Saudi Arabia will transform more than 4,000 factories into Smart, AI-enabled ones, marking a major milestone in its industrialization under vision 2030.
This announcement was made during the third Saudi Forum of the fourth year of the Saudi revolution (4ir), where the Kingdom explained its strategy to position itself as a global leader in advanced production, automation and skills.
Organized by the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi Arabia (C4IR Saudi Arabia) in collaboration with the World Economic Forum for Science and Technology (Kacst), industry leaders, and experts from around the world on industrial growth.
The Emergence of Industrialization
During a panel titled “Industrial Leadership in the Time of Convergence,” Bandar Alkhhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Cohesion Services, announced a strategic shift in industrial leadership.
He said the focus is on keeping pace with global development to drive future industries.
The change is realized by developing more than 4,000 facts in the Smart industrial centers of the factories empowered by artificial intelligence (AI), automation and 3D printing.
Introduced by Dr. Basma Albuharan, managing director of C4IR Saudi Arabia, the discussion emphasizes that Saudi Arabia’s industrial leadership is embedding technology, innovation and sustainability in its economic growth framework.
Alkhorayef added that the ministry is building new skills for emerging technology industries, developing digital infrastructure, and strengthening the country’s trend, as well as strengthening safe and successful technologies for safe adoption.
AI, digital twins, and Quantum Tech in Focus
The forum featured 12 panel discussions on global best practices and local opportunities in the fourth industrial channel.
Topics include the integration of drones, satellites, and AI, the emergence of smart realities and digital twins, and the possibilities of quantum technology to strengthen cyberposirati and Global Trust.
The experts also explored the advanced production facility of KACST through the practical setaverse experience led by Dr. Ibrahim AlSshunaifi, expert researcher and project leader at Kacst.
The session showcased additive and cost-effective manufacturing and smart materials, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing ecosystem for development.
Human Currency
Speakers at the forum emphasized the global shift from knowledge capitalization, intellectual well-being and continuous learning identified as future pillars of competitiveness.
They also highlighted the pivotal role of youth and technology entrepreneurs in shaping the AI era, noting that human investment – not true technology – remains the true driver of future industries.
On the sidelines, officials launched the Peerlink digital platform to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) share knowledge and accelerate industrial change.
The authorities issued three joint letters through the Economic Forum:
- “Advanced Air Mobility Systems – Lessons from the first implementation in Saudi Arabia.”
- “From the riches of success: how peer learning can help drive the digital revolution.”
- “Building communities for impact: Lessons from Indian and Saudi Arabian industrial voter institutions.”
Together, these programs reinforce Saudi Arabia’s growing influence as a regional and global hub for industrial innovation, in line with its desire to build a sustainable, technology-driven economy.
