SPARK and NIDLP to establish an advanced manufacturing institute to enable Fourth  Industrial Revolution technologies 

The MoU aims to create a lasting socio-economic impact for the Kingdom through the  localization of technological and human capabilities 

The partnership is a testament to SPARK ‘s commitment to creating an innovative and  sustainable ecosystem that connects the world to opportunities in the Saudi energy sector and beyond 

Saudi Arabia, 31 March 2022 – King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), the leading industrial ecosystem  with sustainability at its core, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) to accelerate the progress of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the Kingdom. 

SPARK and NIDLP aim to establish an advanced manufacturing institute that will act as a national  capability development center and fuel the adoption of 4IR technologies across four key high-growth  sectors in Saudi Arabia, including industrials, mining, energy, and logistics. To that end, SPARK and  NIDLP will develop roadmaps and programs to enable national capability centers that will offer their services to beneficiaries through a centralized digital platform for unparalleled convenience.  

The MoU was signed by Saif Al-Qahtani, President and CEO of SPARK, and Sulaiman Al-Mazrou, CEO  of NIDLP, during the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

Saif Al-Qahtani, President and CEO of SPARK said, “SPARK is delighted to partner with NIDLP. This  MoU is the latest in a series of efforts to localize the technological and human capabilities required  to create socio-economic impact for the Kingdom. SPARK serves as a hub for innovation, which is  why we look forward to establishing national capability centers that will propel forward the Fourth  Industrial Revolution agenda, enhancing the investment environment for our existing and future  tenants while delivering value for our wider communities.” 

Sulaiman Al-Mazrou, CEO of NIDLP said, “We are pleased to sign this MoU with SPARK aiming to  accelerate the adaptation of 4IR technologies in the Kingdom. This MoU reflects our commitment to  maximizing the value of the Kingdom’s promising sectors while unlocking the full potential of local  content. We look forward to contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification in a sustainable  manner through the localization of promising industries.” 

Through the establishment of national capability centers SPARK and NIDLP will further drive the  localization of manufacturing and promote the circular carbon economy through the reduction of  greenhouse gas emissions. 

In addition to turbocharging the implementation of principles and protocols for emerging science  and technology, the MoU prioritizes the development of local Saudi talent to enable the operation  of the advanced manufacturing institute. 

NIDLP is a program under Vision 2030 that aims to transform the Kingdom into a leading global  industrial powerhouse and logistical hub and to maximize the value creation from its energy and  mining sectors, with a special focus on developing local content and adopting the fourth industrial  revolution. The program will contribute to sustainable economic growth and diversification of the  Kingdom’s economy by creating an attractive investment environment. 

SPARK is a key Vision 2030 initiative bringing socio-economic value to the Kingdom. As a world leading industrial ecosystem with sustainability embedded in its DNA, SPARK is a hub for  international and local energy-related companies. SPARK leverages its strategic location to tap  strong local and regional demand. 

-ENDS 

About SPARK  

Spark is the leading industrial ecosystem with sustainability at its core, connecting the world to  opportunities in the Saudi energy sector and beyond. As a national Saudi megaproject proudly  driving socio-economic impact locally and globally, SPARK is simultaneously catalyzing the Kingdom’s  role in the global energy transition while offering a world-class ecosystem in the heart of the energy  market for investors and tenants.  

SPARK 

Name: Rose A. Alfaryan 

Mobile: +966 54 583 3356 

Email: [email protected]

About NIDLP 

The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program was launched in the beginning of 2019,  out of the leadership's belief in the importance of the program's four sectors (energy, mining,  industry and logistics) and via integration to maximize their contribution to the Kingdom's efforts to  grow and diversify the economy. 

The program also focuses on the two enabling pillars of local content and the 4th Industrial  Revolution (4IR), given their importance towards enabling the main sectors to reach their pre-set  strategic objectives. 

The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program marked numerous achievements since  its commencement, including but not limited to the launch of the largest-of-its-kind geological  survey program for the Arabian Shield region. It also achieved remarkable progress in international  connectivity by adding five new shipping lines to the Kingdom's ports, inaugurating the first locally  manufactured fast intercept boat, the launch of multiple utility-scale renewable energy projects and  strides of progress in military equipment localization as well as the global launch of the "Saudi  Made" program.

The program intends to achieve its goals by developing world-class infrastructure for its sectors,  designing new policies and regulations to unlock value, and increasing the value from the Kingdom's  resources and drastically improving global connectivity and access to markets. This is all with the aim  of developing a sustainable comparative advantage that will place the Kingdom at the forefront of  investment attractiveness. 

NIDLP 

Name: Hosam Alghamdi 

Mobile: +966536342940 

Email: [email protected]