Founded in 1980 in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, Rawabi Group has grown from its roots as a trading company to become a leading diversified conglomerate. Over the years, Rawabi has strategically expanded its operations across key sectors including energy services, industrial, and specialised contracting. This evolution has been driven by a commitment to empowering individuals, promoting innovation, and actively supporting the economic development of Saudi Arabia. Today, with a strong presence in these vital industries, Rawabi is dedicated to shaping the future of these sectors and contributing significantly to the Kingdom’s growth and Vision 2030 objectives.
Rooted in the heart of Saudi Arabia, the company combines legacy business expertise with modern solutions to deliver transformative services for both the public and private sectors, a commitment made possible and continuously fuelled by the dedication of its workforce – ensuring it remains truly ‘Powered by People’ in every endeavour. Through strategic partnerships and a focus on next-generation services, Rawabi is helping shape an environmentally sound, more prosperous future for Saudi Arabia. Their dedication to professional excellence, sustainable development, and community impact aligns with the nation’s Vision 2030, positioning Rawabi as a key player in the Kingdom’s continued growth and diversification.
Rawabi is led by Othman Ibrahim, who joined the company back in 1989 and has served as its Group President and CEO since January 2009 and has been Rawabi Holding’s Vice Chairman and Group CEO since 2022. Throughout his impressive tenure, Othman has held several key positions, including Group Vice President of Finance and Administration and Group Executive Vice President. He also plays a crucial role in leading Rawabi Holding’s strategic development and expansion efforts.
As the Vice Chairman of Rawabi Holding’s Board of Directors, he also heads the board’s Investment Committee. He is also the Vice Chairman of Rawabi Energy Company and the Chairman of several companies, including United Safety Limited in Canada, Singaporean-listed Vallianz Holdings, Equatoriale Energy in Singapore, PT VOM in Indonesia, Rawabi Vallianz Offshore Services, Rawabi Archer, Rawabi CETCO, Rawabi Pason, Rawabi Geolog, Rawabi United Safety Services, Rawabi Wildcat, Rawabi Schulte, Rawabi Sapura and Rawabi Contracting and Services Company. Furthermore, he serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board at Egypt-based Magnom Saudi Properties and Rawabi Industrial Services Company (RISAL) and as Director at the Boards of Wildcat Oil Tools in USA and Kalaam Telecom in Bahrain. He also heads the Audit Committee at Human Resources Business Support Company and Gabas Albilad Holding Company Limited.
He has a background in Finance, Law, COBOL programming management, and strategic planning. Othman holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Finance. He has also participated in several executive programmes at prestigious institutions such as IMD and INSEAD.
In an exclusive interview with International Finance, Rawabi Holding Vice Chairman and Group CEO, Othman Ibrahim, discusses a range of topics, including the company’s key projects, contribution to the energy sector, initiatives undertaken, Vision 2030 diversification, and more.
Can you share some key projects Rawabi Group has undertaken across sectors such as energy, specialised contracting, onshore, and marine operations, where it offers high-value, disruptive solutions?
At Rawabi, we have prioritised innovation to drive further resilience across our portfolio of offerings. Having launched our sustainability report for Rawabi Energy company in 2023 for our activities during 2021 and 2022, in 2024 we expanded it to the entire group to measure, benchmark and report our ESG activities across all sectors of the group.
Rawabi Specialised Contracting company won the Guinness World Record for the longest underwater pulled cable in the Sindalah project, further showcasing our drive to set benchmarks in the industry.
Rawabi Integrated Gas is set to launch a state-of-the-art gas plant in Jubail including two speciality gas factories fitted with cutting-edge technology to provide an extensive range of industrial, speciality gases and chemicals.
Rawabi CETCO has innovated an oil spell detection camera using polarisation and thermal imaging for accurate oil spill detection. The OSD camera is 400% more effective than traditional detection methods, working reliably in rough conditions, with automatic alarm triggers for faster response to spills.
Rawabi Vallianz Offshore Services has deployed the hybrid vessels with a twin battery system to convert all conventional vessels to be battery-operated in a further drive towards attaining sustainability goals.
