Mohamed Farid Khamis
"From our beginnings as a single loom, Oriental Weavers has grown to become the global trendsetter for innovative rug and carpet design and the world's largest carpets and related raw materials producer. We have always invested heavily in product development and innovation, believing firmly, and rightly, as our consistent performance shows, that innovation is imperative to maintaining and expanding worldwide market leadership.
Oriental Weaver's global team is hand-picked to provide us with the top international and local talent. Our team is comprised of top talent both locally and worldwide, ensuring we stay plugged in on-the-ground while remaining pioneers internationally. The foundation of our storied past, and the guarantor of our future, lies in Oriental Weaver's emphasis on motivation, teamwork and integrity in the workplace.
As we continue to navigate a changing world, our human capital, in which we have invested so deeply, will remain our most valued asset. It is through our valued employees that we will move ahead providing trendsetting and industry-leading products and services to our clients and customers across the globe."
Biography
Mohamed Farid Khamis, founder of Oriental Weavers, was born on April 14, 1940, in Sharkia, Egypt. Throughout his life, he believed deeply in Egypt and its people, championing the power of opportunity to unlock their potential. Beyond his business achievements, he was equally committed to community development and social responsibility.
In 1967, Mr. Khamis moved to Kuwait, where he began his career as an accountant for a local carpet and flooring distributor. Over the following decade, he built partnerships with major carpet and flooring manufacturers worldwide, eventually becoming the Middle East’s largest importer of European and American flooring.
In 1978, he returned to Egypt and established Oriental Weavers, starting with a single loom in 1979. The company grew into the world’s leading manufacturer of woven carpets, with the group and its subsidiaries employing more than 19,000 people across Egypt and the USA.
His entrepreneurial vision extended beyond Oriental Weavers, leading to the establishment of several companies, including MAC Carpet, Egyptian Fiber Company (EFCO), Oriental Weavers USA, Oriental Weavers China, Egyptian Petrochemical Company, Oriental Petrochemical Company, and Oriental Urban Developments, spanning manufacturing, petrochemicals, real estate, tourism, and other sectors.
Mr. Khamis also held prominent leadership positions, including Chairman of the Egyptian Investors Federation, Chairman of the Egyptian Committee for the International Chamber of Commerce, and President of the Arab Council for a Green Economy.
Education and community development were central to his vision for Egypt. In 1995, he established Al Shorouk Academy for Higher Learning, which today serves more than 12,000 students. In 2005, in partnership with the British Council and Loughborough University, he founded The British University in Egypt (BUE), providing education across disciplines to more than 11,000 students annually.
His commitment to social responsibility was further reflected through the M.F. Khamis Foundation and Khamis Foundation for Community Development, which supported hospitals, medical equipment, schools, student tuition grants, orphanages, and places of worship.
Mohamed Farid Khamis leaves a lasting legacy of entrepreneurship, education, economic development, and community service. His vision continues to inspire generations in Egypt and beyond.
The Man Who Wove the Future
In the 1980s, Roni Couri, CEO of Couristan, crossed paths with Mr. Khamis, founder of Oriental Weavers. This tribute reflects his lasting impact on the rug industry. Mr. Khamis believed in people, opportunity, and strong relationships, building a team that shared his passion for the industry. Under his leadership, Oriental Weavers embraced technology and innovation, helping transform modern rug manufacturing.