Kenny Rogers' connection to Aramco - Saudi Aramco
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
March 25, 2020 Vol. LXXV, No. 13 a weekly Saudi Aramco publication for employees
CEO: our heroes are an
inspiration to all
Recognizing this unprecedented moment in history, Saudi Aramco
president and CEO Amin Nasser expresses his appreciation for
the company’s employees — from plants to refineries to offshore
locations to pipelines and terminals and elsewhere — telling them,
“I am pleased the entire Saudi Aramco family has come together to
coordinate our response to support the many heroes who remain
essential for our business.”
see page 3
physical distancing
so how far is far away enough, and
other strategies and actions to take
to prevent the spread of COVID-
See pages 3-6
Get the latest
news from
JHAH
Kenny Rogers’ connection
to Aramco
Country music crooner Kenny Rogers
passed away last week at the age of
81, leaving a trail of fans who fondly
remembered his performances — six appointed to vice president positions
including a series of concerts at Aramco
Nabil K. Al Dabal, Fergus I. MacLeod, Abdullah M. Al Mansour, Nabil A. Al Nuaim, Oliver G.
communities.
Thorel, and Aali M. Al Zahrani were all recently appointed to vice president positions by the
see back page Saudi Aramco Board of Directors. see page 2
March 25, 2020 the arabian sun
2 company news
six appointed to vice president positions
Nabil K. Al Dabal Fergus I. MacLeod Abdullah M. Al Mansour Nabil A. Al Nuaim Olivier G. Thorel Aali M. Al Zahrani
The Saudi Aramco Board of Directors re- previously held the position of executive Oil Division, marketing manager in Crude director of the same organization since
cently appointed six vice presidents at its director. Sales and Marketing, and operations su- January 2018, when he joined Saudi Ar-
meeting earlier this month. MacLeod joined Saudi Aramco in May perintendent at Shedgum Producing in the amco.
Among those named were Nabil K. 2017 as the company’s first Head of Inves- North Ghawar Producing Department. Thorel joined Shell in France in 1990,
Al Dabal, (vice president of Human Re- tor Relations. In July 2010, Al Mansour became the and held various positions in the Chemi-
sources); Fergus I. MacLeod, (vice presi- MacLeod began his career in the ener- superintendent of RT Terminal Operations, cals business in manufacturing, sales, mar-
dent of Investor Relations); Abdullah M. gy industry as a management trainee with before being assigned as the Terminal keting, supply chain, and as global general
Al Mansour, (vice president of Pipelines, Shell in 1982, before moving into invest- Maintenance manager in July 2011. manager — based in France, the Nether-
Distribution and Terminals); Nabil A. Al ment banking in London in 1986 with J. During his career, he also served as act- lands, and London until 2006. He then led
Nuaim, (vice president of Community Ser- Henry Schroder Wagg. ing manager of the Yanbu’ Refinery, Crude the global base oil business, and thereafter
vices); Oliver G. Thorel, (vice president of MacLeod was head of Global Oil & Gas Oil Sales and Marketing, and Central Re- became vice president of supply, distribu-
Chemicals); and Aali M. Al Zahrani, (vice Equity Research at Deutsche Bank Wood gion Distribution. tion, and pipelines for Shell in North Amer-
president of Safety and Industrial Security). Mackenzie in Edinburgh from 1990 until Al Mansour has completed a number of ica, based in Houston.
The appointments will officially begin 2000, where he led a team of analysts in executive leadership programs, including For four years before joining Saudi Ar-
April 1, 2020. the U.S., Europe and Asia, and worked on the University Executive Program at IMD, amco, Thorel led various parts of the Shell
Nabil K. Al Dabal
a number of major initial public offerings. and the Advanced Management Program. Chemicals business as vice president of
Nabil A. Al Nuaim
After a period running his private advi- Global intermediates, and then vice presi-
Before being appointed vice president sory firm, MacLeod returned to the energy dent of Shell Chemicals Asia, Ventures and
of Human Resources, Nabil K. Al Dabal industry in 2002, when he was appointed Before being appointed as vice presi- New Business Development, based in Sin-
served as executive director of the admin as head of Investor Relations at BP, a role dent of Community Services, Nabil A. Al gapore.
