May 20, 2020 Vol. LXXV, No. 21 a weekly publication for employees

Dear colleagues, practicing physical distancing, and avoiding humbling and inspiring. Countless people in gatherings of any kind. Any complacency is as need will directly benefit from your generosity With the Holy Month of Ramadan coming to dangerous as an infection and continued vig- as your donations will be matched 100% by a close, I would like to extend my personal best ilance will ensure our own health and safety Saudi Aramco and distributed to a wide range wishes to you and to your families for a peace- along with the well-being of our families and of worthwhile social, medical, and educational ful ‘Id al-Fitr. friends, our colleagues and communities. causes. This ‘Id will be unlike any we have experi- During this time, our individual actions While traditionally this is a time when we enced before. are for the greater good and for the benefit gather with family and friends, we can take However, it is vital that we still observe all of others. I also want to convey my sincerest great comfort in knowing that by staying apart, the precautionary and preventive measures gratitude to all of you who contributed to our we are truly in this together. ‘Id Mubarak! that have been put in place to stop the spread donation campaigns prior to and during Ra- of COVID-19. This includes maintaining high madan. You have demonstrated an enormous Amin Nasser standards of hygiene, wearing facemasks, amount of compassion and care that is both President and CEO ‘Id Mubarak wild footprints return to soaring dunes : Engineering feat enhancing nature

Biodiversity provides us with the essential foundations for our very existence, livelihoods, and prosperity. This Friday is International Day for Biological Diversity, and we can all be proud of Saudi Aramco’s significant work toward protecting and restoring the Kingdom’s biodiversity. Working sites such as Abha protect some of our planet’s most precious biodiversity, while in the Rub’ al-Khali, an oil and gas engineering feat is enabling astonishing biodiversity restoration.

see pages 5-7

Do Your Part by Wearing a Mask in Public Controlling COVID- is in our hands, and we should do whatever it takes to stop its transmission. maintain physical distancing of  meters at all times May 20, 2020 the arabian sun 2 company news

He thought he was just giving some feedback.

Ahmed was eager to share ideas with Khaled on how to enhance their presentation and wanted to meet in person. He hadn’t been feeling all that great lately and figured it was work stress.

But Ahmed was already showing symptoms of the virus. His nearness to Khaled and his casual, poorly covered cough put his colleague at risk.

Never let your guard down.

Because it’s not only about you. It’s about everyone’s safety. Unsafe personal behaviors can destroy lives. Do your part to keep us all safe.

Maintain a safe Cover your cough or sneeze. Recognize symptoms if you distance of at Use a tissue and dispose of it responsibly. have a fever, cough, and difficulty least 2 meters If you don't have a tissue, cough or breathing, call your health care from others. sneeze into your upper arm. provider immediately.

saudiaramco.com/en/covid Help desk 87-COVID (013-872-6843) JHAH 800-305-4444 (Option 3)

Corporate Communication Department the arabian sun May 20, 2020 company news 3 while celebrating ‘Id, don’t let your guard down