Each of these projects is top of the range and offers solutions aligned with the national energy goals positioning Rawabi as a trusted integrated energy player with an eye on the future.
How have Rawabi’s initiatives, including the Youth Empowerment Programme, Community Investment, and Corporate Community Service, contributed to Saudi society and the economy?
While being a purpose-driven organisation committed to creating value and driving transformation within a range of sectors through our innovative services, we also believe in empowering people hence our ethos is ‘Powered by People’ and the community to lead a more elevated lifestyle.
Driven by the Chairman’s profound love for giving back to the community, our CSR activities were formulated at the genesis of the company over 40 years ago. These efforts, stemming from his dedication, centre on community investments that support initiatives and individuals with a positive and sustainable impact on society, with a special focus on health, education, women, and youth empowerment. Among our manifold Community Investment portfolio, we offer support to the Saudi Arabian Drilling Academy (SADA), National Maritime Academy (NMA), Leading National Academy (LNA), ZADK Academy, Rawabi Scientific Chair in Regenerative and Precision Medicine in collaboration with Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association, Al Sharqiyah International Race, etc.
For any nation, its youth is its real power. Rawabi’s ‘Youth Empowerment Programme’ was established in 2010 to support the country’s young people in their career journey under the theme “discover your passion, create your future.” As part of our overarching reach, we provide internship opportunities, host future skills boot camps for high school students, and conduct career guidance workshops, exhibitions and assessment tests through which we have supported over 168 thousand students across the Kingdom. Rawabi’s Corporate Community Service Programme provides our employees with volunteer opportunities based on their preferences and skills to support the community. They are rewarded for this through volunteer points that qualify them for a prize of donating an amount of money in their name to a charity of their choosing. These initiatives showcase our commitment to give back to the community and empower people to lead better lives and in turn, contribute to economic growth aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 realisation programmes.
Could you highlight some of Rawabi’s significant achievements in advancing industries and helping shape the future of the energy sector?
As a fully integrated energy service provider, Rawabi is at the forefront of leading the way through efficiency, innovation and sustainability.
We have made and continue to make significant strides within the energy sector to bolster our marine fleet and increase our focus on renewable energy and other emerging growth areas. All the while we are constantly adopting innovative technologies and high-impact strategic investments to ensure we remain on top of the game.
We were the first to launch hybrid vessels, designed and developed in Saudi Arabia, in the market. This cutting-edge technology, among many others, positions us as an innovative industry leader in sustainable maritime solutions. Our technological leadership and focus on sustainable growth have ensured we are ready to meet the demands of the future.
What role is Rawabi playing in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 diversification agenda and the Kingdom’s transformation into a more diversified economy?
At Rawabi, we have been ahead of the curve, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030 even before its official announcement. Saudization/localisation has been a fundamental pillar of our growth strategy since the mid-1990s, long before it became a national priority. We have helped develop local industries, not only to position ourselves as a national leader but also to enhance Saudi Arabia’s standing on the global stage.
Saudi Arabia has been on an active path to reduce the Kingdom’s dependency on oil and we are currently witnessing significant strides within key sectors like tourism, entertainment, manufacturing and more. Rawabi is an active participant in these sectors through our collaboration with key drivers that are redefining the country’s economy.
Our commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 extends to innovative projects such as our real estate arm Magnom Properties’ upcoming Forbes International Tower—the world’s most sustainable commercial tower. This landmark project not only exemplifies our dedication to sustainability but also serves as a testament to our role in transforming the Kingdom’s skyline into one that reflects modern environmental standards. By pioneering such developments, we aim to attract global attention and investment, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable architecture and urban development.
Moreover, our strategic partnership with WorldWide Generation, a leader in fintech, underscores our proactive approach to enhancing sustainability performance and financing in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration specifically targets challenging sectors that have historically struggled with decarbonisation, enabling us to drive significant improvements in these areas. By extending our impact across the wider MENA region, we are not only aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative but also contributing to a broader regional shift towards sustainable practices. Together, we are fostering an environment that encourages innovation and progress, paving the way for a more diversified and resilient economy.
