DUBAI: In the Saudi Aramco archive there is a fading black-and-white photograph that might serve as a metaphor for the oil company and its heritage.
Max Steineke was born in the state of Oregon, US, attended Stanford University near San Francisco and died in California. Yet the archive picture of this very American man shows him in full Arab dress with a heavy beard, looking every inch a citizen of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Steineke was the American geologist who, in partnership with his indispensable Bedouin guide Khamis bin Rimthan, struck oil in 1938, after many frustrating attempts, at Dammam well No. 7 in the Eastern Province, laying the foundations for the Saudi oil industry and for Saudi Aramco, the biggest oil company in the world.
That’s present-day Aramco: Unmistakably Saudi in form and bearing, but with an American backbone of modernity and efficiency.
A Dubai-based Saudi banker — who was educated at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and aimed to work for Aramco before being lured away by the world of finance — sums it up: “Aramco was always regarded with pride by Saudi as the source of all their wealth and prosperity, but also because it was a modern, dynamic company with American management standards. That’s why it has never had a problem attracting talent.”
For more than half its 80-year existence Saudi Aramco was a wholly US-owned company. In 1933 a deal was signed between the king’s Finance Minister Abdullah Suleiman and representatives of the Standard Oil Co. of California (Socal) that gave the Americans a 60-year concession on 360,000 square miles of the Eastern Province.
In return, Saudi Arabia got $275,000 in royalties and loans, with the promise of $500,000 if any oil was found, payable in gold. Oil expert Daniel Yergin, in his classic history of the oil industry, “The Prize,” tells how Socal had to scour the world for gold coins, which were eventually shipped on a P&O cruise ship in seven boxes.
When oil was discovered in commercial quantities five years later, it was a triumph for American business diplomacy, and also a snub to the British, who were concentrating on their existing wells in Iran and Iraq.
At this time, the company was known as Casoc — the Californian Arabian Standard Oil Co. — and had acquired a new partner, the Texas oil giant Texaco.
But it was still 100 percent US-owned. Its most important asset was the concession agreement signed with the Kingdom, without which it could not drill for the oil which remained the property of Saudi Arabia.
The name Aramco was adopted in 1942 to reflect Saudi’s new prominence in the oil-producing world, being an abbreviation of Arabian American Oil Company. Strictly speaking, it should have been “Aramoco”, but how the “o” was lost remains a company mystery.
In 1948 two other US oil companies, forerunners of today’s Exxon Mobil, became part-owners of Aramco. Socal was running low on cash for investment, and began to look around the world for new partners. Yergin tells how King Abdul Aziz, who was consulted on the new entrants, had only one stipulation: The new owners must be American. Aramco remained a New York-headquartered entity for another four years, when HQ was moved to Dhahran.
The American connection came under strain in the 1970s, partly because of politically moved oil embargos of that decade, but also when Saudi Arabia decided it wanted to participate in the ownership of Aramco, and began a process of the phased buyout of the US oil giants.
Known as “participation” rather than “nationalization,” it was a less-painful exercise for the Americans than the expropriation faced by other European oil companies in the Middle East and North Africa. The Saudis paid compensation, and maintained contracts with the Americans, as well as retaining US employees.
Ellen Wald writes in her forthcoming book “Saudi Inc:” “The transfer of ownership did not even make the petroleum and financial newspapers …The contrast with other, often violent oil company nationalizations was stark and obvious.”
Yergin told Arab News: “The nature of the Saudi-US relationship on oil has changed so much since the original discovery exactly 80 years ago and yet has remained durable and founded in collaboration adjusted to changing times.
“Two of the key elements that have been a constant to the Saudi-US collaboration on oil since its beginning 80 years ago — despite all the changes that have occurred since — have been a focus on human development and technological advancement.” 
Aramco: Saudi in form and bearing, but with an American backbone of modernity and efficiency
Aramco: Saudi in form and bearing, but with an American backbone of modernity and efficiency
How forest conservation is helping Saudi Arabia achieve its green objectives
- By planting trees and protecting forests, the Kingdom promotes biodiversity and sustainable development
- Forests provide habitats for hundreds of animal species and play a pivotal role in combating climate change
JEDDAH: With its low annual rainfall, much of Saudi Arabia’s vast landscape is covered by desert, broken by occasional oases. In its mountainous regions, valleys, and along its coastline, however, the Kingdom is home to multiple forest ecosystems.