area since December 2018. Previously, he he held for 11 years. He worked on a va- Nuaim served as executive director of the Thorel graduated in 1988 from Ecole
was acting head of HR. riety of major transactions, joint ventures, admin area since January 2018. He is also Polytechnique (science and economics)
Prior to this, Al Dabal had been gener- and planned mergers. MacLeod also was currently the chief digital officer for Saudi and holds a master’s degree in finance
al manager of Training and Development responsible for the establishment of BP’s Aramco. from Universite Paris-Dauphine. He com-
(T&D) since January 2015, after taking on Competitor Intelligence organization. Prior to January 2018, Al Nuaim served pleted an executive MBA at INSEAD in
a leadership role with the organization the In 2011, MacLeod was appointed as BP’s as head of Transaction Development and 2002.
Aali M. Al Zahrani
previous year. Head of Strategy and Planning to lead the was responsible for executing joint ven-
As general manager of T&D, Al Dabal redefinition of BP’s strategy following the tures, mergers and acquisitions, dives-
was responsible for the design and deliv- 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. titures, as well as third party and other Before being appointed as vice president
ery of corporate education, as well as T&D From 2013-16, he was the lead adviser transactions. of Safety and Industrial Security, Aali M. Al
programs for the company’s industrial, ad- to Rolls-Royce plc on investor relations and He has over 26 years of experience in oil Zahrani was named executive director of
ministrative, and professional workforce. the communication of strategy. and gas, renewable energy, power indus- the same organization in January 2019.
He had previously served as managing MacLeod holds a bachelor’s degree from tries and investment management — both Al Zahrani had previously been general
director of (BV) Aramco Overseas Compa- Oxford University in the U.K. in politics, in Saudi Arabia and abroad. manager of Industrial Security Operations,
ny (AOC) in The Hague from May 2011 to philosophy, and economics. He is a mem- In July 2015, Al Nuaim was appoint- a role he took on in July 2016, following a
April 2014, with strategic responsibility for ber of the U.K. CFA Society. ed president and CEO of Aramco Asia, successful acting assignment in that posi-
Abdullah M. Al Mansour
Saudi Aramco downstream joint venture managing and overseeing Saudi Aramco’s tion commencing in 2015.
investments, project support, and supply business in the Asia Pacific region while Prior to that, Al Zahrani completed an
chain management activities throughout Before being appointed vice president also serving as board chairman of Aramco assignment as acting general manager of
Europe, the Asia Pacific region, Africa, of Pipelines, Distribution and Terminals, Asia-Japan, Aramco Asia-Korea, Aramco Public Affairs, following a series of assign-
South America, and the Middle East out- Abdullah M. Al Mansour previously served Asia-India, and Aramco Asia-Singapore. He ments as manager of both Abqaiq Plants
side of Saudi Arabia. in the position of executive director of the also served on the boards of S-Oil (Korea), Maintenance and Operations depart-
Al Dabal, who holds a bachelor’s degree admin area since December 2018. Showa Shell (Japan), and FREP (China), ments. He had previously been manager
in electrical engineering from Northrop Prior to this, Al Mansour had been gen- and currently is on the board of Marafiq. of the Sea Water Injection Department —
University in the U.S. and an MBA from eral manager of Pipelines — a position to Al Nuaim worked with several Chinese an assignment that followed a supervisory
the University of Hull in the U.K., began which he was named in January 2017. entities to sign agreements during pres- role with the same organization.
his career with Saudi Aramco as a commu- Before that assignment, he had been ident Xi Jinping’s visit to Saudi Arabia in Al Zahrani began his career at Saudi Ar-
nications engineer in 1991. He eventually manager of the Oil Supply Planning and January 2016, and during the visit of The amco in 1991 with the Maintenance En-
took on a supervisory position before be- Scheduling Department (OSPAS) — a Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King gineering and Fault Analysis Group, after
coming an engineering specialist in May role he held since November 2013. Prior Salman, to China in March 2017. completing a bachelor’s degree in systems
1998. to moving to OSPAS, he had been man- Al Nuaim has held managerial posts with engineering from King Fahd University of
In June 2002, Al Dabal was named man- ager of the Yanbu’ NGL Fractionation De- Saudi Aramco’s International Operations, Petroleum and Minerals.
