Saudi Arabia will rework greater than 4,000 factories into sensible, AI-enabled amenities, marking a serious milestone in its industrial evolution beneath Imaginative and prescient 2030.
The announcement was made in the course of the third annual Saudi Discussion board for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the place the Kingdom outlined its technique to place itself as a worldwide chief in superior manufacturing, automation, and innovation.
Organised by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi Arabia (C4IR Saudi Arabia) in partnership with the World Financial Discussion board and King Abdulaziz Metropolis for Science and Know-how (KACST), the discussion board introduced collectively ministers, business leaders, and consultants from around the globe to chart the following section of business development.
Saudi industrial evolution
Throughout a panel titled “Industrial Management within the Period of Convergence,” Bandar Alkhorayef, Minister of Trade and Mineral Sources, introduced a strategic shift within the Kingdom’s industrial coverage.
He stated the main focus has moved from retaining tempo with international developments to driving future industries.
The transformation is being realised by upgrading greater than 4,000 factories into sensible industrial amenities powered by synthetic intelligence (AI), automation, and 3D printing.
Moderated by Dr. Basma AlBuhairan, Managing Director of C4IR Saudi Arabia, the dialogue underscored how Saudi Arabia’s industrial management is embedding know-how, innovation, and sustainability into its financial development framework.
Alkhorayef added that the Ministry is constructing new industrial capabilities for rising applied sciences whereas growing digital infrastructure, cultivating nationwide expertise, and strengthening regulatory frameworks that entice funding and make sure the protected and efficient adoption of superior applied sciences.
AI, digital twins, and quantum tech in focus
Matters included the combination of drones, satellites, and AI, the evolution of sensible factories and digital twins, and the potential of quantum applied sciences to bolster cybersecurity and international belief.
Specialists additionally explored the KACST Superior Manufacturing Centre by means of an interactive metaverse expertise led by Dr. Ibrahim AlShunaifi, professional researcher and venture chief at KACST.
The session showcased additive and subtractive manufacturing and sensible logistics, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s rising ecosystem for superior manufacturing.
Human capital
Audio system on the discussion board emphasised the worldwide transition from bodily capital to data capital, with psychological well-being and steady studying recognized as future pillars of competitiveness.
Additionally they highlighted the pivotal position of youth and tech entrepreneurs in shaping the AI period, noting that funding in individuals — not simply know-how — stays the true driver of future industries.
On the sidelines, officers launched the PeerLink digital platform to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) share data and speed up industrial transformation.
Officers additionally launched three joint publications with the World Financial Discussion board:
- “Deployment Pathways for Superior Air Mobility — Classes from Early Implementation in Saudi Arabia.”
- “From Boundaries to Breakthroughs: How Peer-to-Peer Studying Can Assist SMEs Embrace Digital Transformation.”
- “Constructing Communities for Influence: Classes from the Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution India and Saudi Arabia.”
Collectively, these initiatives reinforce Saudi Arabia’s rising affect as a regional and international hub for industrial innovation, aligning with its ambition to construct a sustainable, technology-driven economic system.