Can you elaborate on the value-driven solutions and products Rawabi offers for the energy sector, and explain what differentiates them from those of your competitors?
Our strategic focus on building a self-sustaining energy sector is an ongoing process. Through our core commitment to innovation, sustainability and efficiency we offer distinct value-driven solutions within the energy sector. From high-quality drilling fluid additives, H2S safety equipment, and advanced mud logging, we offer a range of products and services that go a long way towards enhancing Saudi Arabia’s energy sector. But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to leveraging advanced technology and research and development to meet the evolving needs of the energy industry as well as our highly trained and qualified team of industry experts.
We are also committed to training the next generation of leadership to adopt advanced solutions and look beyond the expected to the exceptional. While we believe in providing exceptional end-to-end solutions across the energy sector, our commitment and wholehearted alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives is what drives us to excel and come up with innovative offerings to meet the demands of the future.
Could you provide insight into the key products and solutions offered by Rawabi’s diverse portfolio of companies across the industrial sector?
At Rawabi, we are committed to integrating AI and IoT cutting-edge advancements into our operations to enhance efficiency, performance, and competitiveness. This is particularly evident in our key divisions like Rawabi Integrated Gas and Rawabi Electric, where we use these cutting-edge technologies to optimise processes and stay ahead of the curve.
However, for us, innovation goes beyond simply adopting new tools; it’s about cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement and agility throughout the organisation. We strive to create an environment where innovation is encouraged, enabling us to pivot to changing market conditions and technological advancements.
Rawabi’s diverse portfolio in the industrial sector includes power and automation solutions, non-destructive testing, and speciality gases. Our subsidiaries provide cutting-edge solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity in the industrial landscape. Our entire portfolio offerings are designed to offer end-to-end solutions across the oil, gas, marine, contracting and industrial services, driving Saudi Arabia’s economic agenda for the future.
How does Rawabi promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace while prioritising the health, safety, and well-being of its employees through its corporate, ESG, and other policies?
People are at the heart of all we do at Rawabi, and their well-being and security are of utmost priority as we forge ahead within the competitive energy sector. Right from the onset we have prioritised creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. All our policies, inclusive of the Code of Business Conduct with its regular updates and annual awareness sessions for all employees, ensure non-discrimination and equal opportunities for all employees. As workspaces evolve in a competitive economy, we also prioritise the health, safety, and well-being of our people through adopting and implementing the highest HSE international standards. Our comprehensive Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) approach is responsible for nurturing a supportive and safe work environment. We believe in investing in our people as part of our drive to build a robust self-sustaining energy sector that will drive rich dividends for the country.
Could you discuss some of the innovative contracting projects Rawabi has undertaken across industrial, governmental, commercial, and private sectors?
Innovation has been the cornerstone of Rawabi’s visionary strategy and one that drives our success and leadership within the integrated energy sector. We are proud to boldly venture into new territories and lead the way for others following our vision of ‘Pioneering the future, setting the standard’.
Our contracting companies have been part of iconic projects such as NEOM, Red Sea Global and Amaala. We executed the first state-of-the-art Marina in Sindalah, NEOM, as well as the first airport in Amaala. Rawabi was awarded the Guinness World Record for the longest underwater power cable (pulled), in Sindalah, a milestone achievement that serves to define our path-breaking ethos. Currently, we are working on various five-star hotel projects in Amaala along with several significant projects for Aramco, Royal Commission and other clients. Rawabi Specialised Contracting (RSC), a subsidiary of Rawabi Contracting, was recently awarded the biggest project in our lineup to construct a unique marina in NEOM, similar to the one in Monte Carlo.
Strategic collaborations are key to growth in this sector. We have also embarked on joint ventures on mega projects with Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts and won approvals on our designs while competing with global companies for the same. All these innovative contracting projects further Saudi Arabia’s energy transition and economic diversification goals and showcase Rawabi’s vast network of collaborations across the private sector, government entities and global partners.