ager of Computer Communications Engi- partment since June 2012, following an Environmental Protection, Corporate Plan- He took on assignments with various fa-
neering and Technical Support. He went assignment as manager of the Terminal ning, Refining Operations, Power Systems, cilities in Abqaiq, as well as Maintenance
on to hold managerial positions with sev- Maintenance Department. Engineering Services, and Procurement Engineering, before joining the Operations
eral organizations, including the Ras Tanu- Al Mansour, who completed a bachelor’s and Supply Chain Management. He also Engineering System Support Unit, where
ra Refinery, Consulting Services, and Facil- degree in applied mechanical engineering undertook duties as director of Kingdom he carried out supervisory and superinten-
ities Planning. in 1990 from King Fahd University of Pe- Economic and Energy Analysis, director of dent duties until taking an assignment as
In August 2006, Al Dabal was assigned troleum and Minerals, joined the company Kingdom Energy Strategy, and chief of en- assistant to the executive head of South-
as manager of the Inspection Department, in 1993 as a staff engineer in OSPAS. ergy research at KAPSARC. ern Area Oil Operations in January 2007.
where he remained until moving to AOC He has filled many professional and lead- Al Nuaim holds both a bachelor’s degree Al Zahrani completed an Internship De-
in 2011. ership roles over his career with the com- and a master’s degree in electrical engi- velopment Program in the U.S. in 1994
Al Dabal has completed a number of ex- pany, including working as a performance neering from King Fahd University of Pe- with Emerson — specialists in manufac-
ecutive leadership programs, including the improvement consultant and planning an- troleum and Minerals, and Texas A&M, re- turing electronics and control systems. He
University Executive Program from the In- alyst in Corporate Planning, among other spectively. He also obtained an MBA from attended the Executive Management Pro-
ternational Institute for Management De- functions. MIT Sloan Business School. gram at INSEAD Business School in 2011,
Olivier G. Thorel
velopment in Lausanne, Switzerland. In April 2002, Al Mansour was assigned and participated in the Asia Business and
Fergus I. MacLeod
as the OSPAS general supervisor of the Ter- Culture Program in China in 2012.
minal Planning Division, and then in May Olivier G. Thorel has been named vice In 2019, Al Zahrani became a board
Fergus I. MacLeod has been appointed 2003, he began several assignments, in- president of Chemicals. Thorel previously member of the Saudi National Security
vice president of Investor Relations, having cluding general supervisor of the OSPAS has been holding the position of executive Services Company.
the arabian sun March 25, 2020
company news 3
CEO: Aramco’s heroes are
an inspiration to all
Amin Nasser is joined by other members of management during a recent visit to control facilities in Khurais. The president and CEO noted that the same resolve shown by employees in the face of last
year’s attacks on our facilities is the same he is seeing now by Aramcons companywide as they respond to the threat of COVID-19. “Our people across company facilities are highly motivated to succeed
now more than ever,” he said.
Saudi Aramco president and CEO Amin world has never experienced before, and Referring to them, Nasser said: “I want and caring for others.
Nasser expressed his appreciation for the we are all having to react to highly com- to say that what you are doing is essential “Our strong work ethic, and our
company’s employees who are working plex, fast-moving developments. I am beyond measure. Your example is inspiring deep-rooted culture of resilience and agil-
safely to maintain the company’s preemi- pleased that the entire Saudi Aramco fam- the rest of the Aramco family.” ity is helping us tremendously at this time.
nent position as the world’s leading energy ily has come together to coordinate our re- But in doing so, he emphasized the com- I witnessed that when I visited our plants
company. sponse to support the many heroes whose pany is sparing no effort for everyone to and facilities recently and the spirit and
With the onset of the COVID-19 virus work remains essential for our business of have a safe and healthy working environ- strength of our colleagues is truly inspir-
around the world, business continuity has reliably and safely supplying energy to the ment, with extensive sanitization efforts ing,” said Nasser.
