Bahrain’s technology community will convene in late November for a dialogue on AI’s economic impact and the latest in global digital transformation. The thirteenth MEET ICT Conference, running alongside the BITEX exhibition from 25 to 27 November at the Gulf Hotel, reflects a sector dealing with rapid change and searching for practical applications of artificial intelligence.
Exploring AI’s Impact
This year’s conference and exhibition will be held under the theme “Innovation, Transform, Elevate: AI For the New Economy”, highlighting the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in redefining industries, accelerating digital transformation, and supporting economic diversification across Bahrain and the wider region.
Spanning three days, the events will open with a two-day conference program featuring high-level discussions led by prominent experts, specialists, and key decision-makers from the ICT sector.
These sessions will delve into pressing themes such as the implementation of AI in business ecosystems, the future of smart economies, and the transformation of public and private services through emerging technologies.
The third day will include a dedicated workshop composed of interactive sessions focused on the most relevant trends and challenges surrounding digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
Running parallel to these sessions, the BITEX exhibition gives technology companies three days to showcase the latest in innovative solutions, smart systems, and next-generation services.
A notable addition to this year’s program is a dedicated session on opportunities within the Saudi market, aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration and fostering new partnerships between Bahraini and Saudi enterprises. This session will facilitate high-level networking, business development, and investment exchange between stakeholders in both markets.
Beyond the Usual Programming
Two additions to this year’s agenda are worth noting. A dedicated session on the Saudi market acknowledges what many in Bahrain’s business community already know: opportunities increasingly require looking beyond national borders. Whether this session produces genuine partnerships or simply good intentions remains to be seen, but the recognition of regional integration is timely.
The “Learning Village” and “Tech Innovators” initiative, meanwhile, attempts to address the sector’s perennial skills challenge. Getting universities to showcase their projects might help bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application, though transforming student projects into viable businesses has always been easier said than done.
Rashid Al-Snan, Chairman of BTECH, commented: “This international platform continues to play a vital role in advancing digital transformation in the region, attracting top talent, showcasing investment opportunities in technology, and underlining the profound impact of AI in shaping future economies.”
Ahmed Al-Hujairy, CEO of WorkSmart, stated: “We aim to drive collaboration between the public and private sectors by facilitating the development of innovative solutions, technology-driven initiatives, and impactful partnerships.”
What’s at Stake?
For Bahrain, events like MEET ICT and Bahrain International Technology Exhibition (BITEX) serve a purpose beyond networking. As the country works to diversify its economy, technology represents both opportunity and necessity. Getting AI adoption right could accelerate that diversification. Getting it wrong, or moving too slowly, could leave the country watching opportunities move elsewhere.
The challenge facing attendees will be cutting through the inevitable hype that surrounds AI discussions and focusing on practical applications that deliver measurable results. Three days in November won’t solve that challenge, but they might help clarify it.
MEET ICT Conference and BITEX Exhibition take place 25-27 November 2025 at the Gulf Convention Centre, Gulf Hotel, Bahrain. Registration at www.meetict.com and www.bitexbh.com or contact +973 1700 2280.
