English Abstract
Abstract :
Background: Several countries are now becoming smart cities by taking decisive steps,
which include allocating resources, implementing smart city initiatives and policies to
support the transformation of the real estate sector. However, despite the diverse
measures by the Bahrain government to promote smart cities and enable economic
growth, there is still data paucity regarding stakeholders' perspectives in the real estate
industry on how the goal could be achieved. Research Objectives: This study was
conducted to achieve the following objectives; (1) identify the potential positive and
negative economic impacts of the implementation of smart city initiatives by real estate,
(2) analyse the potential opportunities and challenges associated with the use of Smart
City technologies in Bahrain, and to (3) assess the potential economic development
opportunities that could arise from the use of Smart City technologies in Bahrain.
Methods: A semi-structured interview was conducted among 15 stakeholders from
Bahrain’s real estate sector. The first section interview focused on the present
infrastructure, elements required for smart city establishment, approaches to building
smart cities, and underlining drivers for smart city initiatives. Meanwhile, the second
section emphasised the expected benefits of smart city development in terms of
sustainable development and the associated challenges. Data obtained from the
interview were analysed thematically. Results: Participants had diverse perspectives
on the current state of infrastructure in Bahrain. The key elements required for smart
city development were collaboration with international smart cities, human capital and
human resources, and alternative energy sources. Increasing citizens’ quality of life
(QOL), exponential population growth, ensuring environmentally friendly activities,
addressing climate change and global warming and achieving sustainable development
were considered the predominant motives for smart city initiatives in Bahrain.
Meanwhile, improved QOL, diversified investment, environmental sustainability,
improved security architecture and robust tourism and hospitality industry were
mentioned as the expected benefits, whereas the potential challenges were
cybersecurity, public acceptance or low awareness, high cost and financing constraints,
insufficient human resources, and infrastructural requirements. Conclusion:
Policymakers and relevant authorities involved in Bahrain’s smart city initiatives may
consider providing innovative solutions to cybersecurity, addressing public acceptance
and awareness about smart cities, attracting foreign investment to finance the real estate
industry, and building competent and effective human capital. Prioritising these areas
may facilitate the transformation of Bahrain’s potential smart cities and drive towards
attaining sustainable development.
