Aramco

General Information

Saudi Aramco, officially known as Saudi Arabian Oil Company (formerly Arabian-American Oil Company), is one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world. It is the national petroleum and natural gas company of Saudi Arabia, and is a global leader in the oil and gas industry. Founded in 1933, Aramco has grown to become the world’s largest oil producer and one of the most valuable companies globally.

Aramco’s primary business is the exploration, production, refining, and distribution of oil and gas. The company manages conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon reserves, including crude oil and natural gas. As of 2021, Aramco’s proven reserves were estimated at about 256.9 billion barrels of oil equivalent, which includes 261.6 billion barrels of crude oil and condensate, 36.0 billion barrels of natural gas liquids, and 253.8 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas.

The company plays a crucial role in the global energy market and the Saudi Arabian economy. It is responsible for managing Saudi Arabia’s vast oil reserves, which account for about 15% of the world’s proven oil reserves. Aramco’s operations have a significant impact on global oil prices and supply.

In December 2019, Aramco became a public company through an initial public offering (IPO) on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul). This IPO was the largest in history, valuing the company at approximately $1.7 trillion. However, the majority of the company’s shares remain owned by the Saudi government.

The Company’s Headquarters

Saudi Aramco’s global headquarters is located in Dhahran, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The Dhahran headquarters is a massive complex that serves as the nerve center for the company’s worldwide operations. It includes administrative buildings, research facilities, and residential areas for employees.

The Dhahran campus is often referred to as the Dhahran Core Area. It houses several key facilities:

  1. Al-Midra Tower: The iconic office tower that serves as the main administrative building.
  2. Exploration and Petroleum Engineering Center (EXPEC): A advanced research facility focused on upstream technologies.
  3. Aramco Exhibition Center: A museum showcasing the company’s history and achievements.
  4. King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra): A cultural center sponsored by Aramco to promote knowledge, creativity, and cross-cultural engagement.

While Dhahran serves as the primary headquarters, Aramco also maintains significant operations in other Saudi cities such as Ras Tanura (home to a major refinery and terminal), Yanbu (another important refinery location), and Jeddah (the company’s primary facility on the Red Sea coast).

Business Sectors

Saudi Aramco operates across the entire hydrocarbon value chain, from exploration and production to refining and distribution. The company’s business sectors can be broadly categorized as follows:

  1. Upstream:
  • Exploration: Searching for new oil and gas reserves both onshore and offshore.
  • Production: Extracting crude oil and natural gas from discovered fields.
  • Drilling: Operating and maintaining drilling rigs for exploration and production activities.
  1. Midstream:
  • Transportation: Moving crude oil, refined products, and natural gas through pipelines, tankers, and other means.
  • Storage: Maintaining facilities to store oil and gas products.
  1. Downstream:
  • Refining: Processing crude oil into various petroleum products.
  • Petrochemicals: Manufacturing chemicals derived from petroleum and natural gas.
  • Distribution: Marketing and selling refined products and petrochemicals globally.
  1. Power:
  • Generating electricity to support its operations and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s power grid.
  1. Trading:
  • Buying and selling crude oil, refined products, and petrochemicals in global markets.
  1. Technology and Innovation:
  • Research and development in areas such as enhanced oil recovery, carbon capture and storage, and renewable energy technologies.

Each of these sectors plays a crucial role in Aramco’s integrated business model, allowing the company to maximize value across the entire hydrocarbon supply chain.

Investments, Subsidiaries, and Affiliates

Saudi Aramco has an extensive network of investments, subsidiaries, and affiliates both within Saudi Arabia and internationally. These entities help Aramco expand its reach, diversify its operations, and strengthen its position in the global energy market.

Key Subsidiaries and Affiliates:

  1. Aramco Trading Company (ATC): Handles Aramco’s global trading activities in crude oil, refined products, and petrochemicals.
  2. S-Oil Corporation: A South Korean oil refining company in which Aramco holds a majority stake.
  3. Motiva Enterprises: A fully-owned subsidiary that operates the largest oil refinery in North America, located in Port Arthur, Texas.
  4. Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Company (SATORP): A joint venture with Total, operating a refinery in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
  5. Sadara Chemical Company: A joint venture with Dow Chemical Company, operating a petrochemical complex in Jubail.
  6. Saudi Aramco Shell Refinery Company (SASREF): A joint venture with Shell, operating a refinery in Jubail.
  7. Aramco Overseas Company: Manages Aramco’s international operations and investments.
  8. Saudi Aramco Technologies Company: Focuses on technology development and commercialization.
  9. Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures: The corporate venturing subsidiary of Aramco, investing in start-ups and high-growth companies with strategic importance to Aramco.
  10. SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation): In 2019, Aramco acquired a 70% stake in SABIC, one of the world’s largest petrochemicals companies.

