Digital transformation to boost Saudi industrial productivity by up to 25%, says Aramco CEO
Speaking during the Saudi Industry Forum in Dhahran, Nasser stated that the Kingdom's shift into a new industrial era calls for an increased focus on digital transformation and the need to align it with proactive cybersecurity strategies.
This comes as Saudi Arabia works to solidify its position as a regional and global digital powerhouse, backed by major advances in artificial intelligence, data centers, e-government, and human capital development.
The Kingdom has emerged as the Middle East and North Africa's largest digital economy, with a market value exceeding SR495 billion ($131.9 billion) in 2024 — equivalent to 15 percent of its gross domestic product, according to figures from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
In his remarks, Nasser said: 'Preliminary estimates suggest that effective integration of digital technologies could increase Saudi Arabia's industrial productivity by 15 percent to 25 percent.'
He added: 'Thanks to successive technological developments, industries will emerge over the next 10 years dominated by advanced technologies to a degree we have never seen before.'
Nasser noted that the world is undergoing profound geopolitical shifts and intensifying competition across technological, industrial, and economic domains — trends that are accelerating the transformation of Saudi Arabia's industrial landscape.
He emphasized the need to prepare for this future, particularly as the Kingdom continues to invest in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, robotics, and automation.
These technologies, he explained, are aimed at more than just optimizing factory operations; they are vital for enhancing industrial productivity and ensuring operational reliability.
'At Aramco, we are working to establish a digital infrastructure that becomes an integral part of empowering the industrial sector,' Nasser said, adding: 'This includes the launch of Aramco Digital Company, as well as a 450 MHz private wireless network dedicated to industrial use by the private sector.'
He continued: 'Aramco Digital has also introduced an edge artificial intelligence service — AI on the Edge — designed for critical industrial facilities and complex applications, such as crowd management during Hajj.'
In the cybersecurity sphere, Aramco established Cyberani in 2021, a company focused on delivering industrial-grade solutions and software protection technologies.
'Aramco is working on projects to develop artificial intelligence platforms, data centers, and smart industrial complexes,' Nasser said.
He warned of the risks accompanying digital advancement, stating: 'A technical malfunction or external interference through digital systems or control platforms could impact operations and disrupt the performance of industrial and economic facilities — especially those that do not invest sufficiently in digital protection.'
Highlighting the human element in digital security, he stated: 'The most critical aspect of proactive protection systems is the development of human capabilities and deep expertise.'
Nasser concluded by stressing the importance of localizing digital supply chains and enhancing technological resilience.
'Building future Saudi industries supported by flexible supply chains, competitive costs, and excellence in artificial intelligence is essential and highly important — but it is not enough unless it is accompanied by proactive investment in digital protection,' he said.
The Saudi Industry Forum 2025, held from June 23–25 at the Dhahran International Exhibition Center, is sponsored by Eastern Province Governor Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz.
The event aims to elevate the Kingdom's industrial sector in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify income sources and increase the sector's contribution to the gross domestic product.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Shopping festival boosts Asir economy, tourism
RIYADH: The 26th Abha Shopping Festival is a key economic pillar of the Asir Summer Season, attracting visitors from near and far with a variety of commercial, cultural, and entertainment attractions. Its wide appeal highlights the festival's vital role in boosting economic activity and local demand, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. The festival also provides targeted training programs for the region's youth, developing skills, and supplying qualified local talent to the labor market. It features five shopping halls offering a range of products, including household items, clothing, perfumes, sweets, and other essentials. Beyond commerce, the festival promotes tourism in the Asir region, blending economic activity with rich cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy shopping along with artistic and folkloric performances, cultural evenings, entertainment shows, and a lively amusement park. These attractions enhance the region's reputation as a tourist destination, encouraging longer stays and increased spending, the SPA reported. This generates a positive economic cycle benefiting accommodation, restaurants, and transportation, while paving the way for new investments in tourism and commercial infrastructure. Pavilions representing India, China, the Philippines, Morocco, Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait, Kenya, and Senegal enrich the visitor experience, adding a global touch to the markets and products on display.
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global is considering a range of alternative financing options in the near future, including an initial public offering or converting assets into real estate investment trusts, according to its chief executive officer. Speaking to Al-Eqtisadiah, John Pagano said no final decisions have been made, but emphasized the company's focus on leveraging current momentum, with resorts now operational and more hotel openings expected this year. Shoura Island, the flagship of the Red Sea destination, will welcome guests this year at 11 luxury resorts operated by global hospitality brands, including Rosewood, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, EDITION, and Raffles. Construction at the wellness-focused Amaala project is also progressing rapidly, with core infrastructure complete and its first hotels nearing launch, Pagano said. Six resorts have opened under the Red Sea destination so far, including Desert Rock and Shebara, which are fully owned and operated by Red Sea Global. The exclusive Thuwal Private Retreat has also been unveiled as the company's third destination. Red Sea Global has also launched residential offerings on Shoura and Ummhat islands, in addition to announcing Lahak Island earlier this year, which drew strong local and international attention, he said. Amaala is set to open by year-end and will feature wellness and hospitality brands such as Jayasom, Six Senses, Rosewood, Equinox, and Clinique La Prairie. The destination aims to deliver experiences centered on healing, exploration, and renewal.
Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom's cafe sector
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's imports of Japanese matcha skyrocketed by nearly 900 percent in 2023 to 81,000 kilograms at a value at SR9 million ($2.40 million), up from just 9,000 kilograms in 2022, highlighting the rapid expansion of the drink's market presence across the Kingdom. The momentum continued into 2024, with imports totaling 46,000 kilograms worth SR7 million, reflecting sustained consumer demand and the growing role of matcha in the Kingdom's cafe sector, Al-Eqtisadiah reported. Cafes are capitalizing on the trend, with Jon & Vinny's in Riyadh reporting weekend sales of 350 matcha cups per branch, making up 22 percent of beverage revenues, according to Al-Eqtisadiah. The cafe uses a premium Japanese blend priced at SR1,200 per kilogram. Similarly, Pro 92 Cafe said matcha lattes alone contribute 10.5 percent of total sales, consuming over 150 kilograms of matcha monthly across branches. The broader green tea category — which includes matcha — accounted for SR74 million in Saudi imports in 2024, totaling 2.3 million kilograms. In comparison, 2023 saw 2.5 million kilograms imported at a value of SR79 million, Al-Eqtisadiah reported. Cups of matcha are sold at prices ranging from SR16 to SR29, depending on the outlet. This price variation has spurred a growing home-preparation market, with local Instagram-based businesses selling matcha kits priced between SR110 and SR180. Driven by health-conscious consumers and youth interest in Japanese culture, matcha is carving out a permanent share in the Kingdom's beverage landscape.
