Samer Abdul Samad serves as the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Nesma & Partners, a leading contracting company in Saudi Arabia. With over 30 years of experience in construction and infrastructure, Samer has guided the company to become a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s development, aligning its efforts with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. His leadership, marked by innovation, employee focus, and strategic growth, has elevated Nesma & Partners to new heights in the industry.
Samer Abdul Samad’s journey in engineering began at New York University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1990, followed by a master’s degree in 1992. Armed with a strong academic foundation, he joined Nesma & Partners in 1994 as a site engineer. His early years at the company were defined by dedication and a hands-on approach, laying the groundwork for his future success.
Over the years, Samer’s expertise and leadership shone through. He steadily climbed the ranks, taking on roles of increasing responsibility. By 2016, he was appointed Vice President of Public Works, overseeing critical infrastructure projects. In 2020, he became Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a role that prepared him for his appointment as President and CEO in 2021.
Transformative Leadership
Since taking the helm as CEO, Samer has driven Nesma & Partners to new levels of success. He has focused on strengthening the company’s engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) capabilities, enabling it to compete for and deliver mega-projects. A landmark achievement under his leadership was Nesma & Partners’ qualification as the first local contractor for Saudi Aramco’s EPC Champion Programme, a testament to the company’s reliability and expertise.
Samer’s strategic vision led to the acquisition of Kent, a global leader in the energy sector, expanding Nesma & Partners’ reach to 29 countries with seven centers of excellence. This move has enhanced the company’s ability to deliver complex projects across industries, from oil and gas to infrastructure.
Samer places a strong emphasis on employee safety and development, recognizing his workforce as the heart of the company’s success. He fosters a culture of respect, ensuring that all 58,000 employees feel valued. His commitment to training is evident in the Nesma High Training Institute (NHTI), established in 2012. The institute has trained over 56,000 individuals, including 6,000 graduates, and opened a new facility in NEOM in 2022 to support the Kingdom’s giga-projects.
Reflecting on key partnerships, Samer has said, “Saudi Aramco has been a key client of ours since our inception, and our involvement in major projects, such as the Master Gas System and Jafurah Phase 2, reflects the strength of our partnership”. This underscores the trust clients place in Nesma & Partners under his leadership.
Notable Projects of Samer Abdul Samad
Under Samer’s guidance, Nesma & Partners has delivered a range of high-profile projects that showcase its technical expertise and alignment with Saudi Arabia’s development goals. Key projects include:
| Project | Description | Sector |
| Master Gas System | A major oil and gas project with Saudi Aramco, enhancing energy infrastructure. | Oil and Gas |
| Jafurah Phase 2 | Another collaboration with Aramco, supporting gas production. | Oil and Gas |
| Riyadh Metro Extension | Expanding the capital’s public transportation network. | Infrastructure |
| Riyadh Airport Expansion | Upgrading facilities to accommodate growing passenger traffic. | Infrastructure |
| Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium | A modern sports facility, boosting cultural and recreational offerings. | Construction |
| Qurain Cultural District Project | Developing a cultural hub to preserve and promote heritage. | Construction |
| Masar Makkah | A $1.8 billion urban development project in Makkah. | Urban Development |
| Jubail Export Refinery Coker Unit | Supporting industrial growth in the energy sector. | Oil and Gas |
| Bisha Airport Upgrade | Enhancing regional connectivity through airport modernization. | Infrastructure |
| Shoaiba Power & Desalination Plant | Providing critical power and water resources. | Infrastructure |
These projects, valued collectively at SAR 40 billion as of early 2025, demonstrate Nesma & Partners’ versatility and commitment to quality.
Recent Developments and Future Vision
In 2025, Nesma & Partners manages a project portfolio worth SAR 40 billion, collaborating with major clients like NEOM, Diriyah, Qiddiya, Aramco, and King Salman Park. These partnerships position the company as a key player in achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance infrastructure.
Samer has outlined a growth strategy focused on organic expansion, mergers and acquisitions, and diversification across energy, infrastructure, and construction. The company is investing in digital transformation to support giga-projects like NEOM and Riyadh. Additionally, Nesma & Partners is exploring sustainable energy initiatives, such as carbon capture and storage, aligning with global environmental goals.
Looking to the future, Samer is preparing Nesma & Partners for major events like Expo 2030, the 2034 World Cup, the Asian Cup, and the Asian Winter Games. He expressed optimism about the company’s growth, stating, “We are hopeful that the EPC Champion program will open doors for us, allowing us to build the necessary expertise and capabilities to compete on a larger scale.”
The company’s achievements have been recognised with awards, including the IKTVA award in 2023 and 2025, and a $1.3 billion investment from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in 2023, affirming its role in the Kingdom’s development.
Samer Abdul Samad’s leadership has transformed Nesma & Partners into a powerhouse in Saudi Arabia’s construction and infrastructure sectors. His focus on innovation, employee well-being, and sustainability has not only driven the company’s success but also contributed to the Kingdom’s ambitious goals. With a robust project portfolio, strategic partnerships, and a vision for the future, Samer continues to lead Nesma & Partners toward a legacy of excellence and impact.
