The World Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics (WAM) Saudi Summit & Expo 2026 has successfully concluded in Riyadh, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s journey towards industrial leadership under the Vision 2030 agenda. The three-day event, organized by KAOUN International in strategic partnership with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), served as a critical nexus for international thought leaders, policymakers, and industry innovators from over 45 countries.
A Global Hub for Industrial Innovation
The summit distinguished itself by assembling a comprehensive ecosystem of stakeholders, from government bodies to international tech firms and promising startups. The event underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing position as a dynamic and rapidly accelerating industrial market, attracting not just visitors but serious international and local buyers.
Alex Nicholl, Vice-President at Kaoun International, stated, “What makes this year’s edition distinctive is that we have brought the entire ecosystem together. Beyond visitors, we have attracted serious buyers – both international and predominantly from Saudi Arabia, reflecting the Kingdom’s position as one of the most dynamic and rapidly accelerating industrial markets globally.”
Spotlighting Regional Innovators
A key highlight of the summit was its focus on nurturing emerging talent through various pitching platforms, including the 1Tank Pitch Competition and the Supernova Industry X Pitch Competition. DIGITAL PETROLEUM, an AIoT company focused on digitizing and decarbonizing industrial processes, was awarded the top prize of USD 10,000 at the Supernova competition.
Fakhreddine Mrabet, CTO at Digital Petroleum, commented on the win, “Being recognised as the winner of Supernova Pitch Competition is a strong validation of our mission at Digital Petroleum. As an AIoT company, we leverage artificial intelligence to digitise and decarbonise industrial processes across oil & gas, water utilities, and manufacturing. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the WAM team.”
Forging Strategic Alliances
The event also proved to be a fertile ground for high-level collaborations, with several strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) being formalized. BHAG Digital signed a partnership with AI-LOG Middle East to accelerate AI adoption in smart manufacturing and another with Trust Angle to advance industrial automation and IoT solutions.
In a separate agreement, TAKLEES EXPRO and PNT Certificate established a partnership to facilitate specialized certification and testing services, creating mutual value for their clients.
Driving the Vision 2030 Agenda
Aligning directly with Saudi Arabia’s national goals, the summit’s agenda explored critical themes shaping the future of industry. Discussions centered on the transition to Industry 4.0, human-centric automation, the implications of quantum technologies, and the business case for green manufacturing. Sessions also addressed enhancing global competitiveness, the role of digital twins in decision-making, and how AI is transforming the manufacturing sector, providing key insights into building next-generation production systems.
About WAM Saudi
The World Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics (WAM) Saudi Summit & Expo is a premier platform dedicated to advancing industrial transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Organized by KAOUN International, a subsidiary of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), in strategic partnership with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), the event convenes global industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators. WAM Saudi aims to foster collaboration, showcase cutting-edge technology, and accelerate the adoption of Industry 4.0 solutions in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Source: Zawya
