The program, named “Technologies for Exceptional Transformation,” seeks to facilitate the adoption of cutting-edge KAUST technologies across Saudi manufacturing facilities, driving efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness in line with national industrial goals.

Open to all Saudi-headquartered manufacturing companies operating in priority sectors outlined by the National Industrial Strategy, the initiative encourages businesses to integrate advanced technologies into their production processes and operational frameworks.

Eligible applicants are expected to identify technical challenges and innovation needs, while demonstrating readiness to share financial and innovation performance metrics to measure the transformative impact of implemented technologies.

The program highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging scientific research and technological breakthroughs to strengthen local industry, improve productivity, and create a knowledge-based economy that supports long-term growth.

By linking research institutions like KAUST with manufacturing enterprises, the initiative fosters collaboration, knowledge transfer, and the practical application of advanced technologies to address real-world industrial challenges.

Participants will benefit from access to KAUST’s cutting-edge laboratories, expert consultation, and training resources, empowering companies to enhance their capabilities, optimize processes, and achieve operational excellence.

The initiative also supports the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 objectives by stimulating innovation, increasing local production, and reducing dependence on imported technologies and solutions.

Through the integration of innovative solutions in areas such as automation, robotics, advanced materials, and sustainable manufacturing, Saudi industries can significantly improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen their global competitiveness.

Companies participating in the program will have opportunities to benchmark their technological adoption, evaluate outcomes, and showcase success stories that demonstrate measurable impact on productivity, quality, and environmental performance.

The collaboration between the Ministry and KAUST exemplifies how public-private partnerships can drive industrial transformation, combining policy support with research-driven innovation to elevate the performance of local enterprises.

By encouraging innovation-driven manufacturing, the initiative aims to create high-skilled jobs, attract investment, and foster a culture of technological excellence that aligns with international best practices.

The program also emphasizes sustainability, ensuring that new technologies contribute to reduced energy consumption, lower emissions, and responsible use of resources, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Participants are expected to collaborate with KAUST researchers to co-develop solutions, test new applications, and scale successful technologies across multiple facilities, ensuring broader industry impact.

The initiative provides a platform for knowledge exchange, enabling Saudi manufacturers to adopt advanced methodologies, improve product quality, and enhance their competitive position both locally and internationally.

By focusing on measurable results, the program will track performance metrics, innovation adoption rates, and operational improvements, offering a transparent view of the initiative’s contribution to industrial growth.

The collaboration between KAUST and the Ministry demonstrates the Kingdom’s strategic vision of transforming the manufacturing sector into a hub of innovation, technology, and sustainable development that supports national economic goals.

Through “Technologies for Exceptional Transformation,” Saudi Arabia is fostering an ecosystem that encourages research-driven industrial growth, strengthens domestic capabilities, and builds a foundation for a resilient, forward-looking manufacturing sector.

The deal underscores the Kingdom’s growing capabilities in advanced manufacturing and positions it as a key player in the regional and global HVAC market.

The exported units will serve a major real estate development project in Egypt, led by ORA Co., in partnership with Raya Corp.

This collaboration highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting “Made in Saudi Arabia” products and supporting regional economic partnerships.

All air conditioning units are produced at Johnson Controls Arabia’s York Manufacturing Complex in King Abdullah Economic City.

The facility, one of the company’s largest manufacturing plants across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, exports over 30 percent of its output to 26 countries, including major markets such as the United States and China.

Locally, production accounts for more than 80 percent of Johnson Controls Arabia’s sales, emphasizing the strength and self-sufficiency of Saudi manufacturing.

Mohannad Al-Shaikh, CEO of Johnson Controls Arabia, described the achievement as more than a commercial transaction. “This accomplishment goes beyond a partnership; it demonstrates Saudi industry’s ability to innovate and expand globally.

It positions the Kingdom as a hub for designing, manufacturing, and exporting advanced smart air conditioning technologies,” he said.

The exported units are YORK Hi-End R32 Inverter Hi-Wall models, known for their energy efficiency and integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).

These systems allow smart temperature and indoor air quality control, catering to modern residential and commercial requirements in diverse climatic conditions.

The units were developed with support from Johnson Controls Arabia’s R&D Center in Jeddah, ensuring they meet the needs of regional and international markets while reflecting the Kingdom’s high-quality manufacturing standards.

Bassem Mojahed, CEO of Raya Corp., expressed pride in the partnership and emphasized its strategic importance. “We are delighted to contribute to delivering advanced air conditioning solutions to the Egyptian market.

This initiative aligns with the latest global technologies, benefiting both residential and commercial spaces,” he said.

This export agreement is a clear demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s growing non-oil economic capabilities and diversification efforts under Vision 2030.

By leveraging advanced manufacturing facilities, robust research and development, and strategic regional partnerships, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a leading exporter of high-quality technological products in the Middle East and beyond.

The partnership between Johnson Controls Arabia and Raya Corp. also highlights the role of local companies in driving economic growth and global competitiveness.

Through such initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to showcase its ability to deliver world-class products and foster regional industrial collaboration.

The deal is expected to strengthen economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Egypt while supporting regional infrastructure and development projects with reliable, technologically advanced solutions.

In addition to boosting trade relations, the project reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

The R32 Inverter Hi-Wall models are designed to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s focus on integrating sustainable technologies into its export portfolio.

Overall, the agreement to export 5,400 “Made in Saudi Arabia” air conditioning units represents a milestone for the Kingdom’s industrial and technological capabilities.

It demonstrates how strategic partnerships, advanced manufacturing, and innovation can combine to create regional economic growth, export diversification, and global market reach.

By delivering smart, energy-efficient solutions to Egypt, Saudi Arabia is not only supporting regional development but also establishing itself as a center of technological excellence and industrial leadership in the HVAC sector.

This development reinforces the Kingdom’s vision of building a diversified, knowledge-based economy while strengthening regional cooperation and innovation.

With its advanced production capabilities and commitment to high-quality, sustainable products, Saudi Arabia continues to make significant strides in positioning itself as a global industrial hub and exporter of smart technologies.