Industry Minister Showcases Saudi Industrial Vision at WEF's ‘Next-Gen Industrial Infrastructure’ Session

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef participated in the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 session titled “Next-Gen Industrial Infrastructure," highlighting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to revolutionize industrial infrastructure by harnessing advanced technologies and implementing strategic projects across various sectors.
 The WEF session featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitization at the African Union Commission, Christophe De Vusser, Worldwide Managing Partner at Bain & Company, and Niclas Mårtensson, Chief Executive Officer of Stena Line.
 During the session, Alkhorayef emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to diversifying its economy, stating that Saudi Arabia’s adoption of technology is a key enabler for faster progress across industries. He elaborated on the government’s active role in improving both physical infrastructure and connectivity, which are essential for fostering innovation and growth.
 The minister shared examples of transformative initiatives in manufacturing, such as Saudi Arabia’s focus on making the automotive sector a leader in electric vehicles and advancements in renewable energy. He also discussed the government’s ambitious program to convert industrial cities into smart cities to enhance competitiveness, attract international investors and talent, and create quality jobs for the Kingdom’s young population.
 He highlighted the Future Factories Program, which aims to upgrade 4,000 factories with cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing, and automation. These programs are supported by bold government initiatives, such as offering loans to enable technology adoption and creating opportunities for global players to test and pilot new technologies in Saudi Arabia.
 Additionally, Alkhorayef stressed the importance of building a robust local database to maximize the potential of AI and emphasized partnerships with globally recognized national companies like SABIC and Ma’aden as a way to foster innovation and ensure global endorsements for Saudi Arabia’s technological advancements.
 The session explored the global smart infrastructure market, which is projected to grow to $2 trillion over the next decade, and examined how blended infrastructure investments can meet increasing industrial demands while fostering responsible and sustainable development.
 Alkhorayef’s participation underscored Saudi Arabia’s leadership in reshaping the future of industrial infrastructure on a global scale. By advancing innovative technologies and fostering sustainable development, the Kingdom is paving the way for transformative changes in the global industrial landscape.