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RIYADH: Integrating digital technologies is set to increase ����ֱ��’s industrial productivity by 15 to 25 percent, according to Aramco President and CEO Amin Nasser. 

Speaking during the Saudi Industry Forum in Dhahran, Nasser stated that the Kingdom’s shift into a new industrial era calls for an increased focus on digital transformation and the need to align it with proactive cybersecurity strategies. 

This comes as ����ֱ�� works to solidify its position as a regional and global digital powerhouse, backed by major advances in artificial intelligence, data centers, e-government, and human capital development.  

The Kingdom has emerged as the Middle East and North Africa’s largest digital economy, with a market value exceeding SR495 billion ($131.9 billion) in 2024 — equivalent to 15 percent of its gross domestic product, according to figures from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.  

In his remarks, Nasser said: “Preliminary estimates suggest that effective integration of digital technologies could increase ����ֱ��’s industrial productivity by 15 percent to 25 percent.”  

He added: “Thanks to successive technological developments, industries will emerge over the next 10 years dominated by advanced technologies to a degree we have never seen before.” 

Nasser noted that the world is undergoing profound geopolitical shifts and intensifying competition across technological, industrial, and economic domains — trends that are accelerating the transformation of ����ֱ��’s industrial landscape. 

He emphasized the need to prepare for this future, particularly as the Kingdom continues to invest in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, robotics, and automation. 

These technologies, he explained, are aimed at more than just optimizing factory operations; they are vital for enhancing industrial productivity and ensuring operational reliability. 

“At Aramco, we are working to establish a digital infrastructure that becomes an integral part of empowering the industrial sector,” Nasser said, adding: “This includes the launch of Aramco Digital Company, as well as a 450 MHz private wireless network dedicated to industrial use by the private sector.” 

He continued: “Aramco Digital has also introduced an edge artificial intelligence service — AI on the Edge — designed for critical industrial facilities and complex applications, such as crowd management during Hajj.” 

In the cybersecurity sphere, Aramco established Cyberani in 2021, a company focused on delivering industrial-grade solutions and software protection technologies. 

“Aramco is working on projects to develop artificial intelligence platforms, data centers, and smart industrial complexes,” Nasser said. 

He warned of the risks accompanying digital advancement, stating: “A technical malfunction or external interference through digital systems or control platforms could impact operations and disrupt the performance of industrial and economic facilities — especially those that do not invest sufficiently in digital protection.” 

Highlighting the human element in digital security, he stated: “The most critical aspect of proactive protection systems is the development of human capabilities and deep expertise.” 

Nasser concluded by stressing the importance of localizing digital supply chains and enhancing technological resilience. 

“Building future Saudi industries supported by flexible supply chains, competitive costs, and excellence in artificial intelligence is essential and highly important — but it is not enough unless it is accompanied by proactive investment in digital protection,” he said. 

The Saudi Industry Forum 2025, held from June 23–25 at the Dhahran International Exhibition Center, is sponsored by Eastern Province Governor Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz. 

The event aims to elevate the Kingdom’s industrial sector in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify income sources and increase the sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product. 

RIYADH: ����ֱ��’s Public Investment Fund has launched its first commercial paper program, introducing a new tool to diversify its funding sources and enhance short-term liquidity management.

A commercial paper is a debt instrument used to raise short-term funding, offering faster access to funds than traditional loans. It is widely used in global financial markets, offering PIF greater flexibility in meeting its needs while aligning with its dynamic investment priorities.

The CP program will enable PIF to issue short-term debt through offshore special-purpose vehicles, enhancing its liquidity management and complementing its long-term capital-raising initiatives.

According to a press release, the initiative, which includes US and Euro CP sub-programs, has received top-tier credit ratings of Prime-1 from Moody’s and F1+ from Fitch, underscoring its strong financial standing.

PIF has consistently demonstrated its ability to pioneer new financial instruments. In 2022, it became the first sovereign wealth fund globally to issue a green bond, including a landmark century green bond, followed by a successful $3.5 billion sukuk issuance, according to the fund.

PIF’s Head of Global Capital Finance and Investment Strategy and Economic Insights, Fahad Al-Saif, emphasized the program’s role in strengthening the fund’s resilient and adaptive financial framework. 

“The establishment of our CP program reflects the continued strength and depth of PIF’s capital raising strategy; one that is dynamic, resilient, and fit for purpose, aligning funding solutions with our long-term investment priorities,” he said.

In a press release, Moody’s Ratings said that the programs will operate under newly established special purpose vehicles, CPDE Investment Co. and CPNL Investment Limited.

“PIF has an excellent liquidity profile,” Moody’s said in its rating rationale, citing the fund’s cash reserves of SR106 billion ($28 billion) and undrawn credit facilities as key strengths.

According to the agency, the USCP program will support maturities of up to 397 days, while the ECP program will cover maturities of up to 364 days, with proceeds earmarked for general corporate purposes.

PIF is ����ֱ��’s primary investment arm, tasked with advancing economic transformation under Vision 2030. Through strategic partnerships and investments, the fund aims to build future-ready industries, create employment opportunities, and promote sustainable development.

As the driving force behind ����ֱ��’s Vision 2030, PIF has established 103 companies since 2017, fostering economic diversification and sustainability.