Our investments have contributed to the nation’s economic diversification through portfolio companies that have emerged as market leaders in sectors key to societal advancement; including healthcare, education, hospitality, travel and tourism, real estate, and asset management.
These successes were all founded on SEDCO’s core value of sustainability. In addition, sustainability thinking guides how we act as a company, including our adherence to the highest standards of business ethics, integrity and transparency. These are key to generating lasting prosperity by having a tangible social impact on our teams, communities, and the nation as a whole.
Origin and Foundations (1976–1996)
1978
Established Arabian Farms, through a strategic partnership. The company grew into a premier poultry producer in the GCC
1981
Establishment of AutoWorld. The company grew to be a pioneer in operational leasing and vehicle maintenance in the Kingdom.
1987
Development of Al Mahmal Center one of Jeddah’s first modern malls, marking SEDCO’s entry into real estate development.
Our story is inextricably linked to the vision of our founder, the late Sheikh Salem Ahmed Bin Mahfouz. A pioneer of the Saudi banking industry, Sheikh Salem founded National Commercial Bank (NCB), the Kingdom’s first bank, in 1953.
In 1976, Sheikh Salem established SEDCO in Jeddah to manage the family’s non-banking interests, initially focusing on trading and construction contracting. The company quickly made its mark on the local economy achieving significant milestones.
Following Sheikh Salem’s passing in 1994, his heirs divested their interests in NCB to focus on transforming SEDCO. This period marked a pivotal shift from a traditional family business toward a diversified conglomerate. In 1996, the family formally organized SEDCO into a family office and investment holding company, setting the stage for institutionalization.
Diversification and Development(1996–2021)
1996
Established Elaf Group, which became a leader in hospitality, travel, and religious tourism. Signalled SEDCO’s entry into the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.
1997
Founding of Intimaa, provider of full-spectrum real estate services in Saudi Arabia.
2003
Acquisition of a 50٪ stake in Nahdi Medical Company. Through active partnership and strategic guidance, SEDCO helped transform Nahdi from a local chain into MENA’s leading retail pharmacy network.
2007
Opening of the Red Sea Mall, Jeddah’s premier retail destination.
2009
SEDCO Capital established as a stand-alone, regulated, asset manager, reputed for its policy of Prudent Ethical Investment.
2017
Entry into the education sector with acquisition of a 50٪ stake in Yusr International Schools (YIS).
2018
Opening of Hotel Galleria, a multi-award-winning hotel.
The defining characteristic of SEDCO’s second phase was growing professionalization of operations and aggressive diversification of the portfolio.
Diversification into vital economic sectors came through founding, investing in, and nurturing Saudi businesses to become leaders in their respective industries.
Establishing a Board of Directors that included non-family members and developing a robust governance manual based on fairness, transparency, and accountability, our governance processes were recognized as best-in-class for the region.
Transition to Financial Investor(2022-Present)
2022
Nahdi IPO: Overseeing partial exit of Nahdi Medical Company through an IPO that raised SAR 5.1 billion, marking the Kingdom's largest IPO since Aramco.
2023-2026
Yusr Strategic Exit: Executed a share-swap exchanging SEDCO’s 100٪ ownership in Yusr for a minority stake in AlAndalus Education, the largest K12 educational group in the Western Province. Strategic partnering with Andalus with plans for AlAndalus to make an IPO by 2026.
2024
AutoWorld and Budget Saudi: Managing a strategic share-swap, whereby SEDCO exchanged a 100٪ stake in AutoWorld for a significant minority stake in Budget Saudi, creating a logistics and transportation giant in the region. These share-swap demonstrated a certain maturing of SEDCO's strategy, with more focus on its investment and portfolio.
2025
Diversification into Infrastructure: Acquired a 25٪ stake in Tamasuk, entering the infrastructure sector to support the Kingdom's development plans.
Arabian Farms Exit: Executed a full exit after supporting the company’s regional scaling and operational growth over several years.
In 2022, we entered a new phase with the launch of a transformative strategy – marking a shift away from operational roles to become an active financial investor.
The strategic pivot resulted in a number of high-profile transactions that reshaped the company’s portfolio.
Community Influence and Impact
1996
Salem Bin Mahfouz Foundation (SBMF): The foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the founder, focusing on education, civil society, and community development.
2012
Riyali: Created as a financial literacy program that leverages SEDCO’s extensive financial expertise. The programme has grown rapidly in scope to reach millions of Saudi youth with essential financial skills.
2017
Badir: Employee volunteering program that provides employees with opportunities to make a meaningful impact in society, beyond their designated roles.
2018
Unbod: Employee wellness program that fosters a holistic culture of health and wellness within the company.
2019
Be’aty: SEDCO’s internal environmental program, launched to reduce environmental impact through sustainable workplace practices.
2022
Rowad: A program to empower Saudi entrepreneurs with the tools to scale their businesses.
2023
Riyali becomes a licensed charitable foundation, with a new CEO appointed to build a dedicated team and take the program forward.
SEDCO’s influence extends beyond financial involvement or returns; it is deeply embedded in the Kingdom’s social fabric. Stemming from the philanthropic vision of our founder, SEDCO’s commitment to society and the Kingdom has birthed a number of specialized foundations and programs.
We are a values-driven investor guided by stewardship, integrity, and a commitment to impactful partnerships. Our focus on Shariah-compliant investments, sustainability, and collaborative growth positions us as the partner of choice for those seeking prosperity across generations.
Our investments are aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, targeting priority sectors and high-growth opportunities.
Sustainability as a core value is reflected in our business ethics, integrity, transparency, and accountability.
