4WARD: The Future Workforce Summit

Building future-ready workforce for Industry 4.0 in line with Vision 2030

Saudi Edition | 16-17 September 2025, Riyadh

ABOUT THE EVENT

4WARD: The Future Workforce Summit is the only dedicated Workforce 4.0 event, where innovation, strategy, and technology converge to shape the future of the industrial workforce.
As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 and the National Industrial Strategy, transforming the workforce is essential for achieving industrial growth. With over 4,000 factories being upgraded under the Future Factories Program, and the increasing adoption of workforce technologies in sectors such as oil & gas, manufacturing and logistics, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

4WARD will explore how forward-looking Saudi industries can harness cutting-edge technologies to enhance workforce productivity, safety, connectivity, and upskilling. Attendees will hear from industry experts, experience these technologies in action at the exhibition, and gain practical insights on deploying future-ready tools and strategies to build a resilient, tech-enabled workforce for tomorrow.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event and discover how to build a workforce capable of driving Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 forward.

eVENT IN NUMBERS

400+
Attendees
25+
Exhibitors
20+
Speakers
15+
Countries

MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

4,000
factories being upgraded to i40
24,000
new industrial units by 2035
US$148b
annual industrial exports by 2030
US$327B
investment in industrial sector by 2030
US$239b
manufacturing sector GDP contribution by 2030
100%
i40-ready industrial cities by 2025
US$28b
SIDF funding for industrial transformation
US$20b
investment in AI by 2030

MARKET DRIVERS

Vision 2030
Under Vision 2030, the Saudi government is driving industrial transformation through significant investments in IIoT, 5G, MCX, AI, and capacity-building programmes, while upgrading 4,000 factories to i40 by 2030.
Industrial Boom
Saudi Arabia is experiencing a massive industrial boom, fueling demand for advanced technologies to support US$327 billion in new industrial investments by 2030 and 24,000 new factories by 2035.
Productivity Imperatives
Global competition is pushing Saudi industries to enhance productivity. Workforce 4.0 solutions are increasingly deployed to ensure workers operate efficiently in digitally advanced industrial environments.
Geographical Challenges
Saudi Arabia's vast geography, with numerous remote industrial sites, creates unique operational challenges. Advanced connectivity tools are essential to enhance communication and collaboration with frontline workers.
Safety Standards
Stringent safety regulations are accelerating the adoption of advanced safety technologies in Saudi industries. Smart PPE, threat detection, and monitoring systems are being implemented to enhance workplace safety.
Skills Gap
A widening skills gap due to rapid industrial digitalisation in Saudi Arabia is driving demand for digital upskilling, leading to increased adoption of AR/VR training, simulation-based learning, and adaptive platforms.

KEY THEMES

Smart Frontline: The Connected Worker Evolution
Explore how IoT devices, wearables, and mobile apps are transforming industrial communication. Discover innovations enhancing collaboration, real-time decision-making, and efficiency for the connected workforce.
Critical Communications: Unlocking Workforce Resilience
Learn how mission-critical communication systems improve safety and resilience in high-stakes industries. Explore strategies for effective emergency responses and seamless information flow. Discuss implementations and future trends.
AI-Driven Efficiency: Optimising Human Potential
Discover AI-driven solutions transforming labour deployment, task management, and resource allocation. Learn how these innovations bridge performance gaps, enhance productivity, and unlock human potential in next-gen industrial settings.
Reimagining Workforce Safety: Next-Gen Technologies
Examine cutting-edge safety technologies protecting workers in hazardous environments. Explore smart PPE, real-time threat detection, and AR-based training to understand how these advancements are forging a safer, more efficient workplace.
Skill Shift: Upskilling the Workforce of Tomorrow
Engage with innovative training solutions preparing workers for future challenges. Discover how AR/VR platforms, adaptive learning, and simulations provide continuous upskilling to ensure workforce resilience in the digital age.
Go Seamless: Unifying Workforce Technologies
Explore strategies for integrating diverse workforce technologies into cohesive ecosystems. Learn how unified platforms improve data flow, decision-making, and reduce complexity, enhancing workforce performance and adaptability.

WHAT'S ON aT 4WARD

STRATEGIC SUMMIT
Gain insights from industry leaders on trends and innovations in workforce transformation.
Explore trends in workforce connectivity, productivity, upskilling and safety, and learn how collaboration can build a future-ready workforce.
SOLUTIONS HUB
Explore the latest workforce technologies from the industry's foremost solution providers.
Connect with exhibitors showcasing connected worker platforms, AI solutions, safety systems, and more—all designed to empower the workforce.
ELITE NETWORKING
Connect with industry experts, technology providers, and decision-makers.
Exchange best practices, explore collaborations, and use AI matchmaking to schedule meetings and expand your network.

