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Our History

90 years forged in resilience and success

Max Steineke and other company pioneers

May 29, 2023

A look back at a remarkable history powered by determination and dedication.

From its early days of exploration in the 1930s, Aramco has forged a reputation for resilience and strength over the past nine decades. In many ways, Aramco’s story is just beginning, powered by innovation, determination, and dedication to a common goal.

1930s

Concession agreement is signed — 1933 — Oil concession agreement signed

Max Steineke crosse the Kingdom to discover oil — 1937 — Max Steineke traversed the Arabian Peninsula in his search for oil.

Early drilling sites in Dammam area — 1938 — Persistence pays off as eventually, commercial quantities of oil are found at the Discovery Well, Dammam Well No. 7.

King Abdulaziz at first shipment of petroleum — 1939 — The first tanker of exportable petroleum prepares to set sail with King Abdulaziz present.

1940s

early map of Ghawar field — 1948 — Discovery of Ghawar, the world's largest oil field.

construction begins on Tapline — 1948 — Construction begins on Tapline, Aramco's 1,700 kilometer long pipeline from Abqaiq to Sidon, Lebanon. The goal was to speed up the flow of oil to European markets to aid in the post-war reconstruction.

1950s

Safaniyah offshore field goes into production — 1951 — The world's largest offshore oil field, Safaniyah, is discovered.

Aramco TV and Baba Hattab — Aramco begins broadcasting the first Arabic station in the Kingdom.

First Saudis join Aramco's Board of Directors — Two Saudis are appointed to the Aramco Board of Directors for the first time.

1960s

first environmental policy enacted — 1963 — Company's first environmental policy is established, pioneering an environmental movement ahead of its time.<br>

College of Petroleum and Minerals launched — 1964 — College of Petroleum and Minerals opens.

Discovery of Shaybah

1970s

Master Gas System launched — 1975 — Master Gas System is launched.

1980s

Saudi government finishes purchase of Aramco -- Dhahran headquarters — 1980 — The Saudi government concludes the purchase of Aramco.<br>

Creation of international Star Industries — 1988 — Creation of Star Enterprises, our first international venture.

1990s

POWERS developed — 1997 — The POWERS technology is developed.

2000s

PetroRabigh first petrochemical joint venture launched — 2009 — Petro Rabigh, our first petrochemical plant, begins production.

2010s

Manifa inaugurated — 2013 — Aramco launches the Manila projects

iktva partnerships — 2015 — The company's In-Kingtom Total Value Add (iktva) program is launched.<br>

ithra opens — 2016 — King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud inaugurates the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, more commonly known as Ithra.

Listing on the Tadawul — 2019 — Aramco becomes a public company, with shares listed on the Tadawul.

2020s

Aramco sustainability report — 2022 — Aramco publishes its inaugural Sustainability Report.

VIDEO: 90 Years of Excellence

May 29, 2023

VIDEO: 90 Years of Excellence

From its beginnings, Aramco has exhibited the will to overcome any challenge.

VIDEO: Since day one, our people’s energy drove us forward

June 04, 2023

VIDEO: Since day one, our people’s energy drove us forward

We celebrate their dedication, commitment, and ingenuity that shaped 90 years of excellence.

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