As Saudi Arabia celebrates its Founding Day, few figures embody the Kingdom’s fusion of deep-rooted heritage and forward-looking ambition more than Mahdy Saleh Katbe. With over four decades of international experience spanning general management, business development, and marketing, Katbe has left an indelible mark on the nation’s industrial and entrepreneurial landscapes.
Mahdy Katbe’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Industrial Management from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, followed by an MBA from the University of North Carolina. Capitalizing on these foundations, he established Unicharm Gulf Hygienic Industries in Riyadh in partnership with Japanese and Lebanese investors, focusing on manufacturing diapers and paper products. Today, the company’s assets exceed SAR 2 billion—an impressive testament to his strategic leadership. Beyond the Gulf, Katbe also serves as CEO of Unicharm Middle East and North Africa, overseeing the brand’s regional expansion.
His influence extends well beyond corporate metrics. In 2023, Katbe’s biography was featured in the third edition of Leaders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reflecting his role in forging strategic partnerships across continents. The Japanese government has also recognized his efforts in bolstering ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan. Notably, Katbe champions female empowerment, having trained and employed over 400 Saudi women in various technical and administrative positions—an accomplishment that underscores his commitment to inclusive growth.
Katbe views Saudi Founding Day as a moment to honor the Kingdom’s historical achievements while spotlighting its global economic relevance. As the largest Arab economy, Saudi Arabia continues to experience transformative social and economic strides under Vision 2030. For Katbe, Founding Day exemplifies the nation’s capacity to evolve into a powerhouse of global development, leveraging abundant resources and strategic reforms that attract foreign capital and open avenues for enterprises of all sizes.
Reflecting on his career, Katbe highlights the importance of perseverance and a clear value system. He credits Unicharm’s success to a corporate culture grounded in integrity, efficiency, and loyalty, fostering a cohesive workforce prepared to navigate obstacles and sustain growth. He also underscores the country’s geographic advantages and Vision 2030’s reforms, which have accelerated foreign investment and driven innovation across diverse sectors.
Within this framework, Unicharm Gulf Hygienic Industries anchors its strategy on six pillars—foreign direct investment, technology transfer, Saudization, women’s empowerment, non-oil exports, and social responsibility. By localizing advanced Japanese technology, training more than 851 Saudi employees, and supporting charitable initiatives, the company has become a model for holistic development. Its investments align with Saudi Arabia’s drive to diversify its economy, further evidenced by future capital outlays exceeding SAR 350 million between 2023 and 2027.
Beyond business, Unicharm demonstrates a commitment to social welfare. In 2012, it opened a female-only factory in Riyadh, employing more than 150 Saudi women, including those with special needs. This initiative earned the company the Nikkei Award for Corporate Social Service in Japan. By 2024, the firm had trained an additional 350 Saudi employees, offering programs ranging from project management to occupational safety. Another 460 staff members benefited from Unicharm Academy, a new learning management system promoting continuous development.
Katbe also points to the private sector’s expanding role in health, education, and women’s empowerment. With government policies encouraging female participation, the number of Saudi women in the private sector nears one million. Meanwhile, education reforms and foreign investments are driving growth in schools and universities. Healthcare, supported by 53% private-sector investment, has expanded into rural areas and embraced telemedicine, showcasing how collaboration between government bodies and private enterprises is reshaping the national economy.
On this Founding Day, Katbe calls on young Saudis to leverage the Kingdom’s abundant support and resources. He advocates continuous learning, time management, and active leadership to drive national development. Confident in the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, he believes Saudi Arabia will continue to prosper on the global stage. By seizing available incentives and opportunities, Katbe urges every citizen—especially the youth—to play a meaningful role in the Kingdom’s ongoing economic transformation, honoring a legacy that blends tradition with innovation.
Media Contact
Company Name: Unicharm Middle East
Contact Person: Media Relations
Email: Send Email
Phone: +2- 0554334040/1/2/3/4
Country: Saudi Arabia
Website: https://www.unicharm.com.eg/ar/home.html
