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Artificial Intelligence & Smart cities

Accelerating Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Bahrain

Bahrain recognizes the importance of Artificial Intelligence in streamlining processes and informs strategic decision-making of businesses across all industries and has taken steps in the study and application of AI in different fields. AI changed various areas of our lives and it’s seen by Bahrainis a major source of achieving sustainable development in the kingdom.  

AI in the Courtrooms

Bahrain is looking to improve the efficiency of courtrooms and the judiciary system with digital transformation in courts and use of artificial intelligence. The Supreme Judicial Council have organized the first international conference for artificial intelligence in the judiciary to be held in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council to support to explore the possibilities of using AI in the courtrooms.

AI for Agriculture

Bahrain employed artificial intelligence techniques in the automatic monitoring of all palm trees existing on the land of the Kingdom of Bahrain which enables researchers and investors to carry out research in the field of food security, by estimating the amount of production for each palm tree. The initiative is in the service of one of the sustainable development goals related to food security, SDG2.

AI Certification

Bahrain Polytechnic provides academic courses on AI at the Artificial Intelligence Academy which provides a platform for the youth to boost their innovation and creativity capabilities in the field of artificial intelligence. The academy partners with the community, businesses, and government entities to ensure that workforce is trained to meet the market needs to support Bahrain’s economic growth. Students who complete the AI Academy program receives professional certification, as well as a certificate of attendance by Bahrain Polytechnic upon program  completion.

AI Innovation

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports launched an annual “HackFest” aimed at university students and high school students about innovation in Artificial Intelligence. The of H.H. SH. Khalid Bin Hamad Competition for Innovation in Artificial Intelligence is organized by Bahrain Polytechnic and supported by several privet sector companies. The competition tests the ability of participants in creating innovative projects that use features for Artificial Intelligence.

AI Research

The government of Bahrain approved the establishment of a national research in the field of artificial intelligence. The University of Bahrain and the Benefit Bahrain Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create a lab for Artificial Intelligence and advanced computing. The lab will expand AI research and innovation in multiple areas such as cybersecurity, fraud detection, big data analysis, sustainable energy, particle physics, engineering applications, climate change and sea level prediction.

Smart Cities

In accordance with the New Urban Agenda issued by the UN HABITAT, Bahrain has initiated the movement towards smart cities whereby the urban areas in Bahrain can become more efficient, livable, and sustainable in both the short and long term with the active participation from public administration, citizens and businesses. Bahrain’s smart cities movement works as an accelerator for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 about sustainable cities and communities.

The Kingdom’s National Real Estate Plan 2021-2024 encourages developing smart and environmentally friendly real estate projects. There is ongoing dialog in Bahrain on topics of smart and sustainable cities among public sector, private sector, technology providers and NGOs to implement Smart Real Estate concept in real estate projects. Bahrain Smart Cities Summit organizes a series of online panel discussion to focus on this issue.

Smart Traffic Control

Smart traffic lights or Intelligent traffic lights are used around the kingdom a vehicle traffic control system that combines traditional traffic lights with an array of sensors and artificial intelligence to intelligently route vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Smart Cooling Infrastructure

Bahrain is using smarter ways to tackle the high demand for cooling in the county’s hot climate. Newly developed areas in Bahrain such as Diyar Al Muharraq is using Direct Cooling systems to provide cooling to buildings which resulted in more than 30% reduction in electricity consumption. The Direct Cooling system provides cold water to buildings to help reduce the use of conventional air conditioning systems leading to a reduced electricity demand and lower impact on the environment.

Smart Banking

New Bank accounts can be opened easily online via mobile apps without having to set foot inside a bank physical branch. Personal identity and information can be captured virtually and verified seamlessly in accordance with the kingdom’s financial regulations and policies. All private information is protected by law.  

Smart Cities events

Bahrain Smart Cities Summit is a dedicated event for smart and sustainable solutions for cities of today and the future. It serves as a platform for many cross-sector collaborations in Bahrain, paving the way for innovation and transformation to a smart kingdom.

The main purpose of the event is to create awareness about the prospects of Smart Cities.   The event serves as a platform to exchange ideas and throughout in an international prospects and emphasize the role of universities in the region in promoting Smart Cities via consultancy, building smarter ideas, or continuity in the form of publications and creating innovative solutions.