been an issue for industries and sectors. world,” he said. and health protocols being reinforced and He said he saw similarities to how em-
At Saudi Aramco, however, many em- He highlighted the dedication of health continually tested. ployees responded to the September at-
ployees are working around the clock to care colleagues at Johns Hopkins Aramco Stressing that people are the priority, tacks on Abqaiq and Khurais to recover and
ensure business continuity, safe operations, Healthcare to tackle COVID-19, as well as Nasser said team spirit is vital to overcome fully restore production.
and community well-being, Nasser noted in employees in the field, at company plants, the COVID-19 crisis and that success will “Our people across company facilities
a weekly call to company management. refineries, and other locations offshore and depend critically on individual actions to- are highly motivated to succeed now more
“This health crisis is something that the at pipelines and terminals. ward hygiene, safety, physical distancing, than ever.”
Amin Nasser got an up close look at the many precautions the company is taking at facilities throughout the Kingdom and in remote areas such as those found offshore in the Arabian Gulf.
March 25, 2020 the arabian sun
4 company news
Physical distancing reduces the transmission of COVID-19
During these difficult times we should take physical distancing seriously and encourage each other to
follow the recommended guidelines
Spend
Avoid Contact your Order your
quality time
arranging physician groceries
one-to-one
playgroups online or online
at home
for your book a
children MyChart
Video Visit
Avoid
Use Reschedule Don’t be unnecessary
staircases unnecessary embarrassed to appointments
instead of home let people know
elevators improvements you are
with physical
contractors distancing
You should:
Self-isolate for 14 days from the
day you left the country or had
contact with the ill person.
the arabian sun March 25, 2020
the big clean
company news 5
Community Services and Office Services clean up to
prevent Coronavirus transmission
One of the best ways to combat
transmissions is to ensure colleagues and
workers are showing no sign of infection.
With this in mind, crews this week began
taking the temperature of employees
showing up for work at the company’s main
offices, turning away anyone with a raised
temperature — one of the signs of potential
Coronavirus infection.
A cleaning crew member in full protective
gear gives an office desk the full sanitizing
treatment — from phone to computer
keyboard to desk and beyond, everything
Special cleaning crews visited not only office areas, but also community areas that receive heavy traffic, including playground equipment. gets a solid cleaning.
Teams from the Office Services and Central Community
Services departments go from cubicle to cubicle
distributing safety kits to office workers in Dhahran. The
kits, which include a personal bottle of hand sanitizer,
carry the slogan “Take precautions, be safe.”
One of the best ways to
prevent the spread and
contracting Coronavirus is
the liberal use of hand
sanitizer. Dispensers have A worker sanitizes a
been placed throughout bench in an office
common areas and common area. Benches
hallways, and even in are one of the critical
elevators now. (Photos by areas cleaning crews are
Ahmad El Itani/MPD) focusing on, as the
Coronavirus is believed
to survive on such
surfaces for some time
— especially indoors.
March 25, 2020 the arabian sun
6 company news
Yanbu' NGL Fractionation wins the golden
Shaikh Khalifa Excellence Award
Yanbu’ — The Yanbu’ NGL Fraction- Kingdom. cellence programs that enable them to
ation Department (YNGLFD) was recently “The award represents another step in improve their financial efficiency and
recognized for its Operational Excellence Saudi Aramco’s march toward achieving increase their reliability to survive and
efforts by winning the golden category its vision of becoming the world’s lead- compete at all levels. This award is a
of the regional 2019 Shaikh Khalifa Ex- ing and integrated company in the en- testament to the capabilities of YNGLFD
cellence Award (SKEA). ergy and chemical fields, and this is re- employees in achieving continuous ex-
The award is based on the globally re- flected in the operational performance cellence and the pursuit of the best in
spected European Foundation of Quality of all company’s facilities, the efficiency all fields.”
