Pioneering Industrial Transformation: Ahmad Haydar Takes the Helm at Rockwell Automation in Saudi Arabia

In a significant development for the industrial landscape of Saudi Arabia, Rockwell Automation, the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has appointed Ahmad Haydar as the new country manager. This strategic move underscores Rockwell Automation's commitment to supporting the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global hub for advanced manufacturing and technology. Haydar, who boasts nearly 20 years of experience in the automation industry, will be based in Dammam and will report to Ediz Eren, the regional vice president for the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa.

Haydar’s extensive background, including a decade spent at Rockwell Automation, equips him with the necessary skills to lead the company’s efforts in helping industrial organizations across the Kingdom harness the full potential of Saudi Vision 2030. "Ahmad's appointment reflects our deep commitment to supporting the Kingdom's industrial evolution," stated Eren. His leadership and technical expertise will be instrumental in guiding Saudi companies toward embracing smart manufacturing and digitalization, aligning with the transformative goals set forth by the Vision 2030 framework.

A Vision for the Future: Commitment to Innovation and Local Talent

As the newly appointed country manager, Ahmad Haydar expressed his enthusiasm for taking on this pivotal role during a transformative period for the Kingdom. He acknowledges the bold roadmap presented by Saudi Vision 2030 and emphasizes the importance of collaborating with customers to deliver innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and long-term growth. His vision aligns seamlessly with Rockwell Automation's mission to foster a culture of industrial innovation within the Kingdom.

Moreover, Haydar recognizes the significance of investing in local talent and partnerships. "Equally important is our commitment to supporting knowledge transfer and helping prepare Saudi national graduates for the world of industrial digital transformation," he remarked. This commitment not only strengthens the local workforce but also ensures that Saudi Arabia continues to advance in its quest for technological excellence, ultimately positioning itself as a leader in the global manufacturing arena. 

Ahmad Haydar's appointment heralds a new chapter for Rockwell Automation in Saudi Arabia. With his expertise and dedication, the company is poised to play a crucial role in the Kingdom's industrial evolution, driving forward the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.

Celebrating Design Innovation: The Inaugural d3 Awards in Dubai

A New Era for Emerging Talent in the MENA Region

On September 24, 2025, Dubai Design District (d3) announced an exciting opportunity for emerging designers and architects in the MENA region. As part of its Beyond a Decade of Design celebrations, d3 has launched the inaugural d3 Awards, aimed at recognizing and championing new talent within the vibrant and diverse design landscape of the Middle East. This initiative not only highlights the importance of innovation but also encourages fresh perspectives that can reshape our built environment. 

The d3 Awards will celebrate excellence in several aspects of design, including material exploration, human-centred approaches, and forward-thinking solutions. Entrants are invited to submit proposals focused on architecture, covering both interior and exterior spaces as well as immersive environments. The stakes are high, as the winner will receive a financial prize of AED 100,000, marking a significant milestone in their design career. 

Joining the Global Design Dialogue

Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of d3, emphasizes the importance of such initiatives in fostering a creative ecosystem. “The d3 Awards mark a significant step forward in our journey of championing emerging talent,” she stated. This award serves as a platform to elevate the region's brightest minds and aligns with Dubai's Creative Economy Strategy and Design Sector Strategy 2033. By encouraging creative thinkers to reimagine the world through their design expertise, d3 reinforces its position as a global hub for design excellence.

Participants in the d3 Awards must be either graduating design students in their final year or designers with up to five years of professional experience. Applicants should be residents or citizens of the MENA region, and submissions are welcome from individuals, duos, or collectives of up to four members. This inclusivity ensures that a wide range of voices and ideas will be represented, enriching the creative dialogue within the region. The deadline for conceptual entries is set for October 17, 2025, making it essential for aspiring designers to prepare their submissions thoughtfully.

As part of Dubai Design Week, which takes place from November 4-9, 2025, shortlisted candidates will showcase their proposals at the d3 Architecture Exhibition. This event promises to attract architects, designers, and creative practitioners from around the globe, fostering an environment of collaboration and inspiration. Thus, the d3 Awards not only provide a platform for emerging talent but also contribute to a larger narrative of innovation and excellence in the design industry. For more information and to apply, interested individuals can visit [www.d3awards.com](http://www.d3awards.com). 

The d3 Awards represent a pivotal moment for the design community in the MENA region. By celebrating originality and practical design solutions, this initiative opens doors for future innovators and reinforces Dubai's status as a beacon of design creativity.

Pioneering Water Infrastructure: The Riyadh–Qassim IWTP Project

A Strategic Initiative for Sustainable Water Supply

The Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) has made a significant stride towards enhancing the nation’s water infrastructure with the announcement of three bids submitted by private sector consortia for the Riyadh–Qassim Independent Water Transmission Pipeline (IWTP) Project. This initiative not only reflects a commitment to sustainable resource management but also indicates a proactive approach to meet the ever-growing drinking water needs of the Riyadh and Al-Qassim regions. Notably, the bidding consortia include reputable entities such as Al Jomaih Energy and Water Co. Ltd, Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies, and Vision International Investment Company, among others.

This ambitious project, characterized by a transmission capacity of 685,000 cubic meters per day and an impressive pipeline length of 859 kilometers, stands as a testament to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s vision to interconnect various regions across the Kingdom. Furthermore, the inclusion of bi-directional flow capabilities ensures a reliable and sustainable water supply, thereby bolstering the overall water security in Saudi Arabia. 

Transforming Water Management through Innovative Solutions

The Riyadh–Qassim IWTP Project will not only feature extensive infrastructure but also innovative solutions aimed at reducing environmental impact. The project encompasses six strategic storage tanks in Riyadh, boasting a total capacity of 1,020,000 cubic meters, alongside 32 operational tanks along the pipeline route with a cumulative capacity of 571,000 cubic meters. Additionally, the integration of solar power solutions into the project design signifies a forward-thinking approach to carbon emission reduction while maintaining dependence on the national grid.

Tendered under a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model, this project has attracted significant interest, with 31 companies participating, including 19 Saudi firms. This heightened engagement underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing infrastructure projects. As commercial operations are anticipated to commence in the first quarter of 2030, this initiative promises to not only enhance water supply but also contribute to the Kingdom’s economic diversification and sustainability goals.