Bahrain’s urban resilience framework has been praised following recent regional attacks, with an expert highlighting how smart cities are becoming the frontline in responding to modern crises. Bahrain Smart City Society President Dr Shaikha Fay bint Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Khalifa noted that in a world undergoing rapid geopolitical transformations, cities have become the arena in which nations’ resilience is tested – not only militarily, but also economically, environmentally, and socially. Dr Shaikha Fay The continuity of daily life – from essential services to infrastructure – has become the first line of defence in facing crises. She said Bahrain can leverage AI in mobility and environmental monitoring to shift towards more proactive urban management, which is essential for long-term resilience. The remarks follows close on the heels of the regional Iranian attacks, which led to many urban facilities, including residential buildings and industrial areas in Bahrain being targeted. Many civilians had to temporarily move out of their homes and seek refuge at government provided shelters. A ceasefire was announced on April 8 and has since been extended to allow for further negotiations. Amid the uncertainty of the war, Bahrain’s defence and civic framework, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, stood out as a model striving to balance digital transformation with urban sustainability. “Bahrain demonstrates a relatively strong level of urban resilience, particularly when viewed through the lens of continuity rather than disruption,” Dr Shaikha Fay told the GDN. “The compact nature of the island, combined with integrated infrastructure systems, allows for efficient co-ordination and rapid response when needed,” she added. “The road network and spatial organisation of the island provides a level of flexibility in mobility, allowing movement to