Management models and criteria. of its employees, and their dedication to The recognition is one of a dozen pres-
Suleman A. Al Bargan, vice president work, which led to achieving such good tigious awards YNGLFD has earned over
of Domestic Refining and NGL Frac- results,” said Al-Bargan, who added that the past few years.
tionation, Mohammed S. Al-Ghamdi, YNGLFD’s achievement further confirms The department was the first Saudi
YNGLFD manager, and the department the effectiveness of its systems that have Aramco organization to win this pres- Suleman A. Al Bargan, Mohammed S.
team accepted the award, which recog- unleashed “the capabilities of the peo- tigious regional Golden Award, which Al-Ghamdi, and members of the team from
nized the department’s ability to foster ple of the country” in its dedication and enables individuals and companies in the the Yanbu’ NGL Fractionation Department
a culture of excellence and high quali- competence at the highest levels. Gulf countries to improve their perfor- pose with the Shaikh Khalifa Excellence
Award the department received for its
ty in its systems and among its employ- Al-Ghamdi added companies are mea- mance and their ability to compete and Operational Excellence efforts.
ees. The award recognized YNGLFD as a sured on their ability to innovate “and achieve a global position for the business
pacesetter in excellence throughout the effectively implement Operational Ex- community as a whole.
working from home no obstacle to excellence
for company employees
by Michael Ives
As an extension of
In this unprecedented time of COVID-19, the company’s
all across Saudi Aramco, the company is efforts to increase
sparing no effort to keep people safe and physical distancing,
some employees
well — at work, at home, and in our com- have been directed
munities. to work from their
This crisis is something that none of us homes. The Human
has seen before, and the company is do- Resources’
ing all it can to protect the Aramco fami- Leadership
Development
ly. For many colleagues, reporting to their Division has
usual place of work remains essential. developed a number
For example, this includes our health of recommendations,
care colleagues at Johns Hopkins Aram- including regular
co Healthcare who are on the front line electronic
communication
of COVID-19, as well as our people who emphasizing
work across our facilities and operations, collaboration,
continuing to reliably supply our global preparing the same
customers. as if you were going
With physical distancing a key tool in into the office, and
making sure to
the fight against COVID-19, increasing occasionally get up
numbers of eligible employees are work- from one’s
ing from home, in line with government workstation to
instructions, with managers directed to stretch.
ensure their business continuity plans con-
tinue to put people first.
Working remotely must be agreed by
department management, including as-
surance that an employee has the right
tools to carry out their role. In the majority
of cases, this will include at a minimum a any additional tools required to carry out stay busy regardless of their work location. other’s health and wellbeing. Schedule a
company laptop equipped with VPN func- your role An easy solution is to start the day with a five-minute individual Skype video call to
tionality, which enables safe and secure • Obtain department management ap- brief Skype for Business video team meet- check on people and ensure they are do-
access to the company network. proval that you can work remotely ing to discuss the plan for the day. In a ing well.
If unsure, employees are recommended • Take measures to ensure your remote virtual workplace, your timelines might be And in a virtual workplace, we don’t
to discuss their individual IT requirements working arrangements provide a safe, se- shorter, so you might also check in at the walk around as much, so make sure you
with their computer services liaison. Ad- cure, and healthy working environment end of the day to see everyone’s progress. step away from your computer and stretch
ditional tools include Skype for Business, • Whether working from home or in Also, dress for success. Put on your nor- periodically. And if anyone would like to
which is now available on company lap- your normal place of work, observe rec- mal work attire when working from home, continue their professional development
tops and includes phone and video confer- ommended sanitization protocols and rec- this will send a powerful message to your during this period, the Leadership Center
encing facilities. ommendations on social distancing. brain that it’s time to work. will be offering many of its one-day pro-
leading virtual teams
With all the digital tools now at our dis- Second, employees must ensure their fessional development programs in a vir-
posal, with appropriate preparations, col- individual engagement. It’s easy to skip tual format to specifically address virtual
leagues are able to work seamlessly from To help our people adjust to virtual collaboration opportunities since employ- workplace best practices. This is a great
home. workplaces, the Human Resources’ Lead- ees are not in one location, but it is still time to continue your development, even
how to work safely from home
ership Development Division has been important to hold brainstorming sessions, at home.
