Orascom Saudi Arabia has become a major player in the Kingdom’s rapidly growing infrastructure and industrial development landscape. As a part of the globally recognised Orascom Construction group, the company has steadily strengthened its presence in Saudi Arabia by delivering world-class engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects across energy, water, and transportation sectors. Its strategic alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to diversify its economy and build modern infrastructure for sustainable growth.
In recent years, Orascom Saudi Arabia has proven itself to be more than just a contractor—it has evolved into a partner in national development, contributing to power generation, water treatment, and key industrial projects that fuel economic and social progress across the country.
The Foundation of Orascom Construction
Orascom Construction is a leading global engineering and construction company headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. Established decades ago, the company has a reputation for excellence in large-scale industrial, infrastructure, and energy projects across the Middle East, Africa, and the United States. It has built airports, power plants, desalination units, and road networks that define the urban and industrial growth of emerging markets.
In Saudi Arabia, the company operates under the name Orascom Saudi Arabia, bringing decades of international expertise combined with local partnerships to address the Kingdom’s infrastructure and energy demands. Its focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability has made it one of the most trusted international firms in the region.
Expanding Footprint in Saudi Arabia
Orascom Saudi Arabia established its regional office in Jeddah, a strategic location that allows easy access to major industrial cities and economic zones across the country. From this base, the company has managed multiple multi-billion-dollar projects that contribute to energy security, water sustainability, and transportation infrastructure.
The company’s growing portfolio demonstrates its strong alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—an ambitious blueprint that seeks to diversify the nation’s economy beyond oil and build a thriving, sustainable society. Through its active participation in public and private partnerships, Orascom has become a symbol of the growing collaboration between Egyptian engineering excellence and Saudi innovation.
Major Projects Defining Orascom Saudi Arabia’s Role
1. Qurayyah Independent Power Plant Expansion
One of Orascom Saudi Arabia’s most notable achievements is the Qurayyah Independent Power Plant expansion. This massive 3-gigawatt combined-cycle gas-fired power plant in the Eastern Province stands among the largest energy projects in the Kingdom. Developed through a joint venture with Técnicas Reunidas, the project is valued at over USD 2.6 billion and represents a milestone in the country’s drive for energy efficiency and capacity expansion.
The Qurayyah project integrates cutting-edge technology with readiness for carbon capture, signalling the Kingdom’s commitment to cleaner energy solutions. Orascom’s engineering excellence ensures that the plant delivers reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible power to millions of residents and industries. The project also strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional energy hub while contributing to global decarbonisation goals.
2. Dammam West Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP)
Another landmark project for Orascom Saudi Arabia is the Dammam West Independent Sewage Treatment Plant. Executed under a 25-year Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model, this project is a collaboration with Metito and Mowah, reflecting a growing trend toward public-private partnerships in Saudi Arabia’s water sector.
The Dammam West ISTP has an initial treatment capacity of 200,000 cubic metres per day, expandable to 350,000 cubic metres. It addresses one of the most crucial challenges in modern urban infrastructure—sustainable wastewater management. By ensuring efficient reuse of treated water for agricultural and industrial applications, Orascom is helping the Kingdom achieve its environmental and sustainability objectives.
This project is not only a technical triumph but also a model of financial and operational innovation, providing long-term value for both public and private stakeholders.
3. King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah) Infrastructure
Orascom Saudi Arabia has also played a critical role in expanding and upgrading the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The company’s contribution includes developing roads, utilities, and large-scale pavement surfaces essential to the airport’s smooth operation. This project underscores Orascom’s versatility—its ability to deliver high-quality infrastructure beyond traditional construction boundaries.
The airport expansion has transformed Jeddah into a major aviation hub in the Middle East, boosting tourism, trade, and connectivity across the Kingdom. Orascom’s participation in such a high-profile project highlights its engineering precision and commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s global connectivity goals.
4. Infrastructure and Utility Contracts
In addition to major power and water projects, Orascom Saudi Arabia has secured several large infrastructure contracts across the country. These include works on highways, utilities, and civil engineering projects valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. Each project reinforces the company’s credibility as a trusted EPC contractor capable of handling complex technical and logistical challenges.
