The Visionary Founder of Shibh Al Jazira Contracting Company (SAJCO)
Shibh Al Jazira Contracting Company (SAJCO) was founded in 1965 by Sheikh Wahbi M. W. Suleiman, laying the foundation for a lasting legacy of excellence, distinction, and integrity that continues to guide us today. Sheikh Wahbi began his career at the Ministry of Agriculture in Saudi Arabia but soon chose his own path, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit that shaped his subsequent successes. His vision, coupled with his dedication to work and quality, transformed SAJCO from a humble startup into one of the leading contracting companies in the region.
A Life Dedicated to Growth and Development
Throughout his career, Sheikh Wahbi Suleiman demonstrated unwavering determination to achieve excellence, making Shibh Al Jazira Contracting Company (SAJCO) a pioneer in construction and general contracting in Saudi Arabia. Over nearly 60 years, his visionary leadership guided the development of vital infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, water desalination plants, and government facilities in major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Qassim, and Medina, as well as other cities. His achievements not only contributed to SAJCO’s prominence but also significantly advanced the Kingdom’s infrastructure development.
Pioneering Entrepreneurship
In addition to founding SAJCO, Sheikh Wahbi Suleiman entrepreneurial spirit drove him to lead numerous projects in the contracting and real estate sectors, highlighting his sharp business sense and dedication to advancing economic growth in Saudi Arabia.
A Legacy of Compassion and Giving
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Sheikh Wahbi M. W. Suleiman was renowned for his generosity and dedication to uplifting others. Throughout his life, he supported numerous charitable initiatives, making impactful contributions to programs in education, healthcare, and social welfare. His philanthropy extended to both individuals and communities, offering financial aid, scholarships, and resources to those in need. His unwavering commitment to giving left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations to embody compassion alongside their endeavors.
An Unwavering Commitment to Excellence
Sheikh Wahbi Suleiman was a man of profound vision and unwavering determination. His commitment to the highest quality standards, meticulous attention to detail, and passion for delivering sustainable infrastructure left an indelible mark on Shibh Al Jazira Contracting Company (SAJCO). Today, SAJCO employs over 15,000 staff members and proudly upholds a remarkable track record of successful projects. His legacy is evident not only in the company’s growth but also in its steadfast dedication to shaping the future of Saudi Arabia.
Education and Lifelong Learning
Sheikh Wahbi Suleiman received his education at Taibah Secondary School in Medina and was dedicated to gaining experience throughout his career by attending numerous business and management seminars and conferences. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and personal growth shaped his leadership style and inspired many in the industry. Following in the footsteps of his late father, a distinguished educator in Medina, Sheikh Wahbi and his family established King Abdulaziz International School as a testament to their commitment to education and a tribute to his father’s enduring legacy.
A Lasting Impact
As we celebrate our milestones, we honor Sheikh Wahbi Suleiman’s extraordinary journey and the profound impact he has had on Shibh Al Jazira Contracting Company’s (SAJCO) success and future growth. His values of hard work, integrity, and innovation remain the driving force behind the company’s culture, inspiring every new generation to build upon his enduring legacy.
Our Story
Shibh Al Jazira Contracting Company (SAJCO) was founded as an individual enterprise in the mid-1960s by its founder, Sheikh Wahbi M. W. Suleiman – may he rest in peace. The company later evolved into a limited liability company with the inclusion of Sheikh Yousif Ahmed Osilan, Sheikh Suleiman M. W. Suleiman, Sheikh Emad M. W. Suleiman, and Sheikh Murad M. W. Suleiman. This marked the beginning of one of the most prominent contracting firms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SAJCO began to grow and took on numerous large-scale projects at the time, most notably the maintenance of the Medina–Batra Road (the old Qassim Expressway), as well as significant infrastructure work for the military base in Al-Kharj. The company also expanded into road construction, successfully building key roads in the Qassim region and parts of the Al-Hanakiya–Hail Road, which posed a major challenge due to the difficult terrain and involved several bridges and box culverts that were completed successfully and within record time.
In the 1980s, SAJCO executed the Unayzah Agricultural Bridge project, one of the earliest bridges in the Kingdom relying on deep foundation technology. During the same period, the company also completed Section 3 of the Riyadh/Dammam Highway, which passed through sand dunes, overcoming extreme desert conditions with specialized equipment for sandy terrain. SAJCO further expanded into the industrial sector, establishing the Shibh Al Jazira Ready-Mix Concrete Plant in Medina, which utilized advanced technology unique to the Kingdom, playing a crucial role in developing entry and exit points to Medina and the Prophet’s Mosque.
In the 1990s, SAJCO became a leader in road maintenance, handling the maintenance of over 20 road contracts across various regions of the Kingdom. The company was also responsible for the northern–western segment connection of the ring road in Riyadh, which included bridges supported by some of the tallest columns in the Kingdom at that time. SAJCO continued to expand with branches across various regions of the Kingdom.
Entering the new millennium, SAJCO diversified its projects to include dams, water projects, stormwater drainage systems, tunnels, buildings, and airports, along with many other varied projects. Today, with Saudi Vision 2030, SAJCO continues its journey to contribute to the nation’s growth, participating in numerous Vision 2030 projects such as NEOM, Qiddiya, the Sports Boulevard, and the Red Sea Project, among other strategic and vital projects.