Khayri Abo El-Yazzed: Engineering Leadership Powering Industrial Growth Across MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa

In the demanding world of heavy industry, where complex builds, remote locations, and high-risk environments define daily operations, Khayri Abo El-Yazzed has emerged as one of the most respected engineering leaders across MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa. As the long-standing Chairman and CEO of RIGA, a global service provider to the cement, mining, oil, gas, and heavy industrial sectors, he has spent decades turning ambitious industrial visions into dependable operating assets.

With operational hubs in Dubai, Cairo, Riyadh, Abidjan, Dakar, Gaborone, Gauteng, and Ouagadougou, Khayri has consistently delivered outcomes in markets where disciplined execution, technical expertise, and an ability to navigate harsh field conditions are essential. His leadership reflects an uncommon mix of engineering depth, strategic foresight, and the capability to guide large, multicultural teams across continents.

Building RIGA Into a Global Industrial Solutions Group

Since founding RIGA in 2007, Khayri has evolved the company from a regional contractor into a diversified industrial solutions group serving clients in over 30 countries. The company today delivers:

• Mechanical erection and construction projects
• Major industrial overhauls and shutdowns
• Steel structure fabrication
• Specialized maintenance
• End-to-end industrial operations support

This transformation is rooted in Khayri’s commitment to building an organization known for reliability, safety, and consistent execution. Under his direction, RIGA has become a partner of choice for industrial operators seeking high-stakes project delivery across emerging markets.

A Leader Built From the Field Up

Before establishing RIGA, Khayri advanced through technical and managerial roles, beginning as a Maintenance Manager and later serving as Head of Construction Department. These years exposed him to the realities of industrial installations, plant upgrades, and multidisciplinary project leadership.

His hands-on background now defines RIGA’s operating philosophy: deep technical understanding, structured project management, and a high-performance workforce capable of executing in challenging environments.

A graduate of Helwan University’s Faculty of Engineering, Khayri blends engineering fundamentals with decades of field-tested management experience. His approach emphasizes smart project implementation, a safety-first mindset, long-term client partnerships, and disciplined operational excellence.

Shaping the Future of Industrial Growth

As Chairman and CEO, Khayri continues guiding RIGA’s expansion across key industrial corridors. With new projects underway and a growing presence in frontier markets, the group is positioned to support industrial players shaping the future of production, energy, and infrastructure across MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Khayri’s story is about building capability, enabling industrial transformation, and proving that disciplined leadership can turn even the toughest environments into opportunities. At The CEO Network, we proudly celebrate leaders like Khayri who turn vision into impact and set new benchmarks for industrial excellence across emerging regions.