The Saudi capital has become the center of international attention as it hosts the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), under the theme “The Power of Investment and Partnerships in Accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The event was described by UNIDO Director-General Gerd Müller as the largest in the organization’s history, with more than 5,000 guests from around the world.
The summit is taking place during what Müller characterized as a period of “major geopolitical, political and economic disruption,” positioning Riyadh as a pivotal venue for developing new global solutions.
In particular, the conference is seeking to address the fragility of supply chains, the need for sustainable manufacturing, and the shared responsibility of wealthier nations to finance climate commitments and support developing economies.
Saudi Arabia is using the global stage to highlight its industrial ambitions. According to Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, the Kingdom has identified more than 800 industrial investment opportunities, supported by industrial projects and pipeline expansions valued at over US$500 billion.
These initiatives aim to transform the country into a robust and flexible regional manufacturing hub capable of contributing to global economic security, he added.
Alkhorayef explained that Saudi Arabia’s industrial transformation is supported by three core strategies aligned with its Vision 2030: mining and metals, the national industry strategy, and the national export strategy. Together, these strategies aim to maximize the value of the country’s natural resources, while developing high-technology sectors that anchor global supply-chain resilience.
Saudi Arabia has also established clear targets to deepen its industrial base. By 2035, the Kingdom plans to reach approximately 36,000 factories, nearly doubling its current footprint. In the automotive sector alone, it aims to generate US$24 billion in non-oil GDP by 2030 and create more than 30,000 jobs.
The Kingdom’s progress has been accompanied by notable advances in international competitiveness, ranking 17th globally in the latest IMD Competitiveness Index and fourth among G20 nations.
However, Alkhorayef stressed that industrial growth in Saudi Arabia is not merely economic. He described it as a “shared humanitarian effort,” underlining the importance of youth and women in building the country’s future industrial workforce.
The establishment of specialist academies - such as the National Industrial Academy, the Industrial Fund Academy and the National Automotive Academy - has contributed to a rapid increase in women’s participation in manufacturing.
He also highlighted the Kingdom’s adoption of advanced technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, noting that with nearly 60 percent of the population under age 35, the country is well positioned to lead innovation.
During his address, Müller praised Saudi Arabia as “a great country in its history, culture, religion and economic development, and the leading power in the Arab world.” He called for a “new global fair deal” to confront rising inequality and urged wealthy nations to honor long-standing commitments to climate finance, debt relief and market access for developing economies.
The UNIDO conference is being organized around three theme days: Investment, Women’s Empowerment and Youth.
Alkhorayef said the summit seeks not only dialogue but action, aiming to make Riyadh “a city where partnerships become reality and the future of industry is reshaped for sustainable global development.”
