20 Feb 2023

People First: Building the Kingdom’s automotive sector

As the first Saudi electric vehicle brand, Ceer’s mission is twofold. The company will not only design, manufacture, and sell a wide range of vehicles for consumers in Saudi Arabia and the region, but it will also look to ignite and accelerate the creation of a national automotive industry in the country.

People are the foundation of the industry, and Ceer has been focusing on rapidly building its human capital. Since its launch in November 2022, the company already employs over 550 people. That number is set to almost double by the end of the year.

The driving force of a future economy

Globally, the automotive industry creates high-value jobs and supports growth in high-tech industries. The Kingdom can expect that its own automotive manufacturing cluster, which will be producing hundreds of thousands of cars by 2030, will create thousands of direct, indirect, and induced jobs. Many of these new jobs will focus on cutting-edge technologies such as advanced robotics, 3D printing, and Industry 4.0.

Abrar Al-Qurashi, Head of Human Resources (left) and Wed AlGhamdi, Associate Mechanical Engineer at Ceer (right).

Abrar Al-Qurashi, Head of Human Resources, commented, “We are very passionate about our work and are well aware that establishing a national company to manufacture electric cars is not an easy task, however, we are confident that Ceer’s team has the experience and competence to achieve our mission.” Al-Qurashi added, “We are proud of Ceer’s contribution in localizing the automotive industry; this will accelerate the transfer of knowledge and create highly skilled job opportunities for the young and emerging Saudi generation.”

Ceer seeks to be the driving force of the future through its commitment to hire more than 6,000 employees by 2034. The company is especially focused on developing local talent; Ceer has set itself a target of achieving a Saudization rate of 80% within the next decade. Such a target may be seen as a challenge, but Ceer is determined to turn a challenge into an opportunity.

Ceer is focusing on providing equal opportunities for young Saudi engineers. “The empowerment of Saudi youth is at the heart of the Kingdom’s ‘Vision 2030’ and here at Ceer we celebrate effective and real empowerment driven by digital innovation and technological advancement,” said Al-Qurashi.

In addition, Ceer recently hired a group of young Saudi engineers to join the company. Wed AlGhamdi joined the advanced manufacturing engineering department as an associate mechanical engineer after graduating from Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. “Five years ago, there were limited opportunities for Saudi engineers in the automotive industry. The launch of Ceer paved the way for many future career opportunities, and now everyone can help shape the future. I strongly encourage those who are interested in the industry to pursue a career in engineering because there will be a lot of opportunities in the future,” said AlGhamdi.

With ambitious plans, Ceer is working hand in hand with policy and decision-makers investing in human capital development initiatives for citizens. In addition, the company is encouraging skills and advanced training among Saudi youth to help develop a sustainable industrial sector – and is paving the way for future generations to pursue a career in manufacturing.

Latest News

  • Ceer to Establish Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Site at King Abdullah Economic City 29.11.2022

    Ceer to Establish Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Site at King Abdullah Economic City

    Ceer, Saudi Arabia’s first electric vehicle brand, has signed a land purchase agreement worth 359 million Saudi Riyals with Emaar, the Economic City, for land at King Abdullah Economic City (“KAEC”) that will be used to develop Ceer’s manufacturing facility for electric vehicles.

  • The benefits of owning an electric car 21.03.2023

    The benefits of owning an electric car

    Are you thinking of making the leap from your traditional gas-powered car to an electric car? Electric vehicle (EVs) ownership has become mainstream and EVs offer owners substantial savings over time through lower maintenance and operational costs. When purchasing an EV, it’s not just the up-front purchasing costs you need to consider. EVs have far […]

  • Ceer Steps Up Support for Saudi’s Economy at the PIF Private Sector Forum 21.03.2023

    Ceer Steps Up Support for Saudi’s Economy at the PIF Private Sector Forum

    Ceer was out in full force at the first PIF Private Sector Forum to meet with the Kingdom’s businesses and discuss how they can work with the Kingdom’s first EV manufacturer to play a part in building the national automotive manufacturing sector. The forum encouraged opportunities for collaboration and investment partnerships between the private sector […]

  • Ceer launches Women’s Network to empower women in the automotive space 21.03.2023

    Ceer launches Women’s Network to empower women in the automotive space

    As part of its efforts to celebrate international women’s day, Ceer –the first Saudi electric vehicle brand – has launched an initiative that aims to both promote and support women working in the Kingdom’s automotive manufacturing industry. Named the “Ceer’s Women’s Network,” the initiative aims to empower women inside of Ceer by providing them with […]

  • The Numbers Behind Saudi’s Push for an EV Automotive Manufacturing Industry 23.02.2023

    The Numbers Behind Saudi’s Push for an EV Automotive Manufacturing Industry

    As part of this behind-the-scenes look at the talented team making the Ceer vision a reality, we give the driving seat to Haytham Honjol, Head of Strategy and Initiatives. He helps us understand the basic ins and outs of pioneering a new automotive industry in the Kingdom. As the Head of Strategy for Ceer, the […]