Saudi Aramco empowers women in engineering support for oil sector

1 / 2
Saudi Aramco saw a promising future for Saudi women and began a long journey aimed at empowering them by hiring Saudi women for various jobs in the oil company. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 08 March 2020
Follow

Saudi Aramco empowers women in engineering support for oil sector

  • Saudi Aramco committed in the early 1960s to build two primary schools for girls every year in the Eastern Province
  • It put its qualified female cadres in advanced positions of its engineering and technical work

RIYADH: Saudi women have not lost sight of their presence in the oil sector, which is the Kingdom’s most important source to the national economy.
Saudi Aramco committed in the early 1960s to build two primary schools for girls every year in the Eastern Province.
The first two schools were built in Khobar and Rahima in September 1964 and Saudi Aramco saw a promising future for Saudi women and began a long journey aimed at empowering them by hiring Saudi women for various jobs in the oil company.
It was Najat Al-Husayni more than five decades ago that was the first Saudi woman with a university degree to join the company, and since then Saudi Aramco has continued to hire women in professional jobs and train them in all areas of the company’s work, from general planning to reservoir management.
Moreover, Saudi Aramco put its qualified female cadres in advanced positions of its engineering and technical work to demonstrate that Saudi women can offer a lot in various fields of innovation and creativity.
Just as the company dug deep into the ground to excavate its bounties, it also did so in exploring the best that Saudi Arabia has to offer and to acquire the nation’s wealth from its precious human resources, and worked on developing and qualifying it to promote localization and employment experiences.
A group of Saudi females held advanced positions in the company in the early 1960s and 1970s, including Naela Al-Mousali, the first petroleum engineer at Saudi Aramco.
In the early 1980’s, large numbers of Saudi professionals poured into the company, although during that period, few people found professional opportunities in oil fields and production facilities, apart from the establishment of the Center for Computer Exploration and Petroleum Engineering, and keeping pace with the computer dependency in the company.
This provided Saudi women with more job opportunities, and some other notable women, including Nabila Al-Tunisi, Samia Al-Idrisi, Dr. Soraya Al-Areed, Huda Al-Ghosn, and Fatima Al-Awami, did scholarship programs to study petroleum engineering in the United States at Aramco’s expense in the early 1980s and contributed to the work of the reservoir projects in Al-Safaniya, Shaybah, Moneefa, and other reservoirs.
The distinguished pioneers in Saudi Aramco have remained part of the company’s product in its journey to support the Saudi people and stimulate their potential.
Engineering, technical and scientific works have recently emerged in Ras Tanura, with luminous patterns for Saudi females to offer exceptional work experience.
Nine employees are currently working at the refinery and in Ras Tanura, and others are working in the laboratories there.
In a growing number of facilities and in an increasing number of administrative regions, the female workforce is able to find jobs on the front lines of the company’s core business of exploration and production, refining and chemicals, mechanical engineering, chemistry, petroleum engineers, labortaory experts, geology, geophysics, technology and information protection, safety inspections, firefighting, and loss prevention.
And at the Ras Tanura refinery, engineer Maria Al-Faraj contributes to finding solutions that maintain the continuity of the work safely and effectively, and she has been given a great deal of responsibilities.
“My colleagues at the refinery welcome me and cooperate with me,” says Al-Faraj, who holds a degree in mechanical engineering and business administration. 
“Wherever we work in the company, somehow we will all deal with the downstream business chain. Therefore, the field contribution and achieving benefits and solutions for the company to help in the success of our business,” she added.
Mechanical engineer Alaa Al-Ahmad believes that daily work represents one of the most important experiences for applying knowledge and expanding the horizon of skills, by working with colleagues on some of the company’s largest projects, such as the integrated manufacturing business management system.
“The theory and practical experience go hand in hand and complement each other,” she said.
Al-Ahmad managed to do her job confidently in an environment from a predominantly young age. She is passionate about engineering and this enabled her to overcome the many challenges involved in working at the refinery.
The woman in Aramco were able to prove themselves and, consider Moudi Al-Alawi, for example, she was responsible for planning the entire Ras Tanura refinery and communicated daily with the department of planning and regulating the supply of oil in Dhahran to ensure that the refinery meets customer demands.
“When I came to the Ras Tanura refinery, the facilities planning department told me it would be very difficult, so I have to be tough,” Al-Alawi said.
“I was able to prove myself in this environment that, despite its difficulty, the staff’s search is characterized by support and cooperation. It also helped me build my communication skills in this difficult environment,” she added.
Among the team working in the laboratory in Ras Tanura is Dima Ismail, a laboratory scientist with seven years experience who analyzes water samples.
Ismail has contributed mainly to the modernization of systems and methods in the refinery laboratory, and also trained her colleagues on using laboratory equipment.
“Our work is very sensitive in the refinery,” said Ismail, adding that “results are urgently needed, and if there is any delay, it affects the course of work. On the other hand, this place is great to start your career, as it is like university, you can learn a lot here.”
Meanwhile, regarding attention to the smallest details, which is a vital part of chemical work, Asma Al-Fahd, who focuses on gas chromatographic separation devices, inspects all the tools before operating any equipment, and changes all parts that must be changed from the equipment to avoid failure. 
Al-Fahd said: “Working here imposes a certain change, but I thank God because here I apply everything I learned at university.”


