In 1950, Orabi began his service in the Armored Corps, then he joined the Free Officers Movement and participated in the Egyptian Revolution of 1952.

He then assumed the position of vice president of operations of the second field army, and shortly after that, he was appointed commander of the 21st armoured division.

On 4 March 1981, General Orabi was nominated by President Anwar Sadat to serve as chief of operations of the Armed Forces.

He serves with Gen. Salah Abd El Halim, former commander of the Second Field Army , who has become the next Chief of Operations of the Armed Forces.

In 1987, Orabi was appointed Chairman of the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI), a position he held till 1995, when he retired.