INDUSTRY 4.0

With support from both the government and investment community, defense, mining, and manufacturing are the industries of the future in Saudi Arabia.

What have been some important recent developments at your firm?

I see two potential sectors: defense and general manufacturing. With regard to defense, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) seeks to achieve 50% localization by 2030, which represents a great opportunity for RPDC to help players migrating from more traditional operations to advanced manufacturing. Secondly, Saudi Arabia will witness many new manufacturing companies being set up. No capital expenditure is required, since no older technology and operational structures will be replaced: it is a natural step to take advantage and implement the latest capabilities in advanced manufacturing.

AA

Saudi Arabia has considerable competitive advantages for industrial investors. The Kingdom already maintained considerable enablers for strategic investors, which have been expanded under Vision 2030. It also enjoys a strategic location, a relatively large market, considerable natural resources in the form of minerals, metals, and petroleum, and significant industrial support policies like dedicated industrial cities with first-class infrastructure, competitive utility rates (natural gas, power, and water), and land, as well as other assistance measures like inexpensive financing, which enables low-cost production base. Saudi Arabia accordingly has distinct and growing competitive advantages and without doubt would remain the number one choice for inbound FDI in the Middle East. In addition, in the past few years there has been a more proactive approach by the regulatory bodies, which are now eager to cooperate and work hand in hand with both international and local investors. Investors can directly engage with key institutions like the Ministry of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources, the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, the Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu, the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, and various other governmental organizations and ministries. ✖

ABAH

There is no doubt that the current situation is quite exceptional given the multi-dimensional factors that include geopolitical, economical, and internal reforms and new regulations. However, this is a good time to make use of good

NHAA