior Ministry’s Public Security Deputy Chief Major General Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, during the ninth edition of the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit 2026 held at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa.
Speaking on Bahrain’s growing use of smart security systems, Dr Shaikh Hamad said technology has become one of the strongest pillars supporting both national security and quality of life.
“Our primary focus is improving quality of life from the security perspective while making government services easier and faster for citizens and residents,” he said.
He revealed Bahrain has made major progress in digitising police services, allowing people to file reports electronically without needing to physically visit service centres.
“Today, people can submit reports electronically directly from home. Technology has changed the way security services are delivered and made daily government transactions much easier.”
A major nationwide traffic surveillance network is also rapidly expanding, with 500 intelligent traffic cameras being installed to improve road safety and strengthen compliance with traffic laws.
“The project is progressing according to plan and has already proven highly successful,” said Dr Shaikh Hamad. “There are 500 cameras in total – 300 cameras in phase one, 100 in phase two and 100 in the third phase.”
He said the smart system is not limited to catching violations but is also helping authorities study traffic movement patterns, identify congestion hotspots and guide future road expansion projects.
“These cameras help reduce accidents, improve driver compliance and allow us to study road capacity so future infrastructure decisions can be made more accurately,” he explained.
Artificial intelligence, he added, is increasingly becoming central to crime prevention and law enforcement strategies.
“Technology today helps us communicate faster, fight crime more effectively and deliver services in ways that were impossible just a few years ago.”
Dr Shaikh Hamad also highlighted the continued expansion of the highly acclaimed, award-winning ‘Maan Programme Bahrain’ initiative. “Every day there is expansion in the Maan programme,” he said. “It works with students in their early school years, helping protect them from falling into harmful behaviour that could negatively affect their future or their families.”
He said Bahrain now ranks among the world’s most digitally-connected nations, with advanced Internet infrastructure and rapidly expanding smart government systems increasingly reshaping everyday life across the kingdom.
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