Programme to focus on impact of Fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and cloud computing on the future of the GCC
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) today announced the Kingdom will host the Technology Week from 24 – 28 September 2017, designed to showcase and dissect how disruptive technologies and digital trends are revolutionising global industry and the regional economy.
With participants from across government, global and regional private sectors, regulatory bodies and the region’s top start-up talent, the Technology Week programme will explore the impact of Fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and cloud computing on the future of the GCC.
The TechnologyWeek will be anchored by two major ICT and entrepreneurship events – the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Summit (25 September) and the Innovation Forum, powered by MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab (28, 27 September) – alongside a range of other exhibitions, panel discussions and talks by global leaders.
As the cloud computing platform of Amazon.com, the AWS Summit will be the first of its kind in Bahrain, providing the international cloud computing community with a forum to connect and collaborate. The summit will offer businesses the opportunity to learn about AWS technology–one of the leading models of cloud storage infrastructure currently in existence.
Sponsored by the EDB and Investcorp, the Innovation Forum expands on similar themes, bringing together global experts and high-profile business representatives to focus on cutting edge technologies and scientific research.
Commenting on the Technology Week, H.E. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the EDB said: “The impact of the technology and data revolution is only going to increase and it’s vital that the region gets ahead of the curve.The Technology Week diverse programme reflects Bahrain’s commitment to shaping the discussion on those trends and technologies that will affect our economies in the long-term. In bringing global and regional partners together from across government and the private sector, Technology Week offers a unique opportunity to showcase how technology is driving changes in productivity, business success and the diversification of regional economies.
“Home to the GCC’s leading ICT infrastructure, it is essential that Bahrain continues to foster the kind of innovative technologies and frameworks that have led to world-class companies choosing the Kingdom as their home for regional operations. It is events like Technology Week that allow us to ensure that Bahrain’s digital ecosystem remains world-class.”
As part of the Technology Week activities, Tamkeen will be hosting a Startup Bahrain competition with a total of $75,000 worth of prizes.Startups will have the opportunity to compete and showcase their work for a chance to be crowned as Startup Bahrain Champion and win $50,000 as well as a trip to Web Summit in Lisbon. The competition will also include a $20,000 for runner up and $5000 for people’s choice as the most voted startups on social media. Furthermore, Batelco will offer $3000 worth of prizes for visitors who engage actively on social media via @StartUpBahrain page.
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Notes to editors:
Further information:
Bahrain Economic Development Board
Tel: + 973 1758 9966
Email: Khalid.jamal@bahrainedb.com
About The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB)
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is an investment promotion agency with overall responsibility for attracting investment into the Kingdom and supporting initiatives that enhance the investment climate.
The EDB works with the government and both current and prospective investors to ensure that Bahrain’s investment climate is attractive, to communicate the key strengths, and to identify where opportunities exist for further economic growth through investment.
The EDB focuses on several economic sectors that capitalise on Bahrain’s competitive advantages. These sectors include financial services, manufacturing, ICT, tourism, logistics and transport.
For more information on the Bahrain EDB visit www.bahrainedb.com; for information about Bahrain visit www.bahrain.com.
