Passion for engineering in line with Saudi Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia

Saeed M. Al Shehri, president and CEO of Olayan Descon, talks to The Energy Year about the growing sophistication of the company’s manufacturing capabilities and exploring collaborations with Ma’aden in mining. Olayan Descon is a joint venture between Olayan Saudi Holding Company and Descon Engineering that provides engineering and industrial services.

What qualities does Olayan Descon look for in manufacturers who may be interested in entering the Saudi market?
When considering potential partners, we prioritise companies that bring something new to the table – innovative technology, perhaps, or a service that can help save time. Often, when we engage with clients, they don’t request specific services; instead, they share their pain points, and we make it our goal to resolve them.
As we expand in 2026, we will aim to connect with companies in the US and Europe who may not have had the opportunity to introduce their products in Saudi Arabia. We are looking for partners who are passionate and in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s vision for local development. Some companies will seek to penetrate the market with low prices, but those that prioritise quality will be the ones to ultimately succeed.

What distinguishes Olayan Descon from its competitors?
Olayan Descon is deeply committed to results, especially when working with high-profile clients such as Aramco, SABIC or Ma’aden. We prioritise our reputation above all else, as a project failure with a client like Aramco can have far-reaching consequences. We review the costs and risks of each project thoroughly and gauge our ability to deliver. If we believe we can add value, we move forward.
Another differentiator is the quality of our work. For instance, we recently completed a project for SAS Systems Engineering with zero incidents and zero leaks, which won us an award. Maintaining a reputation of excellence is critical for us and is central to our approach.

What are some technologies Olayan Descon has introduced to the Saudi market recently, and how have customers responded?
We recently introduced new production recovery units (PRUs) to Aramco. The technology was being used only by a few companies in the country, and we dedicated a lot of time to getting it approved by Aramco. Having demonstrated its value, we have signed an MoU and a contract for seven project sites in Saudi Arabia. If the results are successful, we will have a competitive advantage in future bids.
We are continually introducing new technologies in our manufacturing processes. We want to optimise efficiency and reduce man-hours with advanced CNC [computer numerical control] and welding automation. We try to bring in new solutions every year.

Do you have any plans to expand into the mining sector?
Oil and gas has been our focus for the past 45 years, but we have worked with Ma’aden on smaller fabrication projects and some turnarounds. We now want to pursue larger opportunities in mining, and Ma’aden has invited us to visit their operations to discuss collaboration. This will be a new chapter for us.
We benefit from being part of the Olayan Group, which has a business development division that will help us assess options and any necessary investments before moving forward.

Is Olayan Descon planning any expansions to its production capacity?
Our facility in Yanbu had been underutilised and finally received approval by Aramco this year, which unlocks significant opportunities for us. We have increased our capacity in Jubail by 15-20% and have budgeted further expansion within our 2026-2028 strategy, potentially adding new workshops in Jubail or Ras Al Khaimah.
The goal is to meet the increasing demand for fabrication services and ensure that we continue to be a certified supplier for Aramco. Achieving all the necessary approvals will take another year or so.

How does Olayan Descon envision its business beyond 2030, and why should international players consider partnering with the company in Saudi Arabia?
From 2030 onwards, we anticipate a shift from oil and gas to electricity. Renewable energies will open up new opportunities. We believe Olayan Descon, with its extensive market knowledge and established presence in Saudi Arabia, is well-positioned to be part of this future growth.
We are particularly excited about the expansion of Yanbu and Jazan, which will become key hubs in Saudi Arabia. These developments and Ma’aden’s ambition to grow tenfold by 2040 present great opportunities for international companies, for whom we can be an ideal partner. We are eager to collaborate with them and leverage new technologies to expand our capabilities and leadership in the sector.

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