Through these developments, Orascom continues to build a robust foundation for sustainable growth, aligning with national priorities in urban development, energy, and environmental conservation.
Strategic Partnership and Vision 2030 Alignment
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy and create a dynamic society powered by innovation and investment. Orascom Saudi Arabia’s operations are perfectly aligned with this vision. By focusing on infrastructure, clean energy, and sustainable water management, the company supports multiple Vision 2030 pillars: thriving economy, sustainable environment, and efficient government services.
Its collaboration with local entities ensures knowledge transfer and job creation for Saudi citizens, promoting the localisation objectives outlined in the Vision. Moreover, its adoption of advanced technologies and commitment to carbon-capture readiness position it as a future-oriented player in Saudi Arabia’s green transition.
Technological Innovation and Sustainability
One of the hallmarks of Orascom Saudi Arabia’s approach is its emphasis on innovation and sustainability. In the Qurayyah power plant project, for instance, the company has incorporated systems that reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency. Its water and wastewater projects employ the latest treatment technologies, reducing environmental impact and maximising water reuse potential.
The company’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond project delivery—it encompasses safety, community engagement, and long-term environmental stewardship. Orascom’s sustainability ethos mirrors the Kingdom’s broader goals of environmental protection, renewable energy adoption, and circular economy development.
Workforce Development and Saudisation
Orascom Saudi Arabia recognises the importance of developing local talent to ensure lasting success. The company actively supports Saudisation policies by recruiting and training Saudi engineers, project managers, and technicians. Through partnerships with educational institutions and training programmes, Orascom fosters a new generation of skilled professionals equipped to manage the Kingdom’s future infrastructure demands.
This human capital development strategy not only strengthens Orascom’s local operations but also contributes to Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition of building a knowledge-based economy.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Saudi Market
Operating in Saudi Arabia offers vast opportunities but also unique challenges. The country’s ambitious development plans demand strict adherence to quality, safety, and timeline standards. Regulatory requirements, localisation quotas, and environmental compliance add layers of complexity to project execution.
However, Orascom’s long experience in large-scale international projects provides it with the agility and expertise to overcome these challenges. Its diversified portfolio—spanning energy, water, and transport—also helps mitigate risks associated with any single sector.
With the growing emphasis on renewable energy, smart cities, and sustainable infrastructure, Orascom Saudi Arabia stands well-positioned to capture emerging opportunities in solar power, green hydrogen, and smart water management systems.
Long-Term Presence and Regional Strategy
Orascom’s decision to establish a permanent office in Jeddah underlines its commitment to the Saudi market. The Kingdom’s continuous investments in infrastructure and industrial development promise a steady pipeline of opportunities for decades to come.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s central location in the Gulf region serves as a springboard for Orascom’s broader Middle Eastern strategy. By combining its regional expertise with local partnerships, the company is building a strong foundation for sustained growth across multiple markets.
Economic and Social Impact
The projects undertaken by Orascom Saudi Arabia generate far-reaching economic and social benefits. They provide jobs for thousands of workers, create opportunities for local suppliers, and stimulate economic activity in surrounding communities.
The power plants contribute to energy stability and industrial productivity. The water treatment plants ensure cleaner, safer urban environments. The transportation projects enhance mobility and trade. Together, these achievements illustrate how Orascom’s work contributes to improving the quality of life for millions of Saudi citizens.
The Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Orascom Saudi Arabia is expected to play an even more prominent role in the Kingdom’s infrastructure and industrial transformation. As Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 goals, there will be continued demand for energy projects, desalination plants, wastewater facilities, and smart infrastructure systems.
Orascom’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and partnership will enable it to remain a preferred EPC contractor in these sectors. Its readiness to embrace digital transformation—such as building information modelling (BIM), advanced project analytics, and energy-efficient designs—will further enhance its competitiveness in the Saudi market.
Conclusion
Orascom Saudi Arabia stands as a symbol of engineering excellence and strategic partnership in the Kingdom’s journey toward modernisation and sustainability. Through large-scale power, water, and infrastructure projects, it has contributed immensely to national development and the broader goals of Vision 2030.
Its projects not only deliver tangible results in terms of energy supply and infrastructure growth but also promote environmental stewardship, local employment, and technological advancement.