MODON Sets Smart Technology Transformation Strategy for Saudi Industrial Environment

MODON establishes a strategy to help transform Saudi Arabia into a promising industrial powerhouse. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
MODON establishes a strategy to help transform Saudi Arabia into a promising industrial powerhouse. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

MODON Sets Smart Technology Transformation Strategy for Saudi Industrial Environment

MODON establishes a strategy to help transform Saudi Arabia into a promising industrial powerhouse. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
MODON establishes a strategy to help transform Saudi Arabia into a promising industrial powerhouse. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Over the last year, the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) has been working under a strategy in harmony with the programs listed in the Kingdom’s plan for national transformation, Vision 2030.

Some of the core objectives of the plan are to transform Saudi Arabia into a promising industrial powerhouse, a global logistics platform and achieve sustainable and balanced development in the Kingdom.

Vision 2030 also promotes activating innovative technical transformation in the business environment of the industrial cities in the country.

In its latest report, MODON revealed it had established a strategy that paves the way towards the vision of it becoming an enabling industrial environment powered by smart technology transformation. This will aid in MODON contributing to the growth of the national economy.

MODON is working in collaboration with the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) towards realizing the abovementioned goals.

The authority also contributes to developing non-oil revenues, generating new job opportunities, stimulating the private sector, and providing a safe environment for investors.

Also, it follows a unified framework that enhances coordination and control over performance, projects, and initiatives.

This method helps in achieving strategic goals, reducing risks, and contributing to increasing chances of success.

It does so through the governance of initiatives and projects and facilitating coordination with relevant authorities.

The authority works to ensure the smooth running of initiatives and offers a continuous follow-up to their implementation. It oversees stakeholder participation, corrective action, continuous improvement, and development of the plan’s outputs.

MODON was initially launched to adapt to the local and global variables and meet the growing needs for the primary environment required for the Kingdom’s industrial development.

The authority was also established to fulfill the future requirements and help the private sector play a more significant role in the development, operation and management of facilities and services.



Attias to Asharq Al-Awsat: Riyadh Provides International Platform Shaping Global Economic Trends

FII CEO Richard Attias speaks to attendees during the press conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
FII CEO Richard Attias speaks to attendees during the press conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Attias to Asharq Al-Awsat: Riyadh Provides International Platform Shaping Global Economic Trends

FII CEO Richard Attias speaks to attendees during the press conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
FII CEO Richard Attias speaks to attendees during the press conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Richard Attias, CEO of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, said the upcoming 8th edition of the Future Investment Conference, which will be held in Riyadh at the end of October, will serve as an international platform to set economic trends amid the current geopolitical tensions.

He emphasized that the event contributes to achieving sustainable development goals and enhances Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional and global economic hub, reflecting its commitment to attracting foreign investments and fostering global cooperation.

Attias’ comments came during a pre-conference press event organized by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) to unveil details of the 8th edition of the Future Investment Initiative, taking place from Oct. 29-31 under the theme, “Infinite Horizon: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow.”

He revealed that this year’s conference will feature international trade and investment deals valued at $28 billion, while the total value of deals across the previous seven editions reached approximately $128 billion. These agreements will positively impact job creation and the growth of vital sectors.

The conference will include 180 panel discussions featuring 600 speakers, who will address topics such as food security, global energy, cybersecurity, entertainment, and other significant issues.

This year’s event will see a 20% increase in attendance from business leaders and investors from around the world compared to the previous edition, reflecting the importance of the topics being discussed and the opportunity to exchange expertise and knowledge, Attias said.

Significant steps were taken during the previous conference regarding investment in artificial intelligence (AI) for the benefit of society, he went on to say. Several initiatives were introduced aimed at regulating the use of these technologies and steering them toward positive outcomes.

The conference’s objectives include accelerating the adoption of AI, with new initiatives expected to be launched to promote the use of AI in various sectors, particularly healthcare, he continued. The event will also focus on building global partnerships, bringing together world leaders and decision-makers to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and to form partnerships that enhance international cooperation, he underlined.

Investing in AI significantly contributes to reshaping the economic landscape. This platform fosters dialogue and knowledge exchange between governments and private companies, helping to address shared challenges and boost economic cooperation, Attias remarked.

He also emphasized that the FII Institute is driving change, providing a platform for sharing ideas and taking action. The institute operates on a membership basis and is open to all, including entrepreneurs and talented youth, to promote inclusivity.

Regarding membership and attendance, Attias explained that the current edition has registered 7,000 participants, including 1,200 pre-selected members. Additionally, 3,000 seats have been allocated for strategic partners, including global companies that support the institute’s vision and play a crucial role in backing initiatives aimed at driving positive global change.