looking at global best practices from orga- project updates, or reviews virtually. Doing Regardless of working location, Saudi
It is essential that before working from nizations like Harvard and MIT to develop so will ensure everyone stays connected Aramco is committed to ensuring the safe-
home that employees take the following a webinar called Leading Virtual Teams. and focused on key tasks. And don’t for- ty and well-being of every colleague, their
steps: Experts in virtual workplaces have been get to celebrate quality work, especially families, and their community. By follow-
• Ensure that you have safe and secure advising professionals and leaders to keep when it’s done virtually. ing proper guidelines, including individual
access to the company network, including a few things in mind. Lastly, it’s important to ensure everyone’s actions on hygiene, safety, and social dis-
at a minimum a VPN and Skype for Busi- First, ensure productivity doesn’t drop wellbeing. When we don’t see each other tancing, we will all be doing our best to
ness equipped laptop, as well as access to during this period. Employees want to every day, it’s easy to lose focus on each protect ourselves and each other.
the arabian sun March 25, 2020
company news 7
PE-TDP: meeting our need to develop specialists
The need to adapt quickly in a continually changing business environment
accelerated by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) has never been more
important in the energy industry.
Developing specialists able to navigate this environment is just as critical.
by Shaistha Khan
young professionals.
Dhahran — Petroleum Engineering and “Having worked with six different orga-
Development (PE&D) vice president Nasir nizations during my time in the PE-TDP, all
K. Al-Naimi recently hosted a ceremony assignments had a road map and were tai-
to recognize three graduates from its lored to equip me with knowledge in my
flagship Petroleum Engineering Technol- focus area,” he said. “The program enables
ogist Development Program (PE-TDP). candidates to tailor and take ownership of
Designed to provide qualified profes- their development.”
sionals the opportunity to become re- Talal S. Al-Mousa from the Northern
nowned technologists within their cho- Area Reservoir Management Department
sen specialties, PE-TDP is aligned with graduated with a specialization in reservoir
Saudi Aramco’s business needs and al-
lows it to develop subject matter exper-
The program The program helped In six years in management of intelligent fields. Al-Mou-
sa’s graduation project included developing
tise in critical areas. enables me to develop three PE-TDP, I have an artificial intelligence approach to esti-
It does this by requiring participants
to publish technical reports and papers,
candidates to important character- gone through the mate recovery efficiency.
Al-Mousa authored and coauthored five
complete business assignments in differ- tailor and take istics — tenacity, steepest learning papers, chaired technical symposiums, and
ent organizations that are closely related
to their specialty, and undertake a grad-
ownership of their agility, and the desire curve of my life. as part of his doctorate dissertation work
on artificial intelligence, he published as a
uation project that demonstrates their development. to seek out profes- — Majed N. Al-Rabeh book.
expertise in their chosen specialty.
Since its inception in 1997, the pro- — Bander N. Al-Ghamdi sional development “The program helped me to develop
three important characteristics — tenaci-
gram has graduated 45 professionals, opportunities. ty, agility, and the desire to seek out pro-
who are now serving the company in fessional development opportunities,”
various technical and managerial posi- — Talal S. Al-Mousa Al-Mousa said.
tions. Majed N. Al-Rabeh from the Production
new focus areas as specialties
and Facilities Development Department
reflecting on their journey
graduated with a specialization in advanced
In opening the event, Waleed A. opted to the business. well completion. Al-Rabeh’s graduation
Al-Mulhim, chief petroleum engineer “These specialties fit naturally into the Bander N. Al-Ghamdi from the Reser- project included developing best-in-class
and TDP chairman, highlighted the pro- PE-TDP, and as an integral part of our voir Description and Simulation Department practices for advanced well completions.
gram’s track record of nurturing talents efforts, we engage PE-TDP specialists in graduated with a specialization in gas res- “In six years in PE-TDP, I have gone
and enabling them to become special- these new focus areas,” Al-Mulhim said. ervoir modeling, with a focus on composi- through the steepest learning curve of my
ists. He also emphasized the program’s He further highlighted that many in tional simulation. life,” said Al-Rabeh, who authored more
ability to adapt to the industry’s latest the program already have experience in Al-Ghamdi, whose graduation project in- than 10 technical reports, filed three U.S.
needs. IR 4.0 solutions through their work in cluded conducting studies on fluid flow to patents, delivered four advanced comple-
Al-Mulhim also stressed the need for artificial neural networks, artificial intel- improve accuracy and understand numer- tion courses, and won a Society of Petro-
new topics on sustainability and IR 4.0. ligence and data analytics, therefore the ical performance associated with complex leum Engineers award.