Can you explain in detail Rawabi Vallianz Offshore Services’ initiative to upgrade its fleet with hybrid and electric vessels and retrofit existing vessels with smart technologies, and how this contributes to the sustainability of the Group and the marine industry?
Sustainability along with operational efficiency and innovation have always been the three key pillars that drive our growth. Rawabi Vallianz Offshore Services (RVOS) is instrumental in supporting Saudi Arabia’s growing maritime and energy needs in harmony with the national sustainability and localisation goals, through their state-of-the-art offshore support vessels that enhance safe and efficient offshore operations.
As part of our fleet expansion strategy, we upgraded our existing fleet with hybrid and electric vessels and retrofitted existing vessels with smart technologies. This initiative aligns with Saudi Aramco’s digitalisation programme and Net Zero vision, making our vessel operations more efficient and sustainable. The successful hybridisation of our AHTS vessel is a testament to Rawabi’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The region’s long-term sustainability drive gets a further boost as we galvanise our advanced capabilities, including improved fuel efficiency and cutting-edge technology, to contribute to operational excellence and reduced environmental impact.
Could you share with us about Rawabi Integrated Gas’ ambitious project to construct and operate a state-of-the-art industrial gas plant?
Rawabi Holding has always leveraged high-tech solutions to power the energy sector without losing focus on local sourcing, long-term sustainability, enhanced efficiency, and self-sufficiency to drive further innovation within Saudi Arabia’s energy sector. The upcoming state-of-the-art industrial gas plant is a significant multimillion-dollar investment in this context, encompassing several groundbreaking initiatives. It entails the establishment of cutting-edge facilities, including:
Refrigerant blending and packaging facilities: These state-of-the-art facilities will be the first of their kind in Saudi Arabia, focused on manufacturing locally produced refrigerant blends.
HFO blending facility: Another pioneering endeavour, this facility will specialise in blending and producing HFO-based refrigerants, which have lower global warming potential compared to traditional HFC refrigerants.
Refrigerants industrial-scale reclamation and recycling: In a bid to promote sustainability, this facility will be dedicated to the large-scale reclamation and recycling of refrigerants, effectively minimising environmental impact.
Fully automated facility for ammonia blending and packaging: This advanced facility will leverage full automation to efficiently blend and package ammonia.
Fully automated Speciality Gas (SPG) production facility: Another first-of-its-kind facility, it will employ cutting-edge automation technology to produce high-purity speciality gases, meeting industry standards with precision.
SCADA-operated facility: This facility will be equipped with a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, enabling centralised monitoring and control of its industrial processes for enhanced efficiency and management.
Cylinder tracking with barcoding: Setting a new industry standard, this facility will implement barcoding technology to track and identify individual cylinders, by location, and age (new or used asset), sort assets by required actions, prepare the asset for filling and record data including asset life cycle, thereby improving asset management and traceability.
Can you share how Rawabi upholds ethical business practices, engages with communities, and continues to invest in sustainability and CSR initiatives as part of its commitment to sustainable community development?
Rawabi Holding’s robust framework of corporate governance enables us to uphold ethical business practices and foster sustainable community development in line with our mission to build a wholesome and self-reliant energy sector. Established in the early 2000s, this framework encompasses a comprehensive set of policies that are regularly updated to reflect best practices and emerging trends on a global level.
At the heart of our governance structure is the Compliance and Ethics Committee, which diligently oversees all Group activities to ensure strict adherence to our established ethical standards. This committee plays a critical role in ensuring transparency and maintaining accountability across the organisation.
In addition to our governance efforts, we also have a dedicated board committee that focuses specifically on our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability activities. This committee ascertains that our CSR programmes are not only aligned with our corporate goals but also executed with measurable Social Return on Investment (SROI). By setting clear metrics and regularly assessing the impact of our activities, we can effectively gauge our contribution to community development and sustainability.
Through these initiatives, Rawabi Holding actively engages with local communities, invests in sustainable practices, and continuously strives to enhance our CSR efforts, reinforcing our commitment to ethical business and community betterment.