Bahrain’s leading tech event, MEET ICT and BITEX, opened its doors today under the patronage of the Minister for Transportation and Telecommunications, H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. Held under the theme ‘AI for All’, the event is organized by Worksmart for Events Management in collaboration with the Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH). Its aim is to foster advancements in ICT while spotlighting the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving digital transformation across various sectors.
Tareq Fakhroo, Chairman of the Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH), welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed his gratitude to the sponsors and exhibitors for driving Bahrain’s digital landscape.
Bahrain has been actively embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various sectors. The government is leading the charge by implementing AI in the judiciary to enhance efficiency and improve decision-making. AI-powered chatbots have been deployed to provide efficient and personalized customer service. Additionally, the education sector is leveraging AI to foster innovation and creativity.
Rashid Al-Snan, CEO of Etisalcom, commented during his speech: “Over the past 12 years, MEET ICT and BITEX have brought together visionaries, industry leaders, and policymakers to share knowledge, address challenges, and explore new opportunities in ICT. Your participation is not just a testament to the significance of this event but also a crucial part of its success. It attracts participants from around the globe, providing Bahrain with the opportunity to highlight its thriving ICT ecosystem. This dedication to fostering collaboration and development in this critical sector is evident. Artificial Intelligence is not futuristic but a reality, reshaping industries, economies, and societies.”
Ahmed Al Hujairy, Group CEO of ThinkSmart Gulf, commented during his keynote: “Your Excellencies, esteemed guests, and speakers, it’s been an incredible journey since we first learned about AI, and today, we are discussing AI for All. We are delving deeper into this topic because this particular phase—what I might call the evolution of AI—differs significantly from previous technological advancements like the internet or cloud computing. AI’s potential is far clearer than we might have anticipated. That is why we are gathered here at this conference—to debate and discuss what AI is truly achieving.
AI skilling is crucial to unlocking the full potential of artificial intelligence, enabling individuals and organizations to harness its capabilities effectively. By equipping the workforce with AI expertise, businesses can drive innovation, improve efficiency, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”
Bahrain is committed to ethical AI governance and is developing guidelines and regulations to ensure the responsible and beneficial use of AI. The government is also investing in AI education and training programs to develop a skilled workforce. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, Bahrain aims to accelerate AI innovation and adoption. Through these initiatives, Bahrain is positioning itself as a regional leader in technology and innovation, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
The private sector is also actively adopting AI. Financial institutions are utilizing AI for fraud detection, risk assessment, and personalized financial advice. In the healthcare sector, AI is being applied to medical image analysis, drug discovery, and patient care. Furthermore, smart city initiatives are being implemented to improve traffic management, energy efficiency, and public safety.