“With adaptive and new specialties, groundwork has been laid. phase behavior, called the PE-TDP the most “The PE-TDP provided a rare opportu-
the oil and gas industry has increased Congratulating the three graduates intensive and advanced development pro- nity to study the deployment of the most
its focus on sustainability and the envi- and all who have been involved with the gram of his career. By the time he gradu- advanced well completion systems of the
ronment,” he said. “We are looking at program, Al-Mulhim encouraged young ated, he completed five major projects, au- world. It significantly enhanced my tech-
minimizing emissions and reducing our engineers to consider joining the pro- thored nine technical papers, filed two U.S. nical skills, as well as my communication
carbon footprint, and with IR 4.0, we are gram to continue its legacy of building patents, chaired several technical events skills, as I was regularly presenting to com-
looking at how technologies can be ad- technological excellence and expertise. and conferences, and mentored seven mittees of technical experts,” he added.
Qurayyah inaugurates first Toastmasters club
Members of the newly
established Qurayyah
Toastmasters Club (QTC) pose
earlier this year with members
of management from the
Qurayyah Sea Water Injection
Department (SWID) following
the organization’s first meeting.
SWID management is providing
full support for the QTC such as
sponsoring the SWID employees’
membership and other logistics.
by Sharib A. Khan
two of the company’s Four Critical Behav- Joining Al Aqeel was distinguished Toast- SWID management is providing full sup-
The Sea Water Injection Department iors as key to achieving our goals, Al Aqeel master Soliman Almadi, who emphasized port for the QTC such as sponsoring the
(SWID) recently inaugurated the Qurayyah said, “I am confident that you all will agree the importance of employee development SWID employees’ membership and other
Toastmasters Club (QTC) at the Operation that the Toastmaster idea is worth pursu- through the art of speaking, listening, and logistics.
Support Building in Qurayyah. The event ing and it will motivate employees by giving thinking. Almadi reiterated that Toastmas- The QTC, which will be holding its week-
was well attended by many SWID employ- them confidence to face the critical issues. ters provides a positive, helpful, and sup- ly meeting during the lunch break each
ees and dignitaries, including Saudi Aram- “We also have the capability and the tal- portive learning environment for all of its Wednesday, is open to all SWID employees
co Toastmasters club senior officials from ent to nurture and continuously improve members. regardless of their role in the department
Dhahran. communication and leadership skills and The event was a success, with many inter- (i.e., engineer, operator, maintenance tech-
Abdullah Al Aqeel, acting SWID manager, build on them. Therefore, our collective en- ested SWID employees queuing up to join nician, etc.)
emphasized that Toastmasters is a friendly thusiasm and participation in the program the QTC, which will be part of Toastmaster Also, the QTC board will be organizing
opportunity for learning. Noting that Peo- are vital for the success of the QTC,” Al Area 54 under the Division M Toastmasters many workshops, such as the newly launched
ple Conversations and Empowerment are Aqeel added. International organization. Toastmasters “Pathways” in the future.
the arabian sun March 25, 2020
8
Toastmasters opens
new club in Qurayyah
The Sea Water Injection
Department recently
inaugurated the Qurayyah
Toastmasters Club at the
Operation Support Building
in Qurayyah.
see page 7
Abqaiq Nature Reserve is first of its kind in Eastern Province
by Ahmad Tamimi
the project was developed with the support The project went through several stages — plants and animals were also installed.
