Saudi Specialized Laboratories Company — operating under the brand name Motabaqah — was founded in November 2006 by a group of visionary Saudi businessmen and investors united by a common purpose: to build world-class laboratory infrastructure in the Kingdom and meet the growing demand for quality control of imported consumer goods, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce and Saudi Customs.
Motabaqah began its journey in Riyadh with its own internationally accredited calibration laboratory, serving a diverse base of clients ranging from Advanced Electronics Company and Al Salam Aircraft Company to jewellery stores and boutiques across the capital.
Driven by ambition and a clear national mission, Motabaqah expanded rapidly. A state-of-the-art chemical and biological laboratory was acquired in Jeddah, specializing in the testing of cosmetics and household cleaning products with full accreditation and a broad testing scope. By 2009, Motabaqah had begun constructing its own household electrical appliances testing laboratories in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam — dedicated to ensuring that all consumer electrical and electronic products met Saudi standards for safety and compliance.
By 2010, Motabaqah had become the leading service provider in its industry to Saudi Customs, supporting the Kingdom’s strengthened consumer protection framework. During this period, the company further expanded its laboratory portfolio to include toys safety testing and vehicle spare parts testing facilities in both Riyadh and Jeddah.
Beyond testing, Motabaqah took on pioneering research initiatives that shaped national policy. The company conducted a landmark study on the sudden uncontrolled acceleration phenomenon in four-wheel drive vehicles, the findings of which informed a regulatory decision by the relevant authorities. Motabaqah also led energy efficiency studies on high-consumption household appliances — including air conditioning units, dishwashers, dryers, and washing machines — contributing to the Kingdom’s early efforts in energy conservation.
In 2014, Motabaqah established Advanced Laboratory Services Company (ALS) to consolidate and professionalize its laboratory testing operations under a dedicated entity. Three years later, in 2017, Motabaqah Trading Company (MTC) was founded to represent global technology brands in the Saudi market, extending the group’s reach into the communications and technology sectors.
The year 2017 also brought a significant structural shift. Changes in the Saudi Customs authority transferred oversight of imported product testing to the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization. Motabaqah’s board made the strategic decision to divest its laboratory assets, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
Today, Motabaqah Holding stands as a diversified Saudi holding company with equity stakes in GCC Labs and Al Masader Al Dawliyah for Environmental and Quality Systems, alongside its wholly owned subsidiaries MTC and ALS. Built on nearly two decades of technical excellence, regulatory knowledge, and entrepreneurial drive, Motabaqah continues to grow — contributing to Vision 2030 through science, technology, and strategic investment.
