The Saudi Binladin Group (SBG), officially known as Binladin Group Global Holding Company since 2019, stands as a cornerstone of the construction industry in the Middle East. Headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, SBG has grown from a modest contracting firm founded in 1931 to a multinational conglomerate with over 100,000 employees and an estimated 537 subsidiaries. Renowned for its role in building iconic structures, SBG has played a pivotal part in Saudi Arabia’s modernization. Under the leadership of Bakr Binladin, the company continues to undertake ambitious projects, with the restart of the Jeddah Tower in January 2025 marking a significant milestone.
Founder: Sheikh Muhammad bin Laden
Sheikh Muhammad bin Laden laid the foundation for SBG in 1931, starting with a small contracting business. His close ties with King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, opened doors to major government contracts. One of SBG’s earliest and most prestigious projects was the refurbishment of the Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina, sacred sites for Muslims worldwide. These projects showcased Muhammad’s commitment to quality and cemented SBG’s reputation as a trusted partner in national development.
Muhammad’s entrepreneurial spirit drove SBG’s expansion into diverse sectors, including engineering, manufacturing, and telecommunications. By the 1950s and 1960s, SBG was a key player in Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure growth, contributing to roads, buildings, and other critical projects. His legacy of innovation and ambition continues to guide the company’s operations.
Current Leadership: Bakr Binladin
Today, SBG is led by Bakr Binladin, the grandson of the founder. Bakr has steered the company through a complex landscape of economic fluctuations and industry challenges. His leadership has been instrumental in maintaining SBG’s position as a leader in construction, particularly through strategic restructuring and a focus on high-profile projects. Bakr’s vision aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious goals under Vision 2030, ensuring SBG remains a key contributor to the kingdom’s development.
Recent Project: Jeddah Tower (January 2025)
In January 2025, SBG marked a significant achievement by restarting construction on the Jeddah Tower, also known as the Kingdom Tower. This project, initially contracted to SBG in 2011 for $1.23 billion, aims to create the world’s tallest building, surpassing Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. The tower, expected to exceed 1,000 meters in height, will feature residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces across 1.5 square kilometers in its first phase.
Construction faced delays due to financial and economic challenges, but the January 2025 restart signaled renewed momentum. By April 2025, the tower reached its 66th floor, and by June 2025, it was on its 70th floor. The project, now estimated to cost $26 billion, is slated for completion in 2028. SBG’s involvement, as the main contractor and a stakeholder in the Jeddah Economic Company, underscores its expertise in managing complex, large-scale projects. The Jeddah Tower is a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to redefine its urban landscape and global presence.
Other Notable Projects
SBG’s portfolio includes a range of landmark projects that highlight its versatility and expertise:
- King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah: SBG contributed to the expansion of this major airport, enhancing its capacity to serve millions of travelers and pilgrims annually.
- Doha Metro, Qatar: SBG secured a $3.4 billion contract to build parts of the Doha Metro, a vital transportation network for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
- Al Faisaliyah Center, Riyadh: This iconic skyscraper, with its distinctive glass sphere, is a testament to SBG’s architectural innovation.
- Um Alqura University, Mecca: SBG’s work on this university campus reflects its commitment to educational infrastructure.
These projects demonstrate SBG’s ability to deliver high-quality construction across diverse sectors, from transportation to education and real estate.
Company History and Growth
SBG’s journey began in 1931 with Sheikh Muhammad bin Laden’s small contracting firm. His relationship with the Saudi royal family provided a steady stream of contracts, enabling rapid growth. By the 1950s, SBG was involved in major national projects, including the expansion of the Holy Mosques. The 1970s and 1980s saw further diversification into engineering, manufacturing, and telecommunications, positioning SBG as a comprehensive service provider.
In the 1990s and 2000s, SBG expanded internationally, establishing subsidiaries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. This global reach allowed the company to undertake projects like the Doha Metro and cement its reputation as a multinational conglomerate.
Subsidiaries and Diversification
SBG operates through numerous subsidiaries, each specializing in specific areas:
| Subsidiary | Focus Area |
| Arabian BEMCO Contracting Co. | Industrial and power projects |
| Binladin Real Estate Company | Real estate development and leasing |
| Binladin International | International projects and partnerships |
This diversified structure enables SBG to handle a wide range of projects, from infrastructure to real estate investment.
Workforce and Innovation
SBG employs over 100,000 people, including engineers, architects, and construction experts from around the world. The company invests in training programs to keep its workforce skilled in the latest technologies and practices. SBG’s commitment to innovation is evident in projects like the Jeddah Tower, which incorporates advanced engineering solutions to address seismic and environmental challenges.
Challenges and Resilience
SBG has faced significant challenges, including financial difficulties and legal issues. Low oil prices and bureaucratic hurdles have impacted its operations, but the company has shown resilience through restructuring and securing new contracts. The restart of the Jeddah Tower and a $533.2 million debt financing round in recent years highlight SBG’s ability to rebound.
SBG is well-positioned to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy through major infrastructure projects. The Jeddah Tower and potential future contracts align with this vision, ensuring SBG’s continued prominence in the construction industry.
The Saudi Binladin Group remains a titan in the construction world, with a legacy rooted in Sheikh Muhammad bin Laden’s vision and sustained by Bakr Binladin’s leadership. The restart of the Jeddah Tower in January 2025 underscores SBG’s commitment to innovation and excellence. As Saudi Arabia pursues ambitious development goals, SBG is poised to shape the kingdom’s future, building landmarks that define its global identity.
