At a Glance
- $400 million allocated to nine Saudi factories, producing cables, copper rods, transformers, and EV chargers.
- Qatar expansion to build copper, aluminum rods, and power distribution transformers, starting 2027 production.
- Gulf expansion reduces import reliance and strengthens regional energy and industrial infrastructure delivery.
Elsewedy Electric, the Cairo-based industrial and electricity solutions company, is investing $500 million to expand its manufacturing footprint in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The move targets high-demand energy infrastructure, industrial solutions, and electrical components across the Gulf region.
The electric company owned by one of Egypt’s richest families, the El‑Sewedy family, plans nine new factories in Saudi Arabia producing cables, copper rods, transformers, and EV chargers, while Qatar facilities will focus on copper, aluminum rods, and power distribution transformers.
This Gulf expansion positions Elsewedy Electric to reduce import reliance, accelerate delivery timelines, and strengthen its regional industrial presence.
Expanding Gulf operations amid robust demand
By investing in multiple specialized factories, the company not only increases local production capacity but also enhances its ability to serve regional markets efficiently, reduce reliance on imports, and support large-scale projects across the Gulf.
CEO Ahmed Elsewedy told Asharq Business that the company plans to spend $400 million (SAR 1.5 billion) on nine factories in Saudi Arabia. These include two plants in Yanbu for specialized cables and copper rods, developed in partnership with Alfanar, with the copper facility expected to produce more than 130,000 tonnes annually.
Additional facilities in Riyadh will manufacture cable accessories, fiberglass, electric vehicle chargers, and water meters, while a new plant in Dammam will focus on power transformers.
Qatar expansion and regional exports
Elsewedy Electric’s Saudi operations currently generate about $533 million (SAR 2 billion) in industrial sector revenue, alongside around $4 billion in ongoing engineering and construction projects. The new facilities are designed to meet rising demand for energy infrastructure and expand the company’s industrial solutions portfolio in the region.
In Qatar, Elsewedy Electric plans to allocate $67 million (QAR 250 million) to build factories producing copper rods, aluminum rods, and power distribution transformers. The projects are awaiting board approval, with production expected to start in 2027. Currently, the company’s Qatari operations generate roughly $549 million (QAR 2 billion) in business, with exports exceeding $150 million this year to markets in the Gulf, Australia, and New Zealand.
Strategic regional growth
The investments reflect Elsewedy Electric’s plan to boost local manufacturing in key Gulf markets. By producing high-demand components closer to customers, the company aims to cut import dependency, improve delivery timelines, and support infrastructure growth across energy, industrial, and renewable sectors in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Ahmed Elsewedy said the Gulf expansion is part of a wider vision to position Elsewedy Electric as a major regional industrial player, combining large-scale manufacturing with engineering and construction expertise to meet growing energy and infrastructure needs across the Middle East.
From local cable maker to industrial heavyweight
What started in 1938 as a small Cairo-based cable factory has grown into a major force in energy transmission and industrial infrastructure across Africa and the Middle East. ElSewedy now operates 15,000–19,000 employees across 31 production facilities in 15 countries, exporting to over 110 markets.
With a market valuation of EGP163.04 billion ($3.44 billion), the firm’s diverse portfolio includes power generation, smart metering, and renewable energy projects, it has become a standout choice for investors seeking long-term growth opportunities in the region.