Saudi Arabia ready to host Art Week Riyadh

Updated 05 April 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia ready to host Art Week Riyadh

  • Held under the theme “At The Edge”, the inaugural edition will unfold across key cultural venues in the capital

RIYADH: The Visual Arts Commission is preparing for the launch of the first-ever Art Week Riyadh, a week-long celebration of Saudi Arabia’s vibrant art scene, which starts on Sunday and runs until April 13, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Held under the theme “At The Edge”, the inaugural edition will unfold across key cultural venues in the capital, including the JAX District and the Al-Mousa Center.

The event will bring together leading local, regional, and international galleries, artists, institutions, collectors, and art enthusiasts.

The flagship exhibition will showcase works from more than 45 galleries, exploring cultural dialogues between Saudi Arabia, the wider Middle East, and the global contemporary art landscape.

The exhibition will be curated around three themes — Everyday Life, Landscapes, and Motifs — highlighting the intersection of tradition and innovation in Saudi visual culture.

Al-Mousa Center, now a thriving arts hub, will host over 15 specially curated exhibitions, while the JAX District will also present Collections in Dialogue — a trio of exhibitions developed with leading cultural institutions and private collectors.

In addition to exhibitions, Art Week Riyadh will feature a series of talks and workshops tackling contemporary issues in the visual arts across the Kingdom and beyond.

AAccording to the Visual Arts Commission, the initiative aims to cultivate a dynamic and collaborative art environment, while honoring Saudi Arabia’s artistic heritage and its evolving creative future.


‘Bahr’ play brings maritime heritage to Baha in Theater Tour initiative

Updated 05 April 2025
Follow

‘Bahr’ play brings maritime heritage to Baha in Theater Tour initiative

  • Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the event attracted a large audience for the award-winning play “Bahr” (Sea)

RIYADH: The three-day Theater Tour initiative ended on Saturday at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Theater in Baha, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the event attracted a large audience for the award-winning play “Bahr” (Sea).

Inspired by maritime heritage, “Bahr” explores the traditions of sailors’ lives, particularly diving and pearl hunting.

The production is part of the commission’s strategy to promote culture across the Kingdom, according to the SPA.

Nasser Al-Qasabi, chairman of the commission, thanked the governor of Baha for supporting the initiative and providing the resources for its launch in the region.

The Theater Tour initiative brings exceptional performances to cities, governorates and villages throughout the Kingdom. The first phase features “Bahr,” running from April 3 to May 3.