WHO WILL ATTEND

TITLES & PROFILES

  • Chief Operations Officer
  • Chief Technology Officer
  • Chief Digital Officer
  • Human Resources Director
  • Production Manager
  • Plant Manager
  • Workforce Development Manager
  • Manufacturing Systems Engineer
  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Safety and Compliance Manager
  • Predictive Maintenance Manager
  • Sustainability Officer

INDUSTRIES / sECTORS

  • Oil & Gas
  • Chemicals
  • Energy & Utilities
  • Manufacturing
  • Mining
  • Construction
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace & Defence
  • Logistics & Supply Chain
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Food & Beverage
  • Government & Public Sector
  • Connected Worker Platforms
    Wearable Communication Devices
    Smart Helmets with AR Displays
    Remote Monitoring Systems
    Mobile Workforce Management Tools
    Hands-Free Communication Systems
  • Critical Communications
    Real-Time Incident Management Systems
    Push-to-Talk Communication Devices
    Mission-Critical Communication Networks
    Emergency Communication Platforms
    Industrial Radio Systems
  • Workplace IoT Solutions
    Industrial IoT Sensors
    Wearable IoT Devices
    Mobile Device Management Systems
    5G-Enabled Workforce Communication Platforms
    Remote Worker Monitoring Systems
  • Health & Safety Solutions
    Smart PPE
    Hazard Detection Systems
    Safety Monitoring Dashboards
    Ergonomic Wearables
    Environmental Sensors
  • Information Security
    IoT Security Solutions
    Worker Data Privacy Solutions
    Compliance Management for Worker Devices
  • Automation & Robotics
    Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
    Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
    Robotic Exoskeletons
    Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
  • Wearable Technologies
    Exoskeletons for Worker Support
    Smart Glasses with AR
    Connected Safety Helmets
    Health Monitoring Wearables
    Wearable Communication Devices
  • Workforce Management Software
    Labour Scheduling Software
    AI-Driven Workforce Optimisation Platforms
    Compliance Management Software
    Shift Planning Tools
    Real-Time Performance Tracking Platforms
    Predictive Analytics for Workforce Efficiency
    Industrial Data Visualisation Tools
  • Training & UpSkilling Solutions
    AR/VR Training Simulators
    Digital Learning Platforms
    Simulation-Based Learning Modules
    Virtual Apprenticeship Platforms
    Industry-Specific Certification Programmes
    Compliance and Worker Certification Tracking
  • Sustainability Solutions
    Energy-Efficient Wearables
    Worker-Focused Sustainability Dashboards
    Eco-Friendly PPE
    Recycling Programmes for Worker Equipment
    Solutions for Sustainable Workforce Practices
  • Consulting & Professional Services
    Digital Workforce Transformation Services
    Operational Efficiency Consulting
    Industrial Workforce Analytics Services
    Workforce Automation Strategy Consulting
    Safety and Compliance Consulting

TOP REASONS TO EXHIBIT

Access a Transforming Market
Align your business with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and industrial transformation initiatives. Access a growing market for Workforce 4.0 solutions, driven by advancements in connected worker platforms, AI, and smart safety technologies.
Meet Key Decision-Makers
Connect with industry leaders driving workforce transformation. Build relationships with decision-makers from oil & gas, manufacturing, construction, and other sectors seeking innovative solutions to address evolving workforce challenges.
Showcase Innovations
Demonstrate cutting-edge workforce technologies in a dedicated Solutions Hub. Provide potential customers firsthand experience of how your solutions empower their workforce and facilitate Industry 4.0 adoption.
Build Thought Leadership
Position your company as a thought leader in workforce transformation. Engage with industry professionals and showcase your expertise in helping Saudi enterprises build and develop the workforce of the future.
Generate New Leads
Connect with a targeted audience of industry leaders seeking workforce transformation solutions. Expand your sales pipeline, discover new opportunities, and accomplish a year's worth of meetings in just two days.
Boost Brand Visibility
Increase your brand visibility in Saudi Arabia's competitive industrial market. Showcase your Workforce 4.0 innovations and position your company as a leader in the rapidly evolving digital transformation landscape.

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