Waves of Innovation: How Rockwell Automation and alfanar Are Powering Saudi Arabia’s Digital Future

A Bold Collaboration Anchored in Vision 2030

Under the brilliant desert sun, in the bustling heart of Riyadh’s Industrial City, a new chapter in industrial innovation is being written. **Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation**, has joined forces with **alfanar**, a leading Saudi Arabian energy and infrastructure solutions provider, to create a specialized manufacturing zone within alfanar’s facility.  

This precisely planned partnership is not merely about technology—it’s about transformation. Together, they are establishing a hub for assembling advanced automation panels, infused with Rockwell’s cutting-edge intelligent devices, robust software, and agile control and process automation solutions. Transitioning from concept to reality, the collaboration targets critical infrastructure projects, beginning with a strategic focus on empowering the **Saudi Water Authority (SWA)**. Through this, Saudi Arabia’s water sector is poised to become a beacon of resilience, efficiency, and local innovation. 

Manufacturing the Future, Locally

The signing ceremony at Rockwell’s Automation Fair in Chicago may have been the spark, but the fire is being stoked right here in the Kingdom. According to Ahmad Haydar, Rockwell’s country leader for Saudi Arabia, this initiative is an undeniable step toward the localization agenda championed by Vision 2030. By enabling the **local assembly of advanced automation technologies**, the partnership is not only modernizing operations but also bolstering Saudi talent in an area critical to the nation’s future.

Eng. Sharekh Ibrahim AlSharekh of SWA emphasizes that this movement directly deepens Saudi Arabia’s local content in the water sector. The manufacturing zone will act as a rich ground for both economic diversification and reduced reliance on external suppliers. In fact, the zone will feature Rockwell Automation demonstration walls—living showcases of innovation—providing visitors a tangible glimpse into intelligent automation solutions.  

This synergy of **alfanar’s local manufacturing mastery** and **Rockwell Automation’s global leadership** is more than a partnership; it’s a launching pad for cutting-edge technologies, sustainable growth, and knowledge transfer. More importantly, it sets a precedent for industrial sectors across the Kingdom—showing that success can be *made in Saudi Arabia, for Saudi Arabia*. 

Where Heritage Meets Tomorrow: A Night with *Novalis 2029* in Diriyah

A Cultural Evening Illuminating the Future

ARX hosted the latest international event dedicated to *Novalis 2029* in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday evening, presenting the book by Michael Schindhelm to a selected audience at Sharq in Diriyah. The atmosphere was vibrant yet sophisticated, with senior officials, industry leaders and experts gathering under the warm glow of heritage-inspired architecture.  

Held in Diriyah – a timeless symbol of the Kingdom's cultural roots and ambitious transformation – the event carried deep emotional resonance. One chapter of Schindhelm’s book unfolds in this very historic setting, making it more than a simple venue choice; it was a living bridge between past traditions and future innovations. The attendees engaged in a forward-looking conversation about culture, engineering, design and urban development, inspired by both the book’s vision and Diriyah’s own evolving story.  

Exploring Visionary Ideas for Cities of Tomorrow

*Novalis 2029* is not merely fiction; it is a speculative invitation to imagine our shared future. The book follows Maren, an artist working within an engineering and design firm in 2029, revealing a compelling blend of human creativity and technological ingenuity. Michael Schindhelm weaves scenarios exploring smart cities, underground agriculture, energy storage, the reuse of obsolete sites, post-conflict reconstruction and even space travel — enriched by insights from prominent figures like Pierre de Meuron.  

One of the evening’s unforgettable moments was Schindhelm’s live reading of select excerpts, immersing the audience in both narrative and idea. The subsequent panel discussion sparked an engaging exchange among visionary minds, touching on how engineering and design can be paired with long-term vision and responsible urban growth. Speakers also emphasized the importance of cultivating talent through strong national education systems, which will shape the engineers and designers of tomorrow.  

ARX expressed gratitude to distinguished contributors, including HRH Prince Fahad Bin Naif Al Saud of the Diriyah Foundation, Abdulmohsen Almajnouni, Hamad Aloqayli, Aymen Cheikh Mhamed, and the European Chamber of Commerce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose support made this evening a milestone in future-focused discourse. 

Shimmering Horizons: Qatar's Digital Blueprint for the Sustainable Urban Future

The Echo of Innovation and Resilience

The 4th Smart City Expo Doha closed on November 26, culminating two days of intense discussions dedicated to transforming cities in the Middle East into sustainable and truly livable environments. Organized by Fira de Barcelona and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) of Qatar, this leading event on the urban future in the MENA region successfully brought together international minds and groundbreaking concepts, setting a high benchmark for regional development.

Under the potent slogan, "Beyond connectivity: a digital solutions pathway to a smarter, thriving future," the Expo focused sharply on the undeniable impact of AI across vital fields like mobility, design, and urban management. Consequently, the event featured over 30 international experts, showcasing four standout keynotes. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Kent Larson (MIT) on tech-driven urban design and Jesús Serrano on AI innovation. Furthermore, H.E. Reem Al Mansoori detailed Qatar's urban transformation strategy, followed by an inspiring message on resilience and inclusion delivered by FIFA ambassador Ghanim Al-Muftah.

Qatar’s Living Digital Vision and the Road Ahead

The very celebration of this local edition of SCE Doha highlights Qatar's palpable leadership in smart and sustainable urban development across the MENA region. This prominent role already translates the country's digital vision into tangible reality through major national projects. For example, Lusail City, one of the most advanced smart city developments in the region, integrates real-time data systems, intelligent mobility solutions, and connected urban services that decisively enhance quality of life and operational efficiency.

In parallel, Msheireb Downtown Doha stands as the first fully built smart and sustainable city district in Qatar, combining digital innovation, energy efficiency, and human-centred urban design. These vibrant, living examples demonstrate precisely how Qatar is shaping future-ready urban environments, progressing toward the ambitions outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the nation's Digital Agenda 2030. Looking forward, the journey continues, as the next Smart City Expo Doha is now preparing for its fifth edition, scheduled for April 28–29, 2026. Before that date, the global significance of the event was recently affirmed, as this year's Smart City Expo Doha was featured at MWC25 Doha, which brought together nearly 300 thought leaders and over 250 exhibitors.