Message From The Founder

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. Never resting on our laurels, our global designers are constantly developing new product lines to meet the changing tastes and trends of a fast-changing global marketplace. That said, the key to our past accomplishments, and the driving force of our continued success, has always been our unwavering investment in human capital.

Oriental Weaver’s global team is hand-picked to provide us with the top international and local talent and includes the motivated, professional, value-driven combination necessary to become an industry leader at the global level. 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: an emphasis that sparked our rise to the top.

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.

Mohamed Farid Khamis is the founder of Oriental Weavers, a leading carpet and rug manufacturing company. Born on April 14, 1940, in Sharkia, Egypt. Mr. Khamis had a strong belief in the potential of Egypt and its people. He not only focused on business success but also had a passion for community development and social responsibility.

He started his career in Kuwait in 1967, working as an accountant for a local carpet and flooring distributor. Over time, he expanded the company’s customer base and formed partnerships with major carpet and flooring manufacturers worldwide, becoming the largest importer of European and American flooring into the Middle East.
In 1978, Mr. Khamis relocated to Egypt and founded Oriental Weavers, which quickly became the largest producer of machine-woven and tufted carpets globally. The company and its subsidiaries currently employ over 22,000 people across Egypt, Europe, and the USA. Oriental Weavers has received numerous awards for maintaining high industry standards and driving innovation in its products and practices.

Aside from Oriental Weavers, he founded several other companies, including MAC Carpet, Egyptian Fiber Company (EFCO), Oriental Weavers USA (OW USA), Oriental Weavers China (OWC), Egyptian Petrochemical Company (EPP), Oriental Petrochemical Company (OPC), and Oriental Urban Developments (OUD), which focuses on real estate investments and developments.
He also held influential positions in various organizations, including Chairman of the Egyptian Investors Federation, Chairman of the Egyptian Committee for the International Chamber of Commerce, and President of the Egyptian Industries Union and the Arab Council for a Green Economy, among others.

Mr. Khamis success allowed him to fulfill his dream of strengthening Egypt’s future. He established the Al Shorouk Academy for Higher Learning in 1995, accommodating over 12,000 students. And in 2005, he founded The British University in Egypt (BUE) in partnership with the British Council and Loughborough University, offering degrees in various disciplines to more than 11,000 students annually.

Recognizing the importance of social responsibility, Mr. Khamis founded the M.F. Khamis Foundation and Khamis Foundation for Community Development. These foundations have contributed to the construction of hospitals, donation of medical equipment, renovation of schools, provision of tuition grants to students, sponsorship of orphanages, and restoration of houses of worship.
His vision, business achievements, and commitment to social responsibility have made a significant impact in Egypt and beyond. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.