The International Society of Automation (ISA) Saudi Arabia Section has concluded the ISA Saudi Automation Conference 2026 in Al Khobar, bringing together more than 800 participants to discuss industrial automation, digital transformation and emerging technologies.

Held from October 12-14 at Kempinski Al Othman Hotel under the theme ‘Autonomous: Vision to Reality’, the conference featured more than 50 speakers, 33 exhibition booths, 20 sponsors and two industry leaders’ panels.

Organised by the ISA Saudi Arabia Section and chaired by Dr. Soloman Almadi, the section’s president and a Principal Scientist at Aramco, the event focused on translating emerging technologies into practical industrial applications.

Discussions covered process measurement, automation and safety, data analytics and industrial control system cybersecurity.

Speakers from industry and academia examined how Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies are transforming industrial operations in Saudi Arabia and internationally.

The conference also featured the ISA EMEA 2026 Student Games, held from October 11-13, bringing together aspiring engineers from the Middle East, Europe, the United States, Asia and other regions.

Founded by Almadi three years ago, the initiative aims to strengthen students’ technical capabilities and prepare them for future workforce demands through local and international competition.

The Student Games featured two main tracks: an artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) challenge, alongside a research paper competition for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Participants competed on originality, technical complexity and real-world application, while the programme provided opportunities for networking, mentorship and collaboration.

An exhibition featuring more than 33 booths showcased automation technologies, digital innovations, cybersecurity solutions and instrumentation products.

Workshops, networking sessions and panel discussions further encouraged knowledge exchange and partnerships among industry stakeholders.

The conference highlighted the growing role of automation, artificial intelligence and digital technologies in improving industrial performance and supporting Saudi Arabia’s wider digital transformation ambitions. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service