Yazeed Mohamed Al-Rajhi, born on September 30, 1981, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is a distinguished figure known for his significant contributions to both the business and motorsport arenas. As a scion of the prominent Al-Rajhi family, renowned for their substantial influence in banking, Yazeed has carved out his own legacy through strategic entrepreneurship and a passion for rally driving.
EARLY LIFE AND BUSINESS VENTURES
Yazeed embarked on his professional journey at a young age, gaining experience in the family’s enterprises. In 2006, he co-founded the Yazeed Al-Rajhi and Brothers Holding Company, a closed Saudi shareholding company based in Riyadh. Initially established as a limited liability company, it transitioned to a closed shareholding company in 2016. The company primarily invests in the food and beverage sector, focusing on restaurants and retail, and has developed several local trademarks. Beyond this, the holding company has diversified interests in construction, real estate development, industrial construction, and information technology, reflecting Yazeed’s strategic vision for broad-based investment.
LEADERSHIP ROLES
Yazeed holds several key positions across various organizations, including:
- Chairman of the Board of Directors at Mohammed Abdulaziz Al-Rajhi & Sons Investment Company (Rajhi Invest), overseeing investments in sectors such as industrial, banking, financial services, hospitality, and real estate.
- Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Rajhi Steel, contributing to the company’s growth in the steel industry.
- Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at the International Beverages Company, reflecting his diverse business interests.
These roles underscore his expansive influence in shaping Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape.
MOTORSPORT CAREER
Parallel to his business endeavors, Yazeed has pursued a successful career in motorsport. He began competing in local rallies in the Middle East in 2007 and made his international debut in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2008.Transitioning to rally raid events, he participated in his first Dakar Rally in 2015, where he secured a stage win and showcased his potential in the grueling competition.
In 2025, Yazeed made history by becoming the first Saudi driver to win the Dakar Rally, driving a Toyota Hilux for Overdrive Racing. This victory was particularly significant as it marked the first time in 25 years that a private team triumphed over factory teams in the event. Yazeed’s strategic approach and resilience were pivotal in achieving this milestone.
PHILANTHROPY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Beyond his professional pursuits, Yazeed is committed to philanthropy and community development. He has initiated and supported various charitable activities, aiming to contribute positively to Saudi society. His dedication to social responsibility reflects his understanding of the importance of giving back to the community and fostering societal growth.
LEGACY AND IMPACT
Yazeed Al-Rajhi’s multifaceted career stands as a testament to the dynamic interplay between entrepreneurial innovation and sporting prowess. As one of Saudi Arabia’s most recognizable public figures, Al-Rajhi has successfully carved out a reputation in both the boardroom and on the racing track—two seemingly disparate arenas that he has managed to conquer with equal fervor and determination. His strategic leadership across various business sectors—including real estate, investment, and financial services—has not only reinforced his family’s legacy but also played a pivotal role in advancing the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts. This aligns seamlessly with the broader objectives outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to reduce the nation’s dependence on oil and foster a more vibrant, competitive, and innovative economy.
In parallel with his business endeavors, Al-Rajhi has earned international acclaim as a rally driver, becoming one of the most successful and influential figures in the world of motorsport from the Middle East. His consistent participation in global competitions such as the Dakar Rally and the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies has not only brought him personal accolades but also placed Saudi Arabia firmly on the map of competitive motorsport. By doing so, he has helped elevate the Kingdom’s visibility in the international sports arena, reinforcing the government’s ambitions to promote a more active, engaged, and health-conscious society.
Al-Rajhi’s ability to seamlessly bridge the worlds of commerce and competition illustrates the evolving identity of the modern Saudi professional—one who embodies resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence across multiple domains. Through his achievements, he has become a symbol of aspiration for Saudi youth, embodying the values of perseverance, vision, and national pride. As he continues to push boundaries in both his business and racing pursuits, Yazeed Al-Rajhi stands as a beacon of inspiration for future generations, reflecting the spirit of a nation in transformation.
In assessing the journey of Yazeed Al-Rajhi, one cannot help but marvel at the dynamic duality of his pursuits—corporate leadership and motorsport excellence—both fields demanding discipline, precision, and the ability to take calculated risks. It is this exact intersection where his identity as a Saudi visionary truly flourishes. Born into a legacy of business prominence, Yazeed could have chosen the well-worn path of family tradition. However, he instead opted to challenge himself, balancing boardrooms with some of the world’s toughest racing tracks, and in doing so, carved out a distinct space for himself within the Kingdom’s evolving narrative.
In the business domain, his leadership of the Yazeed Al-Rajhi and Brothers Holding Company is more than a testament to financial success—it reflects his keen insight into what drives market sustainability in the modern Saudi context. By channeling investments into food and beverage, real estate, and information technology, Yazeed not only reinforced economic diversification but also demonstrated a forward-thinking mindset, aligning seamlessly with the ambitions of Vision 2030. He has consistently identified sectors with long-term growth potential, translating opportunity into robust corporate presence across the Kingdom.
Yet it is on the gravel, dunes, and harsh terrain of the rally circuits where another side of Yazeed emerges—a competitor, a tactician, and a champion of Saudi representation in international motorsport. Unlike many who see rallying as a sport, for Yazeed it has been a lifelong passion, one that he has refined into a profession. From his early WRC entries to his landmark Dakar victory, he has not only proven his individual skill but also raised the global profile of Saudi motorsports. Every turn he takes on the track echoes the Kingdom’s deeper momentum—forward-looking, confident, and relentless.
CONCLUSION
But beyond the accolades and positions, what sets Yazeed apart is his unwavering dedication to his homeland. He does not operate within silos—his businesses employ Saudis, nurture local talent, and foster innovation. His motorsport legacy inspires young Saudi athletes to dream beyond borders. And his philanthropic efforts signal a deep understanding of social responsibility, not merely as a moral obligation but as a cultural pillar. He bridges the corporate and cultural, the strategic and the spirited.
In the context of today’s Saudi Arabia—a nation in rapid transformation—figures like Yazeed Al-Rajhi become more than role models. They become symbols of what is possible when ambition meets purpose. He is not only a man of titles and trophies; he is a man of vision, grit, and national pride. As Saudi Arabia continues to step boldly onto the global stage in every sector from sports to technology, Yazeed’s story is not just relevant—it is essential. It is proof that tradition and innovation, heritage and modernity, can not only coexist, but also thrive together.
