Abdullah Al-Bader ranked by Forbes Middle East among Top CEOs in 2025

SAUDI ARABIA – Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Bader, Chief Executive Officer of Almarai, has been recognized as one of Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs for Listed Companies in 2025.

Mr. Al-Bader’s recognition highlights the exceptional performance of Almarai and its teams. Under his leadership, the company has successfully expanded its presence in local and regional markets.

Almarai has reached a market capitalization of SAR 56 billion, with its products now serving over 120 million consumers across Saudi Arabia, the GCC, Egypt, and Jordan.

This growth is supported by the region’s largest production and distribution network, with an annual production capacity exceeding 3.5 billion kilograms. His strategic focus on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability has propelled Almarai to new heights of expansion and success.

Mr. Abdullah Al-Bader, CEO of Almarai, commented on the recognition, said: “This honor is a direct result of the dedication and exceptional commitment of all Almarai teams. We have successfully implemented an integrated strategic model that places innovation, quality, and social responsibility at the core of our operations.

“This has enabled us to meet the needs of over 120 million consumers in the region and achieve a market valuation that reflects strong investor confidence. At Almarai, we take pride in our role in supporting food security, developing local content, and contributing meaningfully to Vision 2030 through long-term investments in infrastructure, national talent development, and the sustainability of food supply chains.”

In 2023, he was also recognized in Forbes’ list of the Most Powerful CEOs in the Middle East for his role in supporting long-term investments, leading sustainability initiatives, and expanding Almarai’s regional presence.

Almarai unveils US$4.8B investment expansion plan

The news comes after the company announced US$4.8 billion investment under its new five-year strategic plan.

The company aims to diversify its portfolio and boost food security within the kingdom by expanding across multiple sectors, including poultry, seafood, and red meat production.

The centerpiece of Almarai’s expansion is a substantial US$1.8 billion allocation to increase poultry production.

The company plans to ramp up production by as much as 70% by 2026, with an ambitious target to process 450 million birds annually, compared to the current output of 250 million.

This investment is a clear reflection of Almarai’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of achieving food self-sufficiency and reducing the kingdom’s reliance on imports.

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