In the bustling capital of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Khaled Musaed El Seif stands as a visionary leader in the construction industry. As the chairman of El Seif Engineering Contracting Company, he has transformed the company into one of the most prominent construction firms in the Middle East. With a legacy spanning over seven decades, El Seif Engineering Contracting continues to set benchmarks in construction excellence, innovation, and project delivery, shaping the region’s urban and infrastructural landscape.
A Legacy of Excellence
The El Seif Group, the parent company of El Seif Engineering Contracting, began in 1951 with a focus on commerce and transport. In 1975, the group expanded into construction, establishing El Seif Engineering Contracting Company. Under Khaled Musaed El Seif’s leadership, the company has grown significantly, becoming a leader in the construction industry across Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. Today, it employs over 15,000 people, with some estimates suggesting up to 40,000 at its peak, reflecting its scale and influence.
Khaled’s strategic vision and commitment to quality have been pivotal in this growth. His leadership has earned him repeated recognition in the Construction Week Power 100 list, ranking as high as #10 in 2013 and #12 in 2019. This acknowledgement highlights his role in steering the company to prominence while maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency.
Iconic Projects That Define the Region
El Seif Engineering Contracting is renowned for delivering some of the Middle East’s most iconic projects. One of its standout achievements is the Kingdom Tower in Riyadh, a towering structure over 302 meters tall that symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s ambition and progress. The company has also been a key player in developing the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, contributing to several high-rise towers that are redefining the city’s skyline.
The company’s portfolio extends beyond skyscrapers. It played a critical role in the Haramain High-Speed Railway – Passenger Station, a vital infrastructure project connecting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Another notable project is the Qiddiyah Water Park, part of the ambitious Qiddiyah entertainment city, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify its economy. Additionally, the completion of Package 3 for Princess Noura University in Riyadh showcases the company’s versatility. This project involved extensive infrastructure work over an 8 km² area, including roads, flyovers, tunnels, and utilities.
Internationally, El Seif Engineering Contracting has made significant contributions. In Dubai, it has worked on the Jewels Twin Towers in Dubai Marina and the Meydan Heights residential development, which includes 2,000 four-bedroom villas. In Qatar, the company contributed to the Silhouette Tower and secured a major contract for the New Doha International Airport. These projects demonstrate El Seif’s ability to handle complex, large-scale constructions with precision and expertise.
| Project | Location | Description |
| Kingdom Tower | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | An iconic 302-meter-tall skyscraper symbolising Saudi Arabia’s progress. |
| King Abdullah Financial District | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Multiple high-rise towers are redefining Riyadh’s skyline. |
| Haramain High-speed Railway | Saudi Arabia | The passenger station connecting Mecca and Medina. |
| Qiddiyah Water Park | Saudi Arabia | Part of the Qiddiyah entertainment city, aligned with Vision 2030. |
| Princess Noura University (Package 3) | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Infrastructure works over 8 km², including roads, flyovers, and tunnels. |
| Jewels Twin Towers | Dubai, UAE | High-rise residential towers in Dubai Marina. |
| New Doha International Airport | Doha, Qatar | Major contract for a key aviation infrastructure project. |
Expertise and Capabilities
El Seif Engineering Contracting offers a wide range of services, including project management, design and build, logistics, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), and site maintenance. The company specialises in high-rise constructions, hospital projects, defence and military projects, and infrastructure development. Its ability to deliver projects on time and within budget, while adhering to the highest standards of safety and quality, has earned it a reputation as a trusted partner for both private and public sector clients.
The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its use of advanced international construction techniques and systems. It holds certifications in quality management (ISO 9001), environmental management (ISO 14001), and health and safety (OHSAS 18001), reflecting its dedication to excellence. With a portfolio valued at over SAR55 billion, El Seif Engineering Contracting has proven its capability to execute mega- and giga-projects with precision.
Leading with Vision
His dedication to excellence and innovation defines Khaled Musaed El Seif’s leadership. He has fostered a culture that prioritizes quality and embraces cutting-edge technology, ensuring the company remains competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. His consistent recognition in the Construction Week Power 100 list underscores his significant contributions to the construction sector.
As chairman, Khaled has guided El Seif Engineering Contracting to expand its reach beyond Saudi Arabia, with branch offices in Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Beirut. His vision is to push the boundaries of construction, delivering projects that meet and exceed client expectations. This commitment has positioned the company as a leader in the industry and an employer of choice in the region.
Looking to the Future
As Saudi Arabia pursues its ambitious Vision 2030 goals, El Seif Engineering Contracting is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in the kingdom’s transformation. The company’s experience in delivering large-scale projects and its focus on innovation make it a key partner in the development of new urban centers, infrastructure, and entertainment hubs. Recent investments from the Saudi wealth fund, reported in 2023, further highlight the company’s strategic importance in the region’s construction sector.
With a rich history of transforming skylines and enhancing infrastructure, El Seif Engineering Contracting, under Khaled Musaed El Seif’s leadership, continues to shape the future of the Middle East. The company’s unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and innovation ensures it will remain a driving force in the construction industry for years to come.