International Investments:

Aramco has made significant investments in refining and petrochemical projects worldwide, including in China, India, Malaysia, South Korea, and the United States. These investments are part of Aramco’s strategy to secure long-term markets for its crude oil and to expand its presence in the downstream sector.

Diversification Efforts:

In recent years, Aramco has been investing in technologies and businesses beyond its traditional oil and gas focus. This includes investments in:

  • Renewable energy projects
  • Artificial intelligence and digital technologies
  • Electric vehicle technologies
  • Carbon capture and storage initiatives

These investments reflect Aramco’s recognition of the global shift towards cleaner energy sources and the need to diversify its business portfolio in the face of long-term challenges to the oil industry.

Website

Saudi Aramco maintains a comprehensive and informative website at www.aramco.com. The website serves as a primary source of information for investors, job seekers, media, and the general public interested in learning about the company.

Key features of the website include:

  1. Company Overview: Detailed information about Aramco’s history, operations, and global presence.
  2. Investor Relations: Financial reports, stock information, and corporate governance details.
  3. Sustainability: Information on Aramco’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
  4. Technology and Innovation: Highlights of Aramco’s research and development efforts.
  5. Careers: Job listings and information about working at Aramco.
  6. News and Media: Press releases, feature articles, and multimedia content.
  7. Customer Portals: Access points for Aramco’s various business partners and customers.

The website is available in both English and Arabic, reflecting Aramco’s global reach and its roots in Saudi Arabia. It is regularly updated with the latest news, reports, and information about the company’s activities and performance.

Acquisitions

Saudi Aramco has made several significant acquisitions over the years to expand its operations, secure markets for its products, and diversify its business portfolio. Some of the most notable acquisitions include:

  1. SABIC (2019): Aramco acquired a 70% stake in Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) for $69.1 billion. This was one of the largest deals in the global chemical industry and significantly boosted Aramco’s downstream capabilities.
  2. Motiva Enterprises (2017): Aramco took full ownership of Motiva Enterprises, buying out its partner Shell’s 50% stake. Motiva operates the largest oil refinery in North America.
  3. S-Oil (2015): Aramco increased its stake in South Korean refiner S-Oil to 63.4%, solidifying its presence in the Asian market.
  4. Lanxess (2019): Aramco acquired a 50% stake in Lanxess’s synthetic rubber business, now called ARLANXEO.
  5. Novomer (2021): Aramco acquired Novomer, a U.S.-based technology company specializing in the conversion of carbon dioxide and other materials into high-value chemicals and polymers.
  6. Valvoline Global Products (2022): Aramco announced the acquisition of Valvoline Inc.’s global products business for $2.65 billion, enhancing its presence in the global lubricants market.

These acquisitions reflect Aramco’s strategy to integrate vertically across the hydrocarbon value chain, expand its global footprint, and diversify into new technologies and markets.

How to Get a Job in the Company

Saudi Aramco is known for offering competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and unique experiences for its employees. Here’s a guide on how to pursue a career with Aramco:

  1. Visit the Careers Website:
    Start by visiting the careers section of Aramco’s official website (www.aramco.com/careers). Here, you can browse current job openings and learn about the company’s work culture.
  2. Check Eligibility:
    Ensure you meet the basic requirements for working in Saudi Arabia, including age restrictions, educational qualifications, and any necessary certifications for your field.
  3. Search for Suitable Positions:
    Aramco hires for a wide range of positions, from engineers and geologists to IT professionals and business analysts. Look for roles that match your skills and experience.
  4. Prepare Your Application:
  • Update your resume/CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
  • Write a compelling cover letter explaining why you’re interested in Aramco and how you can contribute to the company.
  • Gather necessary documents such as educational certificates, work experience letters, and professional certifications.
  1. Apply Online:
    Submit your application through Aramco’s online recruitment system. Make sure to fill out all required fields accurately.
  2. Assessment and Interview Process:
    If your application is shortlisted, you may be required to:
  • Take online assessments testing your skills and aptitude.
  • Participate in phone or video interviews.
  • Attend in-person interviews, which may include technical assessments for specialized roles.
  1. Background Check and Offer:
    Successful candidates will undergo a background check. If everything is satisfactory, Aramco will extend a job offer.
  2. Visa and Relocation:
    For international candidates, Aramco typically assists with visa processes and relocation to Saudi Arabia.

Tips for Success:

  • Stay informed about Aramco and the oil and gas industry.
  • Highlight any relevant experience in the energy sector.
  • Emphasize skills in technology and innovation, as Aramco is focusing on digital transformation.
  • Be prepared for a potentially lengthy hiring process, especially for international candidates.
  • Consider internship opportunities if you’re a student or recent graduate.
  • Network with current or former Aramco employees to gain insights into the company culture and application process.

Remember that competition for positions at Aramco can be intense, particularly for senior roles. Patience and persistence may be necessary in your job search. Also, be prepared for the unique aspects of living and working in Saudi Arabia, including cultural differences and climate considerations.