ESF MENA, the Middle East’s only forum on sustainability and decarbonisation for refining and petrochemicals, returns on 20-22 October 2025 in Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The three-day forum will feature insight-driven sessions, interactive panel discussions, expert seminars, producer case studies, and unrivaled networking including the special “Lunch & Learn” initiative dedicated…
Interview: Saleh Al Solami, CEO, Industrial Centre To what extent will advanced manufacturing technologies drive the next phase of industrial growth? SALEH AL SOLAMI: Advanced technologies, particularly automation and artificial intelligence (AI), will be pivotal in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s industrial landscape. These technologies are integral to the Kingdom’s ambition to establish…
Interview: Munir Eldesouki, CEO, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology What role do research and development (R&D) initiatives play in enhancing Saudi Arabia’s competitive edge in the global technology landscape? MUNIR ELDESOUKI: R&D initiatives are a key factor in strengthening the Kingdom’s competitive advantage across multiple vertical markets. If you analyse a value chain…
Saudi Arabia’s industrial and mining sectors are linchpins of the country’s diversification and privatisation initiatives. Local content requirements, upgrades in logistics infrastructure and ambitious government growth targets have engendered significant transformation in Saudi Arabia’s industrial and mining sectors, making them increasingly dynamic and diversified contributors to the economy.…
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a significant transformation under Vision 2030, the national agenda aimed at developing a diversified, knowledge-based economy and reducing the Kingdom’s reliance on fossil fuels. At the heart of this transformation is a focus on research, development and innovation (RDI), seen as a major catalyst for economic diversification and the generation of added value in the industrial…
Amid the backdrop of dynamic shifts in global trade patterns and technological advancement, Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence (AI) are substantially reshaping manufacturing landscapes in emerging markets. Although challenges exist for full implementation – including infrastructure and skill gaps – rapid urbanisation and a burgeoning young workforce in these countries drive demand for automation…
Saudi Arabia’s industrial and mining sectors are key to its diversification and privatisation efforts, supported by public investment, regulatory reforms and growing foreign direct investment. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, established in 2019, oversees these sectors and implements the 2020 Mining Investment Law. With the National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme,…
Saudi Arabia’s energy strategy focuses on maximising returns from hydrocarbons while expanding renewable energy capacity. Acknowledging peak oil demand could occur before 2030, the Kingdom is investing in clean energy solutions. With plans to produce 50% of its energy from renewables by 2030, Saudi Arabia is diversifying its energy mix. The National Renewable Energy Programme and Circular Carbon…
Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest economy, is progressing towards diversification under Vision 2030. The digital economy is a standout performer, contributing 14% of GDP, while government-led giga-projects open long-term opportunities across various sectors. Despite a dip in oil activities that reduced the current account surplus to 3.2% in 2023, tourism income surged by 38%, boosting the servi
ESF MENA, the only event in the Middle East dedicated to sustainability and the decarbonisation of the downstream industry, returns with its three-day forum of informative sessions, interactive panel discussions, a pre-conference seminar hosted by Wood, and unrivalled networking - all tailored for our attendees to discuss how the refining and petrochemicals industries can efficiently and profitably…