The production debuted in Baha from April 3-5. It now moves to Jubail from April 17-19, Dammam from April 24-26 and concludes in Al-Ahsa from May 1-3.

The project aims to raise awareness of theater, increase access to cultural services in underserved areas and support local theater groups.

Written by Abdulrahman Al-Marikhi and directed by Sultan Al-Nawa, “Bahr” has won several awards, including best actor, best script and best overall production at the Riyadh Theater Festival, as well as best musical effects and best director at the 19th Gulf Theater Festival.


New initiative turns road trips into cultural journeys

Updated 05 April 2025
Follow

New initiative turns road trips into cultural journeys

  • Signage across highways introduces travelers to the Kingdom’s diverse traditional crafts, arts

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Roads General Authority and the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts — also known as Wrth — have launched an initiative called Wrth Saudi, which features signage on highways across the Kingdom marking significant locations connected with national crafts.

This initiative comes in what has been designated the Year of Handicrafts in Saudi Arabia. The first phase of Wrth Saudi will cover three highways: the Riyadh-Dammam Highway, the Makkah-Madinah Highway, and the Riyadh–Qassim Expressway, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Subsequent phases will extend the initiative to other vital roads throughout the country, the SPA added.

Wrth Saudi will showcase traditional regional arts such as Najdi door craftsmanship, mud construction, carpentry, wood carvings, and bisht making.

“Saudi Arabia’s vast road network, the largest in the world in terms of connectivity, serves as a platform to highlight the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and showcase its crafts,” the SPA reported.

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts plays a key role in promoting Saudi traditional arts locally and internationally, supporting local artisans, and encouraging the teaching and development of these crafts.

Earlier this year, the institute also launched the Wrth Community program to raise awareness of Saudi traditional arts and cultural heritage while “empowering individuals to learn and develop these crafts locally and globally.”

The program featured discussion sessions with academics, artisans, trainers, and entrepreneurs, along with workshops. Activities focused on four key materials used in Saudi traditional arts: stone, wood, ceramics, and metals.

The Ministry of Culture designated 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts to “solidify the position of handicrafts as authentic cultural heritage while promoting the practice, preservation and documentation of the craft, as well as its presence in contemporary life,” according to the SPA.

Throughout 2025, the Ministry of Culture will organize an array of events, exhibitions, educational programs and competitions under the banner Year of Handicrafts.


Muslim World League condemns Israeli strikes on Saudi cultural center, school in Gaza

Updated 05 April 2025
Follow

Muslim World League condemns Israeli strikes on Saudi cultural center, school in Gaza

  • Deadly attacks that killed, injured dozens described as ‘horrific crimes against civilians and civilian facilities’
  • MWL chief calls for urgent international action over what he says are war crimes

RIYADH: The Muslim World League has condemned Israeli airstrikes that hit a Saudi cultural facility and a school in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, as Israel resumed military operations following the collapse of a temporary truce with Hamas.

In a statement carried on the Saudi Press Agency on Friday, MWL Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa denounced the targeting of the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage’s warehouse, which destroyed medical supplies intended for the sick and wounded in Gaza.

He also condemned the strike on Dar Al-Arqam School, which reportedly killed and injured dozens, describing the attacks as “horrific crimes against civilians and civilian facilities.”

Al-Issa said: “These acts represent a flagrant violation of all international and humanitarian laws and norms.” 

He called on the international community to take urgent action, and urged global bodies to activate accountability mechanisms and hold perpetrators responsible for what he described as war crimes.

The condemnation comes amid renewed violence in Gaza since March, following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Israel has resumed its bombardment of the enclave, saying it is targeting militant infrastructure, while humanitarian agencies have warned of deepening crises and mounting civilian casualties.


Kingdom arrests 18,407 illegals in one week

Updated 05 April 2025
Follow

Kingdom arrests 18,407 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 18,407 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 12,995 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,512 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,900 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,260 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 66 percent were Ethiopian, 28 percent Yemeni, and 6 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 67 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 21 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.