Saudi Arabia’s Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef confirmed that the ministry aims to become a world leader in additive manufacturing through producing the required raw materials, developing capabilities in engineering design capabilities, and localizing 3D services.
The announcement was made during the recently-held 2nd-edition of LEAP23 technology event in a panel discussion dealing with the unexpected economic consequences of the rapid change to technology, industries, and societal patterns and processes conceptualized by Industry 4.0.
AlKhorayef expressed optimism regarding the progress in technological innovations that was showcased in LEAP23, saying, “Technologies related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution doubled the level of productivity, reduced costs, waste and carbon emissions, and also contributed to achieving sustainability and improving the quality of goods and products.”
He pointed out that additive manufacturing was a key industrial sector and one of the pillars of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which has global dimensions regarding investments and opportunities with competitive returns using modern and unique technologies.
AlKhorayef explained that the strategy will achieve diversified sources of income, provide quality jobs for the nationals, and motivate them to develop their talents to contribute to building a pioneering and sustainable industrial sector.
