Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar AlKhorayef inaugurated the Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia 2025 exhibition in Riyadh on 1 December, launching a three-day showcase of advanced manufacturing and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies organized by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources with Deutsche Messe and Riyadh Exhibitions Company Ltd., according to the Saudi Press Agency. Hosted at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from 1–3 December, the event convenes global industrial leaders, major companies, investors, and innovators.
Context and Background
In opening remarks, AlKhorayef said hosting the exhibition for the first time through strategic collaboration with Hannover Messe underscores the Kingdom’s rising profile in the global industrial landscape and its growing role as a driver of industrial transformation. Organizers said the platform is designed to strengthen international confidence in Saudi industrial and technological capabilities and to deepen cross-border partnerships.
The gathering advances national efforts to diversify the economy by accelerating the adoption of smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, automation, and sustainable energy solutions. Officials emphasized that the exhibition’s theme, “Empowering the Future with Technology,” is built on the pillars of intelligence, sustainability, and resilience, reflecting the priorities of Saudi Arabia’s industrial strategy under Vision 2030.
Key Details
AlKhorayef highlighted that the exhibition connects Saudi manufacturers with leading global solution providers to support 4IR adoption, enhance operational efficiency, reduce digital transformation costs, and widen access to advanced industrial solutions. He pointed to ongoing initiatives, including the Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center and the Factories of the Future program, which aims to transform more than 4,000 factories into smart, automated facilities.
The minister also referenced the Industrial Lighthouses program, which targets 14 Saudi factories for inclusion in the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network by 2030, positioning Saudi production sites among the world’s most advanced. To catalyze innovation, he said the ministry has supported research and development projects exceeding SAR15 million through the Innovative Factories Grant Program and allocated 50 seats for factories beginning their transformation journey under the Fourth Industrial Revolution Grant initiative.
During the ceremony, AlKhorayef honored nine winning projects under the Innovative Factories Grant Program, collectively awarded SAR15 million. The projects span high-value materials derived from bauxite residue, alternative protein technologies, localized diagnostic test manufacturing, advanced titanium-based materials, urban air mobility platforms, gluten-free food innovations, rapid microbial diagnostics, large-scale 3D printing production lines, and advanced industrial antiscalant solutions—illustrating the breadth of innovation within the Kingdom’s industrial ecosystem.
Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe, described Saudi Arabia as one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding industrial markets globally. He noted that Vision 2030 has enhanced transparency and investment appeal through clear objectives and robust execution, placing the Kingdom at the forefront of global industrial interest. Exhibitors are showcasing the latest advances in automation, AI-enabled production, smart manufacturing systems, sustainable energy solutions, and 4IR applications.
Implications and Impact
By convening international manufacturers, technology firms, and investors in Riyadh, the exhibition is expected to accelerate technology transfer, deepen supply-chain partnerships, and expand local value creation. Officials stated that the platform supports the Kingdom’s supportive regulatory, financial, and logistical environment, inviting global and domestic firms to establish long-term collaborations that sustain industrial growth and competitiveness.
The event also offers practical pathways for small and medium-sized enterprises to access advanced solutions and training, fostering workforce upskilling and operational excellence. As Saudi factories integrate smart systems and sustainable practices, industry leaders anticipate gains in productivity, quality, and resilience—strengthening the Kingdom’s role as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing and transformative technologies.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia 2025 directly supports Vision 2030 objectives to diversify the economy, localize high-value production, and build a world-class innovation ecosystem. By linking Saudi manufacturers with global pioneers, advancing 4IR programs such as Factories of the Future and Industrial Lighthouses, and catalyzing R&D through targeted grants, the exhibition reinforces the Kingdom’s long-term vision to position Saudi industry at the forefront of intelligent, sustainable, and resilient manufacturing on the global stage.