Pioneering graphene-enriched carbon fiber production in Saudi Arabia: OCH and GIM drive Vision 2030 forward

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Updated 16 December 2024
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Pioneering graphene-enriched carbon fiber production in Saudi Arabia: OCH and GIM drive Vision 2030 forward

In a historic development for Saudi Arabia’s advanced materials landscape, Organized Chaos Holding, in partnership with Graphene Innovations Manchester, has officially launched GIM GrapheneFibre (Graphene Fiber Company Ltd) in the Kingdom. This new venture marks the world’s first commercial production of graphene-enriched carbon fiber, putting the Kingdom at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and global industry leadership — crucial pillars of Vision 2030.

Graphene-enriched carbon fiber is a game-changer: it combines extraordinary strength, lightness, and conductivity to enable breakthroughs in aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, space, defense, and construction. From local raw material sourcing to an emphasis on cutting-edge technologies, GIM GrapheneFibre stands as a beacon of Saudi excellence, accelerating the Kingdom’s global influence in advanced manufacturing.

“Our mission is to revolutionize the advanced materials sector universally by bringing graphene-enriched carbon fiber to commercial scale,” said Dr. Vivek Koncherry, chairman and CEO of GIM GrapheneFibre. “By integrating graphene’s remarkable properties into carbon fiber, we are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We are delighted that this innovation was developed in close partnership with OCH, enhancing the Kingdom’s role as a global technology leader.”

Ahead of his visit to Saudi Arabia, the UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer’s office heralded the deal between GIM and OCH as a prime initiative of the Saudi-UK partnership.

“We are committed to leveraging Saudi Arabia’s abundant resources and homegrown talent,” said Abdulrahman Assaker, chairman of OCH. “This investment supports Vision 2030 by building local expertise, unlocking more sustainable applications for oil resources and creating more opportunities in high-tech industries, firmly positioning the Kingdom as a leader in advanced materials. This project will contribute by adding over 4,500 new skilled jobs to Saudi Arabia’s economy by 2030, generating revenues exceeding SR6 billion.”

“Our strong partnership with GIM and shared vision ensure that we bring the best of international know-how to Saudi Arabia,” added Abdulghani Alhindi, CEO of OCH. “By prioritizing and harnessing innovation, we are developing an ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurs, empowers the workforce, and strengthens the economic fabric of our nation. This project produces raw materials that will attract state-of-the-art industries to localize advanced manufacturing in Saudi Arabia.”

The launch of GIM GrapheneFibre’s commercial production is underpinned by a forward-looking operational strategy that emphasizes speed, adaptability, and intelligent resource allocation.

“We are deploying the ‘CHON Concept’ — a framework integrating artificial intelligence, open innovation, rapid prototyping and investment, and lean startup principles — to accelerate product development and continuously improve performance,” said Abdul Rahman Khalidi, COO of OCH. “This holistic approach ensures that our operations remain agile, efficient, and resilient.”

“Our mission at OCH is to transform innovative, unconventional ideas in Saudi Arabia into viable business opportunities,” said Areej Alturki, chief strategy officer of OCH. “By investing in advanced tools, encouraging talent, and engaging with diverse partners, we are working to shape a future-ready environment that supports sustained growth and perpetual advancement of science and technology. We invite industry leaders and innovators to collaborate with us on this exciting journey at och.sa/collab”

Backed by OCH’s robust investment framework and GIM’s technological acumen, the impact will echo far beyond factory floors — reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s global standing, empowering local communities, and unlocking the transformative potential of advanced materials. This milestone symbolizes not only a new era of industrial capability, but also a brighter, more dynamic future in line with the Kingdom’s enduring vision.


Alfanar Engineering signs MoU with Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia

Updated 02 February 2026
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Alfanar Engineering signs MoU with Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia

Alfanar Engineering Services announced the signing of a strategic MoU with Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia during its participation in the Saudi Arabia Smart Grid Conference. Both Schneider Electric and Alfanar Engineering have committed to further enhancing operational excellence and customer-centric service delivery thereby ensuring long-term asset reliability of their clients in the Kingdom.

Alfanar Engineering brings to the collaboration a strong in-Kingdom service footprint, supported by extensive operations and maintenance capabilities, advanced testing and commissioning equipment, and a network of specialized service centers and labs strategically located across Saudi Arabia. These capabilities enable the delivery of responsive, high-quality technical support tailored to the needs of critical infrastructure and industrial operations. Schneider Electric, with its extensive installed base of energy management and automation solutions, plays a key role in supporting mission-critical facilities and national industries across the Kingdom.

The collaboration was signed by Sattam Al-Motairi, chief operating officer of Alfanar Engineering Services, and Mohamed Shaheen, cluster president — Saudi Arabia, Schneider Electric. It brings together Alfanar’s local operational expertise and service reach with Schneider Electric’s global technologies and service standards. Together, the two companies will enhance service reliability, improve response efficiency, and deliver greater value through sustainable solutions that optimize asset lifecycles. The MoU also supports the development of localized technical services, contributing to the Kingdom’s objectives for sustainable infrastructure, localization, and industrial resilience.

Al-Motairi said: “At Alfanar Engineering Services, we believe that true value is created long after equipment is installed, through reliable service, fast response, and teams that understand the realities of the field. This collaboration with Schneider Electric enables us to enhance the delivery of after-sales services across the Kingdom, combining deep local expertise with world-class technology. Our focus is clear: keeping critical operations running, supporting our customers’ long-term success, and contributing meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s industrial and infrastructure ambitions.”

Oday Al-Aithan, vice president of field services for Schneider Electric in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Yemen, and Bahrain, said: “At Schneider Electric, we are turning advanced energy management and digital solutions into tangible outcomes through our partnership with Alfanar Engineering Services. By combining our integrated technologies, extensive installed base, and global expertise as a leading energy technology partner with Alfanar’s strong in-Kingdom field services, we deliver smarter, faster, and more reliable solutions that optimize asset performance, accelerate response times, and support resilient, sustainable infrastructure, contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”