Information about upcoming trade missions and exhibitions, incoming buyers missions, exporter education seminars and workshops for Ontario businesses looking to export outside Canada.
Sector: Manufacturing/Advanced Manufacturing
Market Region: Middle East
Date: November 23, 2025 to November 28, 2025
The Government of Ontario is organizing a Smart Factory Trade Mission to WAM Saudi 2025, with an outreach program to the UAE.
The Smart Factory Trade Mission to World Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will offer programming for up to 11 Ontario SMEs interested in exploring the key export market or advancing their existing business development efforts in the region. Delegates will have exhibitor space in an Ontario booth at the trade show. Held in partnership with Saudi Arabia's MODON (Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones), WAM Saudi unites global industry leaders, innovators and investors under one roof to redefine the frontiers of smart manufacturing, advanced logistics and next-gen technologies. The event features 20,000+ trade professionals; 8,000+ C-level executives; 350+ exhibitors; 200+ startups; 150+ investors; 45+ countries; and 150+ conference speakers.
The mission focus will be technologies that modernize factories and industrial plants, including IIoT, AI, automation, data collection and analytics, machine learning, robotics, cloud computing, edge computing, additive manufacturing, digital twins and cybersecurity. Smart manufacturing techniques at the factory level enhance operational efficiency, improve production and process quality, save energy, reduce costs and offer predictive maintenance.
As a hedge against dependence on the oil industry and tourism, GCC governments are embracing the manufacturing industry, a move predicted to lead to a more stable source of revenue generation, sustainable employment, and increased export potential. Initiatives like Make in the Emirates, the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy, and Operation 300bn aim to position the UAE as a global industrial hub by 2031. However, Saudi Arabia is the major manufacturing hub in the Middle East, with ongoing investments of more than C$1.4 trillion driven by Saudi Vision 2030, a government program to diversify economically, socially and culturally.
The mission package will include:
• 1:1 export advice and consultation
• Pre-mission briefing offering sector/market updates and logistical information related to the mission
• Customized B2B meeting program, group meetings and site visits connecting Ontario companies with potential customers and partners
• Exhibiting space in the Ontario pavilion at WAM Saudi 2025
• Marketing and promotional support through an Ontario delegates’ directory
• Business program in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
*** The mission application fee will be approximately C$3,000 per company, but may be subject to adjustments. In addition, participating Ontario companies must cover the cost of their flights, accommodation, some local transportation and meals.
Mission application deadline: September 8, 2025
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Updated: July 25, 2025
Published: January 14, 2025