The Southern Area/Central Region Com- of the Environmental Protection Depart- from the planting of fauna and flora to the The sanctuary has a visitor’s center and a
munity Services Department (SA/CR CSD) ment and the Saudi Wildlife Authority. introduction of native animals. nature friendly walkway that will be used
giving back to nature
recently took steps to join a worldwide Completed in four detailed phases, the for educational purposes during school and
conservation program by developing the project included providing a treasury water community visits and environmental cam-
“Abqaiq Nature Reserve” — a safe haven The site of the project was developed by pipeline for irrigation of 2,100 local trees, paigns.
for Saudi Arabia’s native plants and ani- a team from across SA/CR CSD divisions providing bird shelters, and preparing and Also, late last year, four gazelles were re-
mals. working on a single vision to create an area filling the lake with water and fish. Educa- leased into their new sanctuary, represent-
Located close to the Abqaiq Cricket Field, within Abqaiq that gives back to nature. tional and informational signs about the ing the culmination of the project.
The Abqaiq Nature Reserve, developed by the Southern Area/Central Region Community Services
Department, looks to provide a safe haven for the Kingdom’s native plants and animals. From
gazelles to reptiles to various forms of fish, plants, and flora, the reserve also has a visitor center
that will be used for educational purposes and school visits. (Photos: Ibrahim Khayyat)
country music crooner Kenny Rogers passes; once played at Aramco
The country music world mourned last such concerts sponsored by the AEA. And
Other acts brought to Saudi Aramco
week with the news that legendary singer/ while the organization often welcomed
through the employees association in
songwriter Kenny Rogers passed away at a variety of popular acts to the company
the mid-1970s and early 1980s
age 81. communities, Rogers is often remembered
included, among many others:
Known globally for such hits as “Ruby, as the biggest name to perform.
• Barbara Mandrell
Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” “Lucille,” And while the SAEA is less focused on
• Jerry Lee Lewis
and “The Gambler,” Rogers also had a con- bringing in acts with such global recogni-
• The Silver Convention
nection to Aramco and the surrounding tion as Kenny Rogers, it remains a key sup-
• B.J. Thomas
community. Rogers was a rising solo per- porter of entertainment and culture in the
• Jerry Van Dyke
former when he came to the Kingdom to company’s communities.
• The Unknown Comic (of “The
perform in July 1977. “The Saudi Aramco Employees Associa-
Gong Show” fame)
The shows, which took place at the com- tion has always been committed to bring-
• Stars on Ice
pany communities in Ras Tanura, Abqaiq, ing its members and the Saudi Aramco
• Los Angeles Ballet
Dhahran, and ‘Udhailiyah, cost SR10 and community at large exciting cultural en-
• Michael Marlin, a fire-eating juggler
saw sold-out shows of hundreds. tertainment and fun family trips and ac-
known for his word wizardry.
Sponsored by the Aramco Employees As- tivities, as well as concerts and musicals,”
sociation — the precursor to today’s Saudi said SAEA president Taha Al-Safi, who not-
Aramco Employees Association (SAEA) — ed that the association likes to promote Saudi Aramco.”
Kenny Rogers, who died last week at the age of Rogers performed in Dhahran, Ras Tanura, local community talents through activities. Rogers reportedly passed away from nat-
81, was once brought to the Kingdom by the
Aramco Employees Association to play for
and Abqaiq. “SAEA will continue to serve as one of the ural causes under hospice care at his home
employees and dependents here. The performance came in a golden age of key community recreation promoters in in Sandy Springs, Georgia, in the U.S.
The Arabian Sun is a weekly North Admin Building, Room AN- Publishing director: Articles and coverage can be Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi
publication issued free of charge 1080, C-05A, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Meteb F. Al Qahtani (A) requested through the company’s Aramco) is a joint stock company, with
by the Corporate Communication Telephone (013) 876-0374 Editors: Jamsheed Din, Todd Williams CRM system. certificate of registration number
Support Department for Email: publishing@aramco.com Editorial staff: Jeff McCoshen, Correspondence may be addressed 2052101105, having its principal office
Saudi Aramco employees. ISSN: 1319-156X Musherf Alamri, Eamonn to the editor, North Admin Building, at P.O. Box 5000, Dhahran, Postal Code
Articles may be reproduced provided Houston, Scott Baldauf, Shaistha Room AN-1080, C-05A. 31311, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and
The Arabian Sun is credited. Khan and Dalia Darweesh. with fully paid capital of SAR
Designer: Husam Nasr. 60,000,000,000.
You can also read
