Abdel Rahman Khabbaz Energy Sector Growth Strategist | Operations Leader | Vision 2030 & IKTVA Advocate

In the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia’s energy transformation, Abdel Rahman Khabbaz stands out as a strategic industrial leader who bridges engineering excellence with national development priorities. As Vice General Manager of ORION SpA’s KSA Branch, Specialized Steel Valves (SPSV), Khabbaz has played a pivotal role in strengthening the company’s operational footprint and strategic positioning within the Kingdom’s highly demanding energy ecosystem.

With more than 11 years of experience at Orion and SPSV, his leadership has contributed to technical milestones that extend beyond manufacturing, shaping industrial capability aligned with Vision 2030 and IKTVA objectives.

Engineering at Record-Breaking Scale

In December 2025, Orion delivered the world’s largest 114” Class 150 Wedge Gate Valve for the Amiral Project in Jubail, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and TotalEnergies. The project marked a global engineering benchmark in casting integrity, design validation, and advanced testing methodologies, reinforcing the Kingdom’s capability to execute highly complex, large-scale energy infrastructure.

Equally significant is Orion’s contribution to the future of clean energy. In collaboration with Newcleo, and tested at the ENEA Brasimone Research Center in Italy, the company developed and successfully validated molten lead cooling valves for Generation IV nuclear reactors, supporting next-generation nuclear innovation and advanced safety systems.

Through its HIPPS, High Integrity Pressure Protection Systems, division, Orion has also delivered critical safety solutions across major upstream and downstream projects, further strengthening its presence in engineered high-integrity systems in the region.

Building Industrial Strength in Saudi Arabia

Under Khabbaz’s operational leadership, SPSV has undergone substantial expansion. A defining milestone was achieved in December 2024 when the Saudi facility secured twelve additional 9COM approvals, bringing the total to sixteen active 9COMs, positioning SPSV as the only valve manufacturer in the Kingdom with such a production approval range.

Over the past four years, Orion branch in Saudi Arabia has:

• Tripled incoming operational volumes
• Secured long-term Corporate Purchase Agreements spanning ten-year frameworks
• Achieved approvals with Saudi Aramco, Sadara, SABIC, SWA, and SWPC
• Strengthened IKTVA compliance and localization metrics

This growth reflects disciplined contract execution, structured Aramco qualification processes, and continuous operational optimization. Khabbaz oversees plant operations, workshop and field activities, bidding supervision, quality and safety governance, and EPC relationship development, with a strategic focus on Saudi Aramco and other national operators.

Strategic Market Expansion Across MENA

Prior to his current executive mandate, Khabbaz led senior business development and MENA expansion initiatives. He structured Vision 2030-aligned market entry strategies supported by revenue forecasting, bid architecture governance, and cross-functional coordination between plant operations and commercial divisions.

From RFQ to PO, he architected competitive technical and commercial proposals in collaboration with regional agents, strengthening Orion’s footprint with major end users including Saudi Aramco, Sadara, SABIC, and PetroRabigh. His foundation in project management ensured execution excellence through cost analysis, inspection coordination, expediting sessions, and structured delivery governance.

Academic and Strategic Foundation

Khabbaz is holding an MBA in Energy and Sustainability Management at SBS Swiss Business School from October 2025, focusing on energy policy, sustainability frameworks, operational optimization, and data-driven strategic decision-making.

He also holds Double Master Degree of Science degrees in Production Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Università degli Studi di Trieste, with specializations in advanced manufacturing systems, Lean production, Six Sigma, supply chain engineering, Industry 4.0, and performance analytics.

Driving Industrial and National Impact

Under Khabbaz’s leadership, Orion and SPSV have set new benchmarks in Saudi Arabia’s energy and industrial sectors, combining strategic market positioning with long-term industrial vision. His work is deeply aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and IKTVA objectives, guided by operational discipline and the continued trust of Mr. Luca Farina, Owner of Orion SpA and SPSV.

Looking forward, Khabbaz continues to shape projects where industrial strength meets technological innovation, ensuring that engineering excellence drives Saudi Arabia’s next chapter of national development and energy leadership.