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Our History

90 years forged in resilience and success

Max Steineke and other company pioneers

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
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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