Advanced manufacturing, AI technologies ‘no longer an option’: Alkhorayef

Bandar Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources

Saudi Arabia is home for more than 10,000 factories, which account for 11% of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product (GDP) and grow at an annual rate of 10%, Bandar Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, said. 

Advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the industry and mining field contribute to enhancing reliability, the safety of employees and making the Saudi industries more sustainable.

Advanced manufacturing and AI-based technologies are no longer an option. They are rather a reality to ensure growth and profitability, Alkhorayef added, noting that most modern technologies are part of a system linked to external partners and require an advanced digital infrastructure that provides communications, cybersecurity, etc.

The Kingdom is upgrading its industrial cities to become smarter. The ministry also applies AI solutions at ministries to provide visions, support decisions and enhance policies. 

Elsewhere, Alkhorayes added that the development of a technological ecosystem requires partnerships with technology providers, which can develop industrial infrastructure and enable the transformation of plants.

There is a great opportunity for transformation. All technological, consulting firms and services providers are welcome to join this effort to develop advanced technologies at the Saudi factories, industrial cities and mining sector.

Saudi Arabia launched the factories of the future programs to transform 4,000 factories to facilities that adopt top-notch technology. To that extent, the Kingdom made self-assessments for the indicator of smart industry readiness for more than 70% of its factories. 

The ministry is close to establishing the world’s second center to train residents in Riyadh. It plans to train 100 residents in the first year.