1982 — Present A Founder's Journey

The Story
Behind SAIF

A dream that began with a wooden car in 1982,
and a question that would not rest.

Begin the Journey
The Founder

Khalaf
Althobaiti

"I'm Khalaf Althobaiti, with over 15 years of experience in security operations and safety management. I've worked with major organizations like Sadara Chemical Company, KAUST, and Al-Amoudi Holding Company. But this project? It started long before all of that. When I was ten years old, I built a wooden car from scrap wood and old nails in my village. That childhood dream stayed with me. Today, I'm building that car again – but this time it's real. I founded Desert Falcons Collective to bring together Saudi engineers, designers, and investors to create SAIF, the first Saudi luxury car. I'm doing this for my three daughters, and for my country. Because I believe Saudi Arabia deserves its own official vehicle – just like every other major nation."

Sadara Chemical Company · KAUST · Al-Amoudi Holding
Khalaf Althobaiti — Founder, Desert Falcons Collective
خلف الثبيتي

"أنا خلف الثبيتي، بخبرة تزيد عن ١٥ عامًا في عمليات الأمن والسلامة. عملت مع مؤسسات كبرى مثل شركة صدارة للكيماويات وجامعة الملك عبدالله للعلوم والتقنية (كاوست) وشركة العمودي القابضة. لكن هذا المشروع؟ بدايته كانت قبل كل هذا بسنوات. في العاشرة من عمري، صنعت سيارة خشبية من خشب قديم ومسامير مستعملة في قريتي. حلم الطفولة ظل معي. واليوم، أعيد بناء تلك السيارة مجددًا – ولكن هذه المرة حقيقية. أسست صقور الصحراء لأجمع المهندسين والمصممين والمستثمرين السعوديين لبناء 'سيف'، أول سيارة سعودية فاخرة. أفعل هذا من أجل بناتي الثلاث، ومن أجل وطني. لأنني أؤمن أن السعودية تستحق سيارتها الرسمية – تمامًا مثل كل دولة كبرى."

Wooden Car 1982
1982
01

A Child's Dream

Summer 1982, Taif City - Al-Shurut Village

I was ten years old. We didn't have ready-made toys.

So I made my own.

"The chassis was a wooden grape box, once used to carry fruit to the market. The pickup area – a cut from a Shell oil can. The cabin – an old tea tin. The tires? Rubber cut from a worn sandal. It wasn't beautiful. But it was mine."

I pulled it through dusty alleys, making engine sounds with my mouth. I didn't know it then, but I was planting a seed.

Chapter 02

The Question That
Wouldn't Leave

Years later, I looked around the world:

America "The Beast"
Britain Royal Rolls-Royces
Japan Toyota Century
Germany Mercedes-Maybach
Saudi Arabia Flag

Why doesn't Saudi Arabia have its own?

We have the resources. The talent. The vision.
Why should our leaders travel in foreign cars?

Chapter 03

My Daughters

The Real Reason

Then came the most important part of my life.

R
Reema
R
Rawaan
R
Reef

My three daughters. My heart. My motivation.
The reason I wanted to build something that would last beyond me.

04

The Words That Changed Everything

A Conversation with Reema

I was telling Reema about my dream. I expected encouragement. A proud smile.

Instead, she said:

"Saif – the son that you don't have."

The words hit like an arrow. I left the room. Sat alone in the dark. But that night, I realized something powerful:

I don't need a son to build a legacy. My daughters ARE my legacy.

That word became the fuel for SAIF.

A Defining Moment
2024
Chapter 05

The Name

سيف

SAIF — Sword in Arabic

The Sword

On our flag. In our history. In our souls.

  • Honor
  • Strength
  • Protection

A sword on the outside — strength that commands respect.

+

The Palm

The tree that gives life in our desert.

  • Warmth
  • Hospitality
  • Nourishment

A palm on the inside — warmth that welcomes like a majlis.

Chapter 06

The Spirit of Tuwaiq

"
The Saudis' enthusiasm is like Jebel Tuwaiq and will not be broken.
HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Future Investment Initiative, Riyadh 2018

In Najd stands a mountain called Tuwaiq. The spine of our land. A symbol of steadfastness.

We are building something that will not be broken.

Chapter 07

The Wooden Car Returns

1982
A child's wooden dream

A child's wooden dream

40 Years
Coming Soon
Saudi's first luxury car

Saudi's first luxury car

After forty years, I am building that wooden car again.

But this time, it's real.

This time, it's for my daughters. For my country. For our leaders.

The child in 1982 didn't know he was planting a seed. But that seed grew into a tree. And that tree will become the first Saudi luxury car.

🦅 The Collective
Chapter 08

The Call

I share this story not for attention, but for understanding.

SAIF is not a business venture.

It is my soul, my daughters, my country, my dream.

If you feel this fire — whether you are an engineer, a designer, or an investor who believes Saudi Arabia deserves its own voice in the automotive world — join us.

"We are not job seekers. We are believers.
We are the Desert Falcons Collective."
Join the Collective