Saudi Arabia has recognized the immense potential of additive manufacturing and has embarked on a journey to embrace this innovative approach to production. Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that is embracing AM, with the government and private sector investing heavily in the technology. According to Invest Saudi, the market for 3D Printing is estimated to be $58MM, forecasted to grow at 18% annual growth until 2025 and estimated to be $134MM till 2025.
In this blog post by AM Chronicle, we will explore the recent government initiatives, notable additive manufacturing projects, and the research and development status of 3D printing in Saudi Arabia.
Government & Private Initiatives
The Saudi Arabian government has shown a strong commitment to fostering technological advancement and economic diversification through additive manufacturing. Several initiatives have been launched to encourage the adoption and growth of this technology within the country.
Saudi Arabia plans to become leader in additive manufacturing
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef addressed a panel session titled: “Dealing with the Unpredictable Economic Consequences of 4IR Technological Progress” in the second edition of the LEAP Tech Conference held in Riyadh under the theme Into New Worlds. During the conference Minister Bandar Al-Khorayef confirmed that the ministry is targeting to become a global leader in additive manufacturing through producing additive manufacturing raw material, developing engineering design capabilities, and localizing additive manufacturing services.
NAMI, a leading innovation-driven company in Saudi Arabia, announced the launch of its state-of-the-art additive manufacturing facility, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to digitalization and industrial advancement. Under the patronage of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar I. Alkhorayef.
3D Systems and the Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company (Dussur) have signed an agreement intended to expand the use of additive manufacturing (AM) within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and surrounding geographies, including the Middle East and North Africa.
National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP)
The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) is one of the main enablers of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the country’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil. NIDLP is focused on developing the manufacturing and logistics sectors, and additive manufacturing (AM) is one of the technologies that the program is supporting.
Under the NIDLP, the Saudi government aims to strengthen the manufacturing sector by investing in cutting-edge technologies such as additive manufacturing. The program focuses on creating a favorable business environment, promoting innovation, and developing skilled talent.
Saudi Vision 2030
Saudi Vision 2030 is a strategic framework to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism.
The Saudi Arabian government sees AM as a key enabler of Vision 2030, and has made significant investments in the technology. In 2019, the government launched the National Additive Manufacturing Strategy, which aims to make Saudi Arabia a global leader in AM. The strategy includes a number of initiatives, such as the establishment of an AM research center, the development of a national AM workforce, and the promotion of AM adoption by businesses.
Notable Additive Manufacturing Initiatives
Saudi Arabia is witnessing significant additive manufacturing projects across various industries. The world’s largest oil company, Saudi Aramco, has embraced additive manufacturing for various applications. They have utilized 3D printing to create complex components for oil and gas exploration and production, enabling faster prototyping and reducing production costs.
KACST, the national research and development organization, has established an Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence. The center aims to support advanced research, promote collaboration between academia and industry, and develop indigenous additive manufacturing technologies. The university has a number of AM research labs and is working on a number of projects, such as developing new AM materials and processes.
Immensa Technology Labs was approved for additive manufacturing by KSA’s Ministry of Investments. This license represents the first of its kind to be issued in Saudi Arabia and is in line with ‘Vision2030’ and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) which is giving importance to industry 4.0 with Industrial 3D printing and attracting international companies like Immensa to the Kingdom to localize advanced manufacturing technologies. Immensa also inaugurated their advanced manufacturing and digitization facility in the presence of His Excellency Eng. Osama bin Abdul Aziz Al-Zamil, Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources.
Namthaja, one of the pioneers in the 3D printing services market in GCC based in Saudi Arabia since 2015, signed a memorandum of understanding with Alkhorayef Petroleum Company to strengthen their cooperation to manufacture components of diaphragm pumps using Additive Manufacturing.
Research and Development Status
Saudi Arabia is actively investing in additive manufacturing research and development to enhance local capabilities and accelerate technological advancements.
Leading universities and research institutions in Saudi Arabia have established dedicated additive manufacturing labs and centers. These facilities conduct research in materials development, process optimization, and the development of new applications in various sectors. Saudi Arabia has entered into partnerships with renowned international institutions and companies to leverage their expertise in additive manufacturing. Collaborative research projects aim to advance the understanding of 3D printing technologies, develop new materials, and explore novel applications.
| University Name | Additive Manufacturing Lab Name |
| King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) | Prototyping and Product Development Core Lab (PCL) |
| King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) | Intelligent Manufacturing & Robotics Research Center |
| King Saud University (KSU) | Advanced Manufacturing Institute (AMI) |
| King Abdulaziz University (KAU) | The Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research ( CEAMR) |
| King Khalid University (KKU) | Digital Fabrication Lab |
| King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) | Advanced Manufacturing Center |
| Effat University | Fabrication Lab |
| Prince Sultan University (PSU) | Industry 4.0 Center |
Recognizing the need for skilled professionals in additive manufacturing, Saudi Arabia has taken initiatives to train its workforce. Vocational training programs, certification courses, and specialized workshops are being offered to enhance the capabilities of engineers, technicians, and designers in this field.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a hub for additive manufacturing, driven by strong government support, ongoing projects, and research and development initiatives. By embracing this technology, the country aims to foster innovation, reduce reliance on imports, and create a knowledge-based economy. As the adoption of additive manufacturing expands, Saudi Arabia is set to play a pivotal role in revolutionizing the manufacturing landscape in the region and beyond.
About AM Conclave Middle East
AM Conclave Middle East is an initiative to bring the entire Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing ecosystem in the Middle East on one platform including Government, Users, Software Providers, Hardware, Material Manufacturers, Research Institutes and Standards & Certification Bodies, with an aim to advance the adoption of AM in line with the various initiatives and strategies in the region to catalyze manufacturing.
The event will feature application and technology focussed conference mapping the latest developments and trends in the world of Additive Manufacturing. A high quality technical conference will also be supported by a technology showcase and networking zone for the industry stakeholders to showcase their solutions and exchange ideas.
For more information visit: https://amconclave.com/
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