Saudi makes up 30% of TIC market: GCC Lab CEO

Khalaf Masaeed, CEO of GCC Lab

Khalaf Masaeed, CEO of GCC Lab, said that the global testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) market size exceeds SAR 1 trillion, employing more than one million people worldwide. The Middle East market is estimated at around SAR 59 billion, with Saudi Arabia accounting for over 30%—or roughly SAR 16 billion—highlighting the sector’s importance in facilitating regional and international trade.

In an interview with Argaam on the sidelines of the PIF–Private Sector Forum, Al-Masaeed added that demand for TIC services in the Kingdom is witnessing steady growth, driven by the expansion of the industrial, energy, medical, and technology sectors. He explained that the sector intersects with a wide range of economic activities due to its close link to quality assurance and compliance frameworks.

He also confirmed that among the company’s strategic objectives is studying a potential initial public offering (IPO) within the next five years as part of its future growth plans.

GCC Lab aims to expand geographically within Saudi Arabia, where it already operates offices in several regions, including the Eastern and Western regions, Makkah, and Jeddah, in addition to plans for regional expansion.

GCC Lab aims to expand geographically within Saudi Arabia, where it already operates offices in several regions, including the Eastern and Western regions, Makkah, and Jeddah, in addition to plans for regional expansion.

He noted that the adoption of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence has boosted demand and intensified competition, amid the need to adhere to standards and professional ethics in issuing certifications.

He explained that the company has signed an agreement with stc to provide testing, inspection, and quality assurance services, particularly in the fiber-optic segment.

GCC Lab is working to establish specialized laboratories serving the local industrial sector, aiming to reduce reliance on overseas testing in the US and China, while cutting time and costs for national manufacturers.

He pointed out that the company’s local content exceeds 60%, with a strong focus on training and qualifying national talent, transferring know-how, and localizing technology through international partnerships.

He also noted that the company is owned by Public Investment Fund, Saudi Aramco, Saudi Electricity Co., and giant chemicals producer, SABIC through Nusaned Investment, in addition to the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu via its investment arm “JABEEN,” and Motabaqah.

According to Argaam data, Gulf Lab Electric Equipment Testing Co. is a Saudi company established in 2015, operating in the utilities and renewable energy sector.

The company provides testing and certification services for high-, medium-, and low-voltage equipment, in addition to fault investigation, calibration, and training. It targets markets across the Gulf, the Middle East, and North Africa, with a focus on safety standards, efficiency, and competitive costs.