Forests play a pivotal role in combating climate change by acting as carbon sinks — storing carbon both above and below ground, thereby extracting it from the atmosphere, where it would otherwise contribute to the greenhouse effect.
Their significance in climate change adaptation and mitigation is also underscored by their role in creating local microclimates, providing habitats for a wealth of biodiversity, locking in freshwater resources, and preventing flash floods, landslides, and soil degradation.
Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification is at the forefront of implementing the Kingdom’s strategic goals outlined in Vision 2030.
“Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change,” Samir Malaika, assistant director-general of the general administration of forests at NCVC told Arab News. “Saudi Arabia’s dry climate and geography hinder its efforts to conserve forests and promote plant growth.
“With most areas receiving minimal rainfall, forests struggle to thrive. The escalating impact of climate change exacerbates environmental stressors, hampering forest growth and regeneration efforts.”
The NCVC aims to elevate living standards by reducing pollution and facilitating the restoration of degraded environments. It is also committed to building resilience against natural hazards and defenses against harmful pests that could pose risks to vegetation.
Simultaneously, it prioritizes the sustainable development of the Kingdom’s natural resources. With seven ongoing initiatives, it aims to ensure the responsible and lasting utilization of resources in line with the nation’s sustainability objectives.
Among the center’s key initiatives under the Saudi Green Initiative is a scheme to plant some 10 billion trees — representing a significant step in the Kingdom’s reforestation effort.
The initiative for forest management and sustainable development by 2030 underscores a long-term commitment to nurturing and preserving woodland environments.
The phased approach to preserving and restoring vegetation in pasture areas reflects a strategic focus on addressing the specific ecological challenges faced by different ecosystems.
Opinion
This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field)
Furthermore, the initiative for developing vegetation and infrastructure for 50 national parks highlights the importance of creating protected natural spaces while promoting biodiversity and ecotourism.
Moreover, the initiative to plant 7 million wild trees in royal reserves demonstrates a targeted effort to enhance the natural habitats within these pristine areas.
Engagement by the public and private sectors in vegetation development and combating desertification underscores the collaborative approach needed in order to achieve sustainable environmental goals.
By harnessing the collective resources and expertise of various stakeholders, these initiatives aim to create a resilient and thriving ecosystem that benefits both present and future generations.
According to Malaika, Saudi Arabia boasts a forest coverage spanning approximately 2,768,050 hectares, primarily concentrated in the southern and southwestern regions, along riverbeds, and on the coastlines of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.
These forest ecosystems are categorized into three primary types: mountain, valley, and mangrove.
Mountain forests
Mountain forests are predominantly located in the region spanning the Hijaz Mountains in Taif to Jazan in the south. These areas have neutral soil acidity and receive the highest rainfall and humidity levels, particularly evident in the southwest with denser forest cover.
Forests are made up of several Juniperus plant species, typically found at altitudes of 2,000 meters and above. Additionally, Olea chrysophylla forests, characterized by wild olive trees with golden leaves, thrive at altitudes of 1,500 to 2,000 meters.
At lower altitudes, between 1,000 to 1,500 meters, Acacia plant species dominate the landscape.
Notably, terraced agriculture is a common feature of mountainous regions, facilitating crop fruit tree cultivation while aiding in water retention and soil protection. However, improper management can lead to land degradation, adversely affecting the surrounding forests.
DID YOUKNOW?
• Saudi Arabia is home to more than 63 unique ecosystems, ranging from mountainous regions to coastal lowlands.
• The Kingdom boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including 78 terrestrial mammal species and 499 species of bird.
• Coral reefs in Saudi Arabian waters host an impressive 266 species, contributing to marine biodiversity.
• With more than 6,500 species, Saudi Arabia’s invertebrate population testifies to the richness of its ecosystems.
• Saudi Arabia boasts three distinct forest ecosystems: mountain forest, valley forest, and mangrove forest.
Valley forests
Saudi Arabia’s topography features 179 valleys distributed across the country. Valley forests, mainly situated in semi-arid regions, are characterized by species such as Acacia ehrenbergiana, Acacia tortilis, Maerua crassifolia, several species of Commiphora, and Salvadora persica.
Additionally, oases and valleys are abundant with various Acacia species, Ziziphus spina-christi, Salvadora persica, Haloxylon persicum, trees, shrubs, and Hyphaene thebaica.
Mangrove forests
Mangroves and coastal ecosystems tolerant to saltwater are predominantly located along the Red Sea coast, with other stretches found along the Arabian Gulf coast.
