The University of Technology Bahrain (UTB) brought together global leaders, policymakers, corporate executives, and academics for a two-day conference on 14 and 15 October. Key developments were addressed at the International Conference on Smart Innovations in Management, Digital Transformation, and Emerging Technologies (SIMDTE 2025).
The University was joined by HE Dr Diana Abdulkarim Aljahrami, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council, who highlighted the Kingdom’s focus on applied research and practical solutions – efforts that support Bahrain’s national mission of empowering its citizens to be at the forefront of global excellence.
The dialogue revolved around the biggest topics in the technology space today: digital finance, artificial intelligence, sustainability, e-commerce, and innovation.
Dr Aljahrami further stated that innovation is not an option – it is a necessity for resilience, sustainability, and growth. She commended UTB for pioneering the SIMDTE platform, which fosters dialogue and collaboration towards digital transformation across finance, technology, and business sectors.
Dr Hasan Almulla, President of UTB, noted that SIMDTE is not merely an academic gathering but a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, dialogue, and cross-sector partnerships. “UTB is committed to contributing to Bahrain’s emergence as a hub for digital transformation and sustainable development by nurturing responsible future leaders capable of advancing the nation’s progress,” he remarked.
Abdulwahed Al Janahi, CEO of Benefit, underscored Bahrain’s pioneering role in financial technology. “Bahrain is leading the digital finance agenda regionally, and SIMDTE has proven to be a crucial bridge for collaboration between financial institutions, regulators, and innovators. The insights shared here will help transform vision into tangible results.”
Bader Sater, CEO of FinTech Bay, reflected on the value of collaborative ecosystems, “SIMDTE highlighted the importance of environments where financial technologies, corporates, and regulators work hand in hand. This approach ensures innovation is accelerated, sustainable, and impactful.”
In addition to keynote sessions, the conference featured industry spotlights from Huawei and the telecom sectors, international expert talks, and research paper presentations on topics including AI’s transformation of business operations, sustainability in SMEs, trends in e-commerce supply chains, and entrepreneurship innovation.
The conference was hailed for convening a dialogue that reinforces Bahrain’s role as a regional hub for digital transformation, fintech, and sustainable practices. UTB is aligning its initiatives with the Bahrain Vision 2030. Its efforts are directed at advancing the quality of education, research, and industry partnerships that contribute to the Kingdom’s aspirations for a sustainable and competitive economy.
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