As Setcore marks its 40th anniversary, the company stands as a testament to endurance, integrity, and excellence in the oilfield services sector. From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name across the MENA region, Setcore’s journey has been defined by its commitment to safety, people, and performance.
In this exclusive interview, Tamer Nassar, Chairman and CEO of Setcore, reflects on four decades of achievement and transformation,sharing insights into the company’s legacy, its enduring values, and the forward-looking vision shaping its next era of growth. Under his leadership, Setcore continues to expand its footprint, embrace innovation, and strengthen its reputation as a partner of choice in the energy services industry.
Setcore is celebrating 40 years of service this year. What does this milestone mean to you and the organization?
This milestone is deeply personal for all of us at Setcore. It represents four decades of dedication, growth, and the collective spirit of our people. We donot just see it as 40 years in business — we see it as 40 years of keeping our promises, earning trust, and building a reputation grounded in safety and reliability.
Looking back over the past four decades, what have been the most defining moments in Setcore’s journey?
There have been many proud milestones — our expansion across the MENA region, the introduction of new service lines, and our early adoption of advanced well intervention technologies. But perhaps our most defining trait has been our resilience: navigating market shifts, standing by our people, and continuously adapting while staying true to who we are.
What distinguishes Setcore today in a highly competitive oilfield services landscape?
In an industry that often measures success in numbers, we measure it in trust. What sets Setcore apart is our ability to combine technical excellence with human reliability. Clients know that when we commit, we deliver — safely, efficiently, and on time. Our motto, “On site, never out of sight,” is more than a slogan; it isa reflection of our presence, accountability, and integrity in every operation.
How has the company’s legacy influenced the way you build and sustain people, performance, and partnerships today?
Our legacy reminds us that performance is powered by people. Every lesson learned over the years — from operational challenges to cultural milestones — has reinforced our belief that investing in people always delivers the highest return. That is why we approach every partnership, internal or external, as a long-term collaboration built on shared values and respect.
As you mark this 40th anniversary, how is the company preparing for the next phase of growth and evolution?
We are preparing for the next chapter with the same principles that got us here — but with a sharper focus on sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation.
The coming years will see Setcore expand further across the region, enhance automation within our operations, and continue building a workforce ready for the future of energy services.
What are the key values you believe should be embedded in every team member at Setcore?
Integrity, safety, accountability, and teamwork — these are the non-negotiables. They form the foundation of how we operate, how we serve clients, and how we treat one another. Every decision, from field to office, reflects these values.
How do you build a culture where integrity, safety, and technical excellence go hand in hand?
Culture begins with example. Our leaders make safety and ethics part of every conversation — not as checkboxes, but as core behaviors. Through consistent communication, training, and transparency, we have created an environment where doing the right thing is simply how we do things.
Can you share how Setcore supports the professional growth of its employees—especially field engineers, technicians, and emerging leaders?
At Setcore, development is not optional — it is expected. From our in-house training programs to international exposure and mentorship, we ensure our people have both the technical depth and leadership readiness to grow. We take pride in seeing our field engineers rise to become project leaders and our technicians evolve into specialists.
What is your personal philosophy when it comes to leadership development at all levels of the organization?
Leadership is about influence, not titles. I believe every person at Setcore should feel empowered to lead — to take initiative, make decisions, and own outcomes. When people lead from where they are, the entire organization becomes stronger.
How does Setcore support employee well-being and foster work-life balance, especially in such a demanding sector?
Oilfield work is intense, and we acknowledge that. That iswhy we continuously invest in creating safe, supportive environments, fair rotations, and open communication. We also emphasize mental health awareness — because caring for our people goes beyond the work they do; it is about the lives they live.
How does Setcore define “capacity building” within the oilfield services sector?
For us, capacity building means equipping people with the confidence and competence to perform at world-class levels. It is about empowering our teams to innovate, solve problems, and deliver value independently and collectively.
What role does training—both internal and external—play in strengthening your workforce’s technical and managerial skills?
Training is the engine of our success. Whether it’s technical certifications, HSE workshops, or leadership programs, we invest in our people continuously. A well-trained team not only improves safety and efficiency but also reinforces client confidence in Setcore.
How is Setcore using innovation and technology to build operational capacity and maintain agility across service lines?
Innovation for us is practical — not theoretical. We have implemented digital monitoring systems, predictive maintenance tools, and advanced reporting technologies that enhance operational accuracy and decision-making. Technology helps us move faster, safer, and smarter across all service lines.
How do you ensure your teams remain competitive, agile, and HSE-compliant in such a high-stakes industry?
We stay ahead by staying disciplined. Regular audits, continuous training, and real-time performance tracking keep our teams sharp and compliant. Agility does not mean cutting corners; it means adapting swiftly while maintaining world-class HSE standards.
Women empowerment remains a vital issue across industries. How is Setcore advancing diversity and supporting women in leadership roles?
We are proud to see more women taking leadership and technical roles at Setcore than ever before. Through mentorship programs, targeted recruitment, and professional development, we are ensuring women have equal access to opportunities and recognition. Inclusion is not a campaign for us — it ispart of who we are becoming.
Setcore prides itself on safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Can you share a recent example where this culture had a major impact?
During a complex well intervention operation earlier this year, our teams achieved zero incidents while exceeding client expectations. That outcome was not luck — it was culture in action. Every member of the team prioritized safety and communication from planning to execution. That is the Setcore difference.
How does Setcore prioritize Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) standards to ensure a secure and productive workplace?
Our approach to HSE is proactive and people-centric. We integrate safety into every process, not as a department but as a mindset. From leadership site visits to employee recognition for safe performance, HSE excellence is celebrated, not enforced.
How has Setcore’s investment in people translated into better outcomes for clients and long-term partnerships?
Clients see the results firsthand — fewer incidents, faster turnaround, and consistent quality. When you invest in people, you naturally improve performance. That iswhy many of our partnerships have lasted decades; they are built on trust and proof, not promises.
What are your goals for people development, innovation, and operational growth in the next 2–3 years?
Our focus is clear: to continue expanding across the region while deepening our expertise through innovation and technology. We aim to evolve Setcore into a learning organization — one that thrives on knowledge sharing, collaboration, and sustainable operations. Growth, for us, must always be intelligent and responsible.
Lastly, what message would you like to share with Setcore’s employees, clients, and stakeholders as the company celebrates its 40th anniversary?
To our employees — thank you for your dedication, resilience, and passion. To our clients and partners — thank you for your trust. Setcore’s 40th anniversary is not the end of a chapter; it is he beginning of an even stronger one. Together, we will continue to power reliability, safety, and innovation for decades to come.
