Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, inaugurated the 12th Middle East Technology Information Conference (MEET ICT) and Bahrain International Technology Exhibition (BITEX) under the theme "AI for All" on December 3-5.

The minister highlighted Bahrain’s development in digital transformation, AI integration, and innovation under the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the government’s initiatives led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed noted Bahrain’s top global rankings in internet penetration, 5G coverage, and cybersecurity, emphasising the Kingdom’s commitment to leveraging AI and digital technologies to drive economic growth and sustainable development.

The minister praised national initiatives such as the Nasser Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Centre, Khalid bin Hamad Competition for Innovation in Artificial Intelligence, and Tamkeen’s AI Academy, which support human capital development and technological progress.

On the occasion of Bahraini Women’s Day, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed commended the Supreme Council for Women (SCW)’s efforts to promote women in technology, reflecting Bahrain’s leadership in gender inclusion within the tech sector.

The Minister affirmed Bahrain’s commitment to global cooperation through its role in the ITU Council and the Digital Cooperation Organisation, calling for international frameworks to address AI governance and responsible digital innovation.

During a tour of BITEX, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah reviewed cutting-edge digital solutions presented by local and international companies, highlighting their contributions to Bahrain’s digital economy.

Tareq Fakhro, the Chairman of the Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH), expressed appreciation for government support, which enhances Bahrain’s global position in digital transformation and sustainable AI adoption.

من جانبه، أعرب السيد طارق فخرو الرئيس التنفيذي لجمعية البحرين لشركات التقنية  (BTECH)، عن تقديره للدعم الحكومي الذي ساهم على الدوام في نجاح هذا المؤتمر والمعرض، ودعم مخرجاته بما يعزز المكانة المتقدمة لمملكة البحرين في مجالات التحول الرقمي وتوظيف الذكاء الاصطناعي لأغراض التنمية المستدامة.