RIYADH: Saudi Aramco has emerged from attacks on its oil facilities “stronger than ever,” Chief Executive Amin Nasser told employees in a message, adding that full oil production would resume by the end of this month.
The Sept. 14 attacks on the Abqaiq and Khurais plants, some of the kingdom’s biggest, caused raging fires and significant damage that halved the crude output of the world’s top oil exporter, by shutting down 5.7 million barrels per day of production.
“The fires that were intended to destroy Saudi Aramco had an unintended consequence: they galvanized 70,000 of us around a mission to rebound quickly and confidently, and Saudi Aramco has come out of this incident stronger than ever,” Nasser said in the internal message, on the occasion of the Saudi national day, to be celebrated on Sept. 23.
“Every second counts in moments like these, and had we not acted quickly to contain the fires and undertake rapid restoration efforts, the impact on the oil market and the global economy would have been far more devastating.”
Six days after the assault, which hit at the heart of the Saudi energy industry and intensified a decades-long struggle with arch-rival Iran, the state oil giant Aramco invited reporters on Friday to observe the damage and the repair efforts.
Thousands of employees and contractors have been pulled from other projects to work around the clock to bring production back. Aramco is shipping equipment from the United States and Europe to rebuild the damaged facilities, Aramco officials told reporters.
Aramco already brought back part of the lost production and will return to pre-attacks level end of September, Nasser said.
“Not a single shipment to our international customers has been missed or canceled as a result of the attacks, and we will continue to fulfil our mission of providing the energy the world needs,” he said in the message, seen by Reuters.
Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia had used its reserves to maintain oil supply flows to customers abroad and inside the kingdom.
Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for the attacks but a US official said they originated from southwestern Iran. Tehran, which support the Houthis, has denied any involvement in the attacks.
Saudi Arabia says 18 drones and three missiles were fired at Abqaiq, the world’s largest oil processing facility, while the Khurais facility was hit by four missiles.
No casualties were reported at either site even though thousands of workers and contractors work and live in the area.
Saudi Aramco has emerged from attacks ‘stronger than ever’: CEO
Saudi Aramco has emerged from attacks ‘stronger than ever’: CEO
- The September 14 attacks on the Abqaiq and Khurais plants caused raging fires and significant damage
- Aramco already brought back part of the lost production and will return to pre-attacks level end of September
Jeddah’s bakers take center stage at second market
- Celebrating the craft, creativity and community of the city’s growing bakery scene, the market brought together a handpicked selection of bakeries, pastry shops and independent bakers
JEDDAH: The vibrant world of artisanal baking took center stage this weekend at the Bakers Market, organized by Aysh Academy in collaboration with Art Jameel at Hayy Jameel.
Celebrating the craft, creativity and community of the city’s growing bakery scene, the market brought together a handpicked selection of bakeries, pastry shops and independent bakers.
Launched for the first time in Jeddah by Aysh Academy, the market features everything from artisan breads and viennoiseries to desserts, all crafted with passion, skill, and high-quality ingredients.
Visitors were able to explore, taste, and purchase freshly baked items while engaging with the bakers themselves in a lively, community-centered atmosphere.
Sumaia Showail, general manager of Aysh Academy, said: “The Bakers Market was buzzing as soon as the doors opened. Families and friends gathered in a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy moments of tranquility, discover hidden culinary gems, and support local bakers.
“This second edition, following our debut in December 2025, was equally successful. We have 10 editions planned throughout 2026, each capturing special themes and occasions, creating a community around monthly events that celebrate real food at affordable prices.”
Those taking part shared their experiences of the event.
Noier Aloraifi, founder of Tabaqat Cafe, who was there with her son Abdulaziz Binbaz, said: “The Bakers Market gave us great exposure for our business. We sold out within four to five hours and welcomed new customers to our shop, which has been operating for eight years on Amal Street in Jeddah. It’s not just about exposure, we enjoy connecting with other bakers and sharing our passion for cakes.”
Rotaila Fadul, owner and creative director of Rotaila’s Whisk, added: “The Bakers Market focuses on food and small businesses, unlike other bazaars that prioritize fashion. It’s an amazing platform to showcase our creations and engage with food enthusiasts.”
For Begos Bagels, founders Yasmin Jaber and Mohammad Al-Hussaini, the market provided their first opportunity to sell directly to the public: “The Bakers Market gave us the exposure to launch our concept in front of a live audience.”
Afia Oil, highlighting their Saudi-made extra virgin olive oil sourced from Al-Jawf Province, combined product sampling with interactive activities, including a photo booth and a flavor-guessing competition.
Chef Tamara Gazzaz of Pop Tayer, who had previously won Afia’s contest, was sponsored by the brand to take part in the market, where she displayed her mini pastries and samosas.
“Afia has been very generous in supporting local chefs,” she said. “Being part of the market allowed me to share my creations while helping spread awareness of Afia’s products in an engaging way.”
