Saudi Arabia will transform more than 4,000 factories into smart, AI-enabled facilities, marking a major milestone in its industrial evolution under Vision 2030.
The announcement was made during the third annual Saudi Forum for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), where the Kingdom outlined its strategy to position itself as a global leader in advanced manufacturing, automation, and innovation.
Organised by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi Arabia (C4IR Saudi Arabia) in partnership with the World Economic Forum and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), the forum brought together ministers, industry leaders, and experts from around the world to chart the next phase of industrial growth.
Saudi industrial evolution
During a panel titled “Industrial Leadership in the Era of Convergence,” Bandar Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, announced a strategic shift in the Kingdom’s industrial policy.
He said the focus has moved from keeping pace with global developments to driving future industries.
The transformation is being realised by upgrading more than 4,000 factories into smart industrial facilities powered by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and 3D printing.
Moderated by Dr. Basma AlBuhairan, Managing Director of C4IR Saudi Arabia, the discussion underscored how Saudi Arabia’s industrial leadership is embedding technology, innovation, and sustainability into its economic growth framework.
Alkhorayef added that the Ministry is building new industrial capabilities for emerging technologies while developing digital infrastructure, cultivating national talent, and strengthening regulatory frameworks that attract investment and ensure the safe and effective adoption of advanced technologies.
AI, digital twins, and quantum tech in focus
The forum featured 12 panel discussions addressing global best practices and local opportunities in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Topics included the integration of drones, satellites, and AI, the evolution of smart factories and digital twins, and the potential of quantum technologies to reinforce cybersecurity and global trust.
Experts also explored the KACST Advanced Manufacturing Centre through an interactive metaverse experience led by Dr. Ibrahim AlShunaifi, expert researcher and project leader at KACST.
The session showcased additive and subtractive manufacturing and smart logistics, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing ecosystem for advanced production.
Human capital
Speakers at the forum emphasised the global transition from physical capital to knowledge capital, with mental well-being and continuous learning identified as future pillars of competitiveness.
They also highlighted the pivotal role of youth and tech entrepreneurs in shaping the AI era, noting that investment in people — not just 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 transformation.
Officials also released three joint publications with the World Economic Forum:
- “Deployment Pathways for Advanced Air Mobility — Lessons from Early Implementation in Saudi Arabia.”
- “From Barriers to Breakthroughs: How Peer-to-Peer Learning Can Help SMEs Embrace Digital Transformation.”
- “Building Communities for Impact: Lessons from the Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution India and Saudi Arabia.”
Together, these initiatives reinforce Saudi Arabia’s growing influence as a regional and global hub for industrial innovation, aligning with its ambition to build a sustainable, technology-driven economy.
