Dr. Abdullah bin Saeed bin Kadman Al-Sarhani, COFOUNDER, OSOUL POULTRY
In every great enterprise, there’s a moment when success becomes more than a balance sheet. It becomes a shared mission. For Dr. Abdullah bin Saeed bin Kadman Al-Sarhani, that moment came early in his journey, when he realized that the future of Saudi Arabia’s poultry sector would depend not on competition, but on collaboration. Guided by his lifelong belief that “united we stand, divided we fall,” Dr. Kedman has spent the last decade proving that cooperation can build industries, empower communities, and elevate national standards of food security and sustainability.
The Vision That Hatched Osoul
For Dr. Kedman, poultry production in Saudi Arabia was never just a business — it was about strengthening an industry vital to the nation’s food security. Born on December 19, 1960, he built a strong academic foundation, earning a PhD in Cooperative Strategies, an Executive MBA, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. This combination of scientific knowledge and business acumen has guided his strategic thinking and people-focused approach throughout his career. After decades of working across agriculture and rural development, he saw first hand how local poultry producers struggled with fragmented supply chains, rising costs, and limited collaboration. Determined to change that, he set out to build a model that could bring producers together under one vision, one that balances commercial strength with community cooperation. That vision came to life in 2013 with the founding of Osoul Poultry under the umbrella of the Cooperative Association of Assir Poultry Producers ( CAAPP, one of the largest and most trusted poultry producers in the Kingdom.
At the time, Dr. Kedman was serving as 1st Chairman of the Association. Together with Mr Abdullah ALQahtani, the Chairman of the Corporative Association of Asir Poultry Producers, he began laying the groundwork for a company that would not only serve local demand but also raise national production standards and strengthen food security across the Kingdom. “Our journey began with an ambitious vision and a strong belief to be a symbol of quality and commitment, under the umbrella of Osoul Poultry, which is one of the largest and most important poultry producers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the largest in the southern region, and ranks fifth among the largest poultry producers in the Middle East,” shares Dr Kedman. He took on the role of CEO, overseeing not only the company’s formation but also its first bold steps toward industrial scale. He began with the establishment of a state-of-the-art poultry processing plant, the company’s first major business unit. Once operational, he extended the company’s investment into a second phase: the creation of a state-of-the-art hatchery, which today stands as the largest hatchery in the Middle East, with a capacity of 200 million eggs per year. This expansion represented a critical step toward self-sufficiency and regional leadership in poultry production.
Setting New Benchmarks in Poultry Meat Production
Since its inception, Osoul has played a key role in strengthening the Kingdom’s self-sufficiency in white meat production. The company currently contributes 6.5% of the local market’s needs, producing 250,000 birds per day—an annual capacity of 80 million birds. By mid-2026, Osoul aims to raise production to 550,000 birds per day, or 160 million annually, increasing its contribution to Saudi Arabia’s Local poultry content to 10 %, in line with vision 2030.
At the heart of this growth lies a clear and purposeful mission: to produce and manufacture poultry to the highest quality standards and at competitive prices, keeping pace with modern technologies and systems that ensure a sustainable, safe, and healthy environment. Beyond production, Osoul ’s mission also extends to support food security, developing local communities, and empowering qualified national talent—pillars that reflect both Dr. Kedman’s values and the Kingdom’s broader economic goals.
From chilled and frozen whole chicken to assorted chicken portions and processed poultry meat products, Osoul ’s product line reflects its commitment to meet diverse consumer needs while upholding the highest standards of quality and food safety.
Helping Shape the Kingdom’s Agricultural Future
Dr. Kedman,as the Chairman of the Board of the Corporative Societies Council for 5 years, contributed to the establishment and growth of several major cooperative entities in the Kingdom and has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between governmental and non-governmental sectors to support food security and sustainable development. He has been Chairman of the National Committee for Poultry Producers under the Federation of Saudi Chambers and Chairman of the Board of the Cooperative Societies Council for five years. His contributions also span several key national organizations—having been a member of the Board of Directors at the Agricultural Development Fund, the Saudi Halal Center, and the National Center for Palms and Dates, as well as the Supreme Committee at King Khalid University overseeing the transformation of community colleges into technology colleges. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the Sustainable Rural Development Program, where his strategic insights continue to advance the Kingdom’s sustainability goals. He was recently elected President of the Poultry Producers Committee in Saudi Arabia, under the Federation of Saudi Chambers.
