The Summit AGENDA

Saudi Arabia is shifting into overdrive, with technology powering its rise as a global manufacturing titan.

The Kingdom’s Industry 4.0 sector is set to triple industrial GDP to SR895bn by 2030. In early 2024 alone, SR38.6bn flowed into manufacturing, with 410 new licences and 505 factories creating over 11K jobs.

Tech is the driving force—IoT, AI, and robotics are transforming factories into smart, data-driven hubs, boosting real-time efficiency. Additive manufacturing and 3D printing are revolutionising customisation with minimal waste. With sustainable practices, digital twins, and major projects like Naver’s twin cities, Saudi Arabia is building the future of smarter factories.

Saudi Arabia is building a whole new industrial future from scratch, and it’s doing it fast. Imagine 36K factories, with 4K powered by Industry 4.0 tech, transforming everything we know about manufacturing.

The Kingdom is turning a $273bn investment opportunity into a launchpad for startups, SMEs, and international innovators.

And here’s the kicker: they’re not going at it alone. Global partnerships are pouring in, from biotech breakthroughs with Brazil’s Butantan Institute to tech collaborations with KAUST, fuelling a wave of innovation that’s about to redefine what’s possible.

Our panel contributors bring fresh perspectives, sharing insights, offering advice, and real-world examples to tackle Saudi Arabia’s industrial challenges and inspire new thinking.

Saudi Arabia is revving up for an industrial transformation like no other, with Vision 2030 as the ultimate roadmap. The Kingdom’s green financing needs are scaling fast, as it races to hit its sustainability targets. With green bond and sukuk issuances doubling to $24bn in 2023, the momentum is undeniable.

But it’s the industrial sector that’s really heating up, fuelled by the Saudi Industrial Development Fund’s massive SR180bn in loans so far. And that’s just the start. As infrastructure and logistics grow at a projected 10% annually, the demand for capital is skyrocketing. Advanced manufacturing technologies will need serious financial backing to power Industry 4.0, while the government’s 2024 plan, with SAR86bn in borrowing needs, opens the door for foreign investment to bring in cutting-edge expertise.

The prize? Diversifying the economy, pushing manufacturing exports to SR557bn by 2030, and creating 2.1m new jobs—all while setting sights on a net-zero emissions future by 2060.

Ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about tomorrow? You are invited unlock the power of long-term futures thinking.

Imagine stepping beyond the limits of short-term distractions and diving headfirst into a future where hidden signals become opportunities and bold strategies drive transformation.

Think of this as your backstage pass to the future—a place where old assumptions are left behind, and systems thinking opens up new pathways. Let’s walk you through the art of spotting trends that others overlook, breaking away from the noise of the present to craft strategies that lead the charge into uncharted territory.

Whether it's designing new industries, reshaping organisations, or building visionary strategies, tune in if you dare to look beyond the horizon.

 Time to flip the script on what's possible.

Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects are shaking up the global stage, with advanced manufacturing and logistics driving a high-speed transformation. NEOM’s futuristic city, THE LINE, is rewriting the playbook on how we build, connect, and deliver, while SPARK energises the economy, injecting $6bn annually and creating 100K jobs.

Logistics? It’s booming, with an incredible 76% growth in 2024, powered by 59 logistics zones, including the $7bn Landbridge rail project that bridges continents and positions Saudi Arabia as a key stop on the Asia-Europe shipping route. With SR17 billion (£4.bn) already invested in maritime and port upgrades, the Kingdom is set to become the logistics heartbeat of global trade.

The real game-changer, however, lies in global partnerships. By integrating international expertise in logistics and free economic zones, Saudi Arabia is unlocking new levels of investment and collaboration. These strategic alliances are powering SR17bn (£4.5bn) in logistics investments in 2023 alone, creating seamless trade routes that connect its 59 logistics zones to the world.

Picture this: IoT, AI, Advanced Robotics, AR/VR, and 3D Printing walk into a factory—except it’s no joke.

Together, they form a powerful digital playground where combining ‘bits’ (tech) with ‘atoms’ (products) leads to next-gen innovation that doesn’t just upgrade manufacturing but turns it on its head.

The results? Higher performance, sky-high ROI, and the creation of entirely new business models.

This isn’t theory—we’ve cracked the code.

Michael will reveal how to harness to lay the foundations for a future where creativity and tech collide in spectacular fashion.

Step into the future of manufacturing with this immersive, hands-on Google AI workshop, designed for those who lead and shape industries. Guided by Michael Peter, the brilliant mind behind Google Cloud, this one-hour session will push the boundaries of what's possible in manufacturing, equipping you with actionable insights and a practical roadmap for AI adoption.

Explore groundbreaking real-world use cases—from predictive maintenance and quality control to smart supply chain optimisation—showcasing how AI is reshaping the manufacturing landscape today. Engage in dynamic, interactive discussions using the Jobs-Pains-Gains framework, allowing you to uncover AI-driven opportunities specific to your business. Collaborate in real time with peers, exchange ideas, and identify new paths for innovation.

Beyond theory, this workshop puts interactivity and real-time learning at its core, providing you with a step-by-step blueprint to implement AI in your operations. Whether you're a CEO, R&D leader, or Plant Manager, you will leave with a clear vision, tailored strategies, and the tools to lead your organisation into the next era of digital transformation.

Prepare to accelerate your AI journey and build the smart factory of tomorrow.