RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has launched a program to automate 4,000 factories and end reliance on low-skilled workers, Minister Bandar Alkhorayef said on Wednesday. “The Future Factories Program” aims to build a strong technology ecosystem and transform the manufacturing sector along modern lines. “Advanced manufacturing and AI-based technologies are no longer a luxury or a choice but have become inevitable to ensure growth and profitability,” the minister said. He said the use of AI and advanced technologies is central to the industrial development strategy. Within the ministry itself, AI solutions are being implemented to provide insight and support decision-making processes, Alkhorayef added. “We believe there’s a huge opportunity to transform and we invite all technology companies, consulting firms and service providers to join this effort,” he added The Kingdom is home to more than 10,000 factories spread across 40 different industrial cities, accounting for 11 percent of the country’s gross domestic product with an impressive gross rate of 10 percent.