Despite the lack of comprehensive forest data, studies indicate significant degradation of the mangrove ecosystem.
Avicennia marina is the most prevalent species in mangrove forests, with Rhizophora mucronata being less common.
Besides these natural forests, the Kingdom is also host to many urban and cultivated woodlands in its parks and residential neighborhoods, planted to provide shade, reduce temperatures, and beautify city streets.
Despite the Kingdom’s diverse ecosystems, it faces significant challenges in preserving and expanding its forests, including limited resources, poor local management, insufficient nursery production to meet seedling demand, a lack of awareness about dumping and unauthorized grazing, and other irresponsible human activities.
The Saudi National Center for Wildlife is working to protect, develop, and restore ecosystems and biodiversity around the Kingdom, in addition to addressing risks related to plant and animal life.
According to Abdulmanea Al-Qahtani, invertebrates department director at the NCW, the Kingdom has 63 distinct ecosystems, encompassing a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, plains, deserts, valleys, forests, seas, wetlands, plateaus, coastal areas, and marshes, all teeming with biodiversity.
The Kingdom is home to 78 species of terrestrial mammal, 499 species of bird, 136 species of reptile, seven species of amphibian, and more than 6,500 species of invertebrate.
In its waters, the Kingdom also offers habitats to 19 species of marine mammal, eight species of freshwater fish, 1,248 species of saltwater fish, and 266 species of coral
The Saudi Green Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2021 under the Vision 2030 framework, aims to tackle threats to this rich biodiversity and foster sustainable development.
Key goals include transitioning to a sustainable economy by reducing carbon emissions, boosting renewable energy production, and bolstering conservation efforts.
Additionally, the initiative aims to enhance environmental protection, promote green technologies, and create green jobs to drive economic diversification and growth.
Saudi fund signs two loan agreements, inaugurates Hulhumale Island development in Maldives
- Al-Marshad participated in the partial inauguration of the Hulhulmale Island Development Project
MALE: CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad signed on Friday two development loan agreements with the Maldives’ Minister of Finance Dr. Mohammed Shafiq. These agreements will contribute to financing the Velana International Airport development project with a value of $100 million and the healthcare sector development project in the Maldives with a value of $50 million, provided by fund.
Additionally, Al-Marshad participated in the partial inauguration of the Hulhulmale Island Development Project, which the SFD is contributing to financing through a soft development loan worth $80 million. The event was also attended by Saudi Ambassador to the Maldives Matrek bin Abdullah Al-Ajalin.
King Salman issues royal order to promote 26 judges
RIYADH: King Salman issued a royal order on Friday to promote 26 judges at the Board of Grievances, Saudi Press Agency reported.
President of the Board of Grievances and Administrative Judicial Council Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Yousef said that the royal order confirmed the keenness of the Kingdom’s leadership to support the judiciary to develop its performance and achieve quality and efficiency.
Earlier this month, the king issued a royal decree on Saturday to appoint 261 investigative lieutenants at the Ministry of Justice’s Public Prosecution.
Makkah workshop focuses on geospatial data
- Several distinguished surveyors were also honored for their outstanding performance in recent training sessions
MAKKAH: “The Future of Geospatial Information Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques” was the title of a workshop hosted at the Makkah municipality theater recently.
Held by the Kingdom’s Geographic Information Systems section, the event included a presentation that highlighted the project’s services and achievements, along with its aims of enhancing land inventory and documentation efficiency in Makkah.
It also reviewed the use of artificial intelligence in information analysis and problem-solving. Several distinguished surveyors were also honored for their outstanding performance in recent training sessions.
Saudi Islamic affairs minister inaugurates mosques
- Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh said: “Contributing to building and caring for mosques is a good deed that earns people rewards”
ARAR: Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh inaugurated the Al-Hanouf Al-Zwain and Ali Mohammed Al-Melhem mosques in the city of Arar as part of a visit to the area to inspect work progress.
The ministry’s undersecretaries and several department directors, as well as the director of the ministry’s branch in the Northern Borders region, Fahd bin Sulaiman Al-Khalifa, attended the event.
Al-Asheikh toured the two mosques, and was briefed on their construction in the Salmani architectural style, as well as their associated facilities and services.
He said: “Contributing to building and caring for mosques is a good deed that earns people rewards.”
The minister added that the Kingdom, since the era of King Abdulaziz until today under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has given great importance to mosques.
Al-Asheikh prayed for the reward of those who built the mosques, and for the maintenance of Saudi Arabia’s security and stability.