Even while leading on a national level, Dr. Kedman remained deeply involved in Osoul Poultry’s day-to-day growth. He led the development of the company’s strategic plan, beginning with the poultry processing plant, followed by the hatchery, and later expanding into parent and grandparent farms. He also secured a prime location for Osoul in the Jazan Port area, where the company will establish grain silos, feedstaff plant and logistics operations—a move that positioned the business for future regional and global reach. It’s this blend of strategic foresight and hands-on involvement that continues to shape Osoul Poultry’s evolution from a local producer into a national benchmark of excellence.
Recognized for Excellence and Growth
Under Dr. Kedman’s indomitable leadership, Osoul quickly drew attention from both industry and government. In 2019, the company was recognized among the top six poultry producers in the Middle East, a milestone celebrated by the Saudi Minister of Agriculture, who congratulated Osoul on becoming the largest cooperative association in the region and the sixth-largest poultry producer overall. But the achievements didn’t stop there. Between 2022 and 2024, Osoul ’s revenue grew from SAR 1 billion to 1.4 billion, reflecting steady expansion and increased participation in the local content economy.
Beyond its financial success, Osoul ’s true impact can be seen in the region it serves. Located in the southern region of Saudi Arabia, an area historically underserved by large-scale industrial projects, Osoul has created new opportunities for local employment, investment, and community growth. The company’s facilities have also been recognized by the Ministry of Industry under the prestigious “Future Factory” program, which highlights advanced, technology-driven manufacturing sites shaping the Kingdom’s industrial future. Osoul has also achieved a high score in the SIRI evaluation for smart manufacturing readiness, a reflection of its commitment to innovation and operational excellence. Today, the company holds multiple ISO certifications for food safety, occupational health and safety, and environmental management, in addition to Halal certification +BRC and numerous commendations for quality and compliance. For three consecutive years — 2022, 2023, and 2024 —Osoul was also recognized as one of the Kingdom’s leading associations for job creation, organizational excellence, and contribution to national development.
A Leader Who Builds Leaders
Behind Osoul ’s steady growth is a leadership approach built on trust and empowerment. Under Dr. Kedman’s guidance, people are encouraged to take initiative, share ideas, and grow with the company. He often says that the real success of any organization lies in its people, and his leadership has built a workforce that shares both responsibility and pride in what they create together.
Those who work closely with Dr. Kedman often describe his leadership style as deeply participative—hands-on, yet empowering. He stays connected through regular follow-ups and open conversations with a genuine appreciation for effort. It’s an approach that keeps teams connected, motivated, and moving in the same direction. That sense of shared purpose has helped Osoul not only grow stronger as a company but also stand out as one of Saudi Arabia’s top employers.
Committed to Quality and Sustainability
Throughout his career, Dr. Kedman has spearheaded numerous national initiatives that bridge sustainability with innovation. He led the agricultural terraces project and the application of rainwater harvesting techniques in the southwest region, as part of the National Transformation Program. As main founder and first Chairman of the Coperative Association of Asir Poultry Producers, he helped transform it into the largest Production cooperative contributing to the Kingdom’s GDP and social impact. His lifelong dedication to cooperative, social, and economic work has earned him multiple honors from governmental and non-governmental entities, including recognition by His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture as the leading cooperative figure of 2018.
For Dr. Kedman, the future of Osoul Poultry isn’t just about scaling production; it’s about doing so responsibly. The company has already achieved nine international certifications for quality and safety, and continues to set higher standards across every stage of its operations. Osoul is investing heavily in water recycling and reusing systems, with nearly 3,000 cubic meters of water treated daily for reuse, a crucial step toward reducing environmental impact in one of the Kingdom’s most vital industries. The company is also shifting toward biodegradable packaging and environmentally friendly materials, reflecting its commitment to long-term ecological balance.
With a clear five-year strategy in motion, Dr. Kedman continues to steer Osoul Poultry toward global recognition. The company is expanding across business units, enhancing local content participation, and investing in research, sustainability, and technology to meet evolving consumer and environmental needs. “Our goal is to be a leader in enhancing food security, and a consumer’s first choice, by providing the finest products to local and international markets, based on the highest standards of quality and innovation,” adds Dr. Kedman.
A Message for the Next Generation
Ask Dr. Kedman what drives him after all these years, and his answer is always the same: people. The ones who stood beside him, who shared the long hours and the belief that something greater could be built together. “With cooperation and unity, you can overcome any challenge. United we stand, divided we fall,” he affirms.
It’s a belief that has guided Osoul from its earliest days and continues to shape its future. That same spirit of unity is what he hopes to carry forward — into every partnership, every community, and every generation to come. For Dr. Kedman, that is the real legacy of Osoul , not just a company that produces, but one that unites, inspires, and paves the way for a stronger, more self-reliant Saudi Arabia.