Issam Al-Zahid is a Saudi businessman who currently serves as the Chairman of Al-Zahid Group. Since its founding, Al-Zahid Group, along with Al-Zahid Construction, has played a vital role in urban planning in Madinah.
The group was established in 1951 and contributed significantly to the construction of roads, buildings, and infrastructure projects at the time. It was also the first company to build coast guard headquarters along the Kingdom’s shores.
Over time, Al-Zahid Group diversified its investments across multiple sectors, including transport, logistics services, travel agencies, business services, financial services, electricity and water equipment, and oil-related facilities.
By 1958, the company had reached the peak of its activities, actively participating in the construction of bridges and tunnels.
Al-Zahid Group’s Global Investments
Following its 2011-2012 strategy, which aimed to increase international investments by 23%, the group has significantly expanded its global presence.
Al-Zahid Group has played a crucial role in developing Saudi Arabia’s transportation infrastructure, much of which remains in use today.
Currently, the group employs more than 37,000 people and continues to expand into industries such as mining, logistics, oil and gas, manufacturing, information technology, and food production. The workforce is expected to reach 41,000 employees soon.
Issam Al-Zahid’s Wealth
Issam Al-Zahid is considered one of the wealthiest figures in the Arab world. His name was listed among the top ten richest Arabs in 2014, with an estimated fortune of $11 billion.
In 2013, he was included in the Arabian Business magazine’s annual list of the richest Arabs. The following year, he was ranked among the top ten richest Arab figures again.
Additionally, Al-Zahid Group is a leader in logistics solutions, providing and executing large-scale projects with efficiency and speed.
Major Projects by Al-Zahid Group
Al-Zahid Group has been involved in numerous large-scale projects, including a joint collaboration with the Bin Laden Group.
This partnership included purchasing a 175,000-square-meter plot of land to develop high-quality residential services in King Abdulaziz Economic City.
As part of the city’s expansion, Al-Zahid Group introduced cutting-edge technology in trade and commerce. The group is also currently working on a high-speed railway project connecting King Abdulaziz Economic City with Makkah and Madinah, equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
Companies Owned by Al-Zahid Holding Group
Al-Zahid Holding oversees several subsidiary companies, including Tariq Al-Zahid Holding, which manages over 10 industrial companies, such as:
Gulf Pallet Factory
Tariq Al-Zahid Rubber Factory
Ramooz Engineering Contracting
Netaj Saudi Aluminum Factory
Sama International
Netaj Saudi Copper Factory
Red Sea Pallet Factory
Development Resources for Building Materials
Development Resources for Metals
Among Al-Zahid Holding Group’s notable clients are Saudi Aramco, Toyota, and SABIC.
The group’s investment portfolio includes:
50% in manufacturing
20% in real estate
20% in trade, contracting, food security, and stock market investments
Al-Zahid Holding also includes subsidiary companies such as:
Al-Zahid Equipment Company
Al-Zahid Generators Company
Al-Zahid Employment Company
Al-Zahid Generator Rental Company
With its diversified business empire, Al-Zahid Group continues to be a major player in Saudi Arabia’s economic development and infrastructure expansion.
