Saudi Arabia's Young Talent Drives Industrial Transformation Through AI And Technology

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef stated that the country’s greatest strength is its young human capital, even though Saudi Arabia holds substantial reserves of oil, gas, petrochemicals, and minerals. Alkhorayef spoke during a high-level panel titled "The Human Code: Designing Capability Systems" at the Saudi House, held alongside the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland.

Alkhorayef explained that Saudi Arabia is pursuing a clear plan for industrial transformation that relies on advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence. The minister said this plan focuses on identifying specific activities suitable for automation, noting that technology has become central to competitiveness, after previously large-scale operations were considered the main requirement for industrial strength.

The minister highlighted that Saudi Arabia has a predominantly young population, which represents a large share of the total number of residents. Alkhorayef described this demographic as a strategic asset and a qualitative advantage at a time when several advanced economies deal with ageing populations and shrinking workforces, creating structural challenges for their labour markets and long-term economic growth prospects.

Alkhorayef noted that the key challenge is to turn this demographic strength into sustainable added value through capability development. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia has seen rapid progress in recent years in education, professional training, skills development, and rehabilitation programmes. These efforts are advancing alongside broad adoption of technology in different sectors across the national economy.

The minister observed that Saudi youth are showing growing interest in technology-focused jobs, which is changing how society views traditional industries. Alkhorayef stressed that attracting young talent to fields such as mining requires reshaping them into modern, technology-led sectors. According to the minister, these sectors must be based on innovation, competitiveness, and a forward-looking vision that aligns with ongoing global industrial change.

Regarding the mining sector, which is considered the third pillar of the national industry within Saudi Vision 2030, Alkhorayef said that "The Kingdom is advancing rapidly in exploring and utilizing its mineral resources while adhering to sustainability, productivity, and energy efficiency standards." The minister underlined the use of modern mining tools, including advanced mine management systems and remote mining operations supported by digital technologies.

Saudi Arabia industrial transformation partnerships and ecosystem

Alkhorayef underlined that cooperation is essential for the industrial shift. "Industrial transformation in the Kingdom requires collective action, coordinated and integrated efforts. The private sector cannot achieve this alone, and success demands providing infrastructure in remote areas, training and capacity building, and investing in the technologies necessary to ensure sustainability," the minister said during the session in Davos.

The minister emphasised the importance of integration between public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia. Alkhorayef explained that private companies lead investment in industry and mining, while the government works to keep pace with technological change. The state also aims to create an environment that supports innovation, training, and ongoing development to help companies adapt to new industrial models.

Alkhorayef reviewed several initiatives launched to support Saudi Arabia’s industrial transformation, strengthen the innovation ecosystem, and build national human capital. He stated, "These steps are part of integrated efforts to develop national competencies and empower young talent. We also recognize the role of leading national companies, including SABIC, Aramco, Ma’aden, stc, and the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), in enabling entrepreneurs and innovators to test and implement new technologies in real industrial environments," highlighting cooperation across major firms.

The minister’s participation in "The Human Code: Designing Capability Systems" session at the World Economic Forum highlighted Saudi Arabia’s presence on influential international platforms. Alkhorayef’s remarks also reinforced the Kingdom’s role as an active partner in discussions on the global economy, supporting stability, growth, and sustainable development while aligning national industrial goals with broader international priorities.

With inputs from SPA