As Ramadan ends, it is a time for fami- longer, and protect those we love. ers, fathers, siblings, children, and the vul- end of this Ramadan, we must abide by lies to gather, to break the fast for the last We must continue these practices, which nerable members of our society safe. the restrictions for a little longer. time, and to congratulate each other for a by now we should know by heart: Similarly, for those who are returning successful Ramadan. If Ramadan is a time • Don’t gather with friends or neighbors at a potential turning point to work, it may be tempting to return to for turning inward for spiritual direction, (adults or children) Our society is at a potential turning the close personal contact with colleagues ‘Id is a time for turning outward and shar- • Avoid visits with extended family (par- point. The number of confirmed cases that we have missed after weeks of iso- ing joy. ents, cousins, or siblings) who are not a continues to grow, but we are starting to lation. It may be tempting to meet as we Subsequently, this year is different, as part of your current household, even if see the numbers of recovered cases grow- have in the past, in close rooms for private the COVID-19 pandemic has forced peo- they live in the gated community or the ing even faster. We have reached this point chats, to take long walks to discuss prob- ple to remain distanced from each other same apartment building through the hard won personal sacrifices lems, and so on. for the health and safety of society. It is • Wear a facemask, and observe physi- of each one of us. It would be foolish to However, these very behaviors put natural to want to gather and we all feel cal distancing of 2 meters in public spac- give up now and let down our guard. our colleagues and ourselves at risk. The frustrated about self-isolation, but for the es. Wear a facemask outside the home, In this spirit, the government has an- COVID-19 virus is unlike any other. It can safety of our families, neighbors, and col- especially where you may not be able to nounced that 24-hour curfews will return remain hidden with no visible symptoms leagues, we must be resilient and disci- observe a 2 meter distance, even though from May 23 to May 27, the period of ‘Id for days and even weeks, and pass un- plined, and avoid large gatherings. facemasks are no substitute for physical al-Fitr. This curfew is for our protection. aware from person to person. Our best The simple hard truth is that physical dis- distancing. With visible signs of people violating rules protection is to keep physical distance, tancing is the most effective way to pre- Resilience is a quality of inner strength against public gatherings, the risks to our even in the workplace, to wear a face- vent the spread of infection and the fast- that helps people get through challenging collective health are high. The more peo- mask, and to maintain strict personal hy- est way to protect our families and loved times. Ramadan is a month that tests us, ple catch the virus, the more chances that giene. ones. So this year, when we feel we should forcing us to do without to show us our some will die. If we truly value the company of our be preparing for major gatherings with our inner strength. We know we have that We can be patient. We have come friends and our family, we will all do what extended families, we must continue to strength now. We can do this. We can be this far. We may desire to see family and is necessary to keep each other safe. cancel such gatherings, at least for a little resilient to keep ourselves and our moth- friends as we have in years past, but at the Be resilient. Stay distant. Stay safe. under the Coronavirus impact What will happen to the ‘sharing economy’? by Mohammed Masrahi and Cristina Vasquez Global Analysis Department What will the world look like following COVID-19? As part of this series, we will build up from how the sharing economy has been affected by the virus outbreak, how ride-hailing will function under new questions about safety, how people will approach tourism and aviation, and what kind of disruption the globalized supply chain now faces. the disruptor disrupted Just a few months ago, the sharing econ- omy had unleashed new businesses that threatened and changed the way tradition- al industries worked. Take the hotel industry, where the rise of home rentals via shared platforms such as Airbnb challenged the traditional asset ownership model in favor of asset-free, peer-to-peer rentals. To protect their business model, hotel groups lobbied to regulate home rentals or push governments to tax the new plat- forms. In New York, short-term rentals (under 30 days) became illegal unless the permanent tenant also resides in the apart- relief funds from the company amount- normal. Restrictions of movement, fear of ment at the same time of the rental period. ing to $260 million. As shutdowns affect contagion, and businesses dissolving are Efforts to curb Airbnb’s availability and workers in their pocketbooks, consumer sending waves to this big player in the optionality were not sufficient, as con- spending is collapsing. sharing economy. The sharing economy sumers were attracted by costs savings how we work in space Reports indicate WeWork is trying to re- compared to hotel offers. Beyond cost and duce as much as 30% of its rent liabilities refers to a peer-to-peer, availability, better user satisfaction helped — physical vs. cyber to soften losses, but the shockwaves are grow the sharing economy. Another example of a sharing econ- much bigger as landlords will be left with community-driven, The pandemic, however, has disrupted omy giant is WeWork. It revolutionized less income because other tenants are in the disruptor. People have stopped travel- the workplace by scrapping the need of short supply. collaborative-based ing and using the lodging industry due to businesses to rent or own real estate. The sudden shift caused by pandemic on economy in which goods lockdowns and difficult economic circum- With over 4 million square meters directly individual and organizational behavior will stances. The challenging times are signifi- managed by WeWork, businesses instead slow the pace at which the sharing econo- and services are cantly affecting these platforms. signed up for a program that allowed em- my was operating and shaping the world. exchanged via the use of Cutting its revenue forecast by half, ployees to be in a work sharing space. The Will this mean that the sharing economy Airbnb has also laid off 25% of its work- co-working revolution made WeWork one is over? Although far from that, this shock digital platforms. The force. The damage does not end there. In of the largest tenants in London; it was set will influence the way those relying on this a sharing economy, the developers of the to become a revolutionary force in major type of income think about diversification focus on availability, platform and idea (such as Airbnb) are only cities around the world. and ways to attract consumers. convenience, simplicity, one part of the equation. WeWork is the face of a model that Perhaps, the sharing economy will be a Many used the shared economy as their had an abrupt change in the way people platform for innovative collaboration to de- and price has popularized only source of income. Hosts that depend- and business operates. In recent weeks, velop and nurture ideas to reopen econo- this business concept. ed on reservations for a living will receive working from home has become the new mies safely and efficiently. May 20, 2020 the arabian sun 4 company news

This 'Id al-Fitr, enjoy the celebrations from the comfort of your own homes, as the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) brings a parade right to your neighborhood. Featuring wagons celebrating the culture of the Eastern Province, Ithra’s six-hour parade will pass through al-Khobar, , and bringing joy to your doorsteps during these times!

May 23, 24, and 25 Time: 4:30 to 10:30 p.m.

May 23 May 24 May 25 al-Khobar Dammam Dhahran

Tune in to Ithra's social media accounts for parade timings and locations

Ithra_Eid with you# the arabian sun May 20, 2020 cover story 5 Friday, May : International Day for Biological Diversity  climate actions rather than words

Edged by beautiful seas on its east but fragile environment. dards of environmental protection. with without meticulous environmental and west, is an ancient Lying deep beneath the Kingdom’s Since its earliest days, some of the management and biodiversity conserva- land, where mighty mountain peaks rock folds, dry sea beds and offshore best validations of Saudi Aramco’s en- tion. soar into clear blue skies, parched waters hides crude oil — Mother Na- vironmental performance have been We can all be proud of Saudi Ar- sands stretch into wide desert horizons, ture’s amazing gift to human ingenuity. the company’s actions, rather than its amco’s amazing actions to restore the and azure breezes stream along coastal Hydrocarbons have become an essen- words. Kingdom’s land, seas, and coastlines, plains. tial part of modern life, providing ener- Next to Saudi Aramco’s operating from creating a wildlife sanctuary in No rivers flow, rainfall is sporadic, gy, industrial, and household materials. areas shelters some of the Kingdom’s the Rub’ al-Khali, establishing artificial and summer temperatures are high, yet The sustainable extraction and supply finest biodiversity. Each living plant reefs, to planting millions of trees, and natural life abounds in this imposing of crude oil requires the highest stan- and creature would not thrive there developing a mangrove eco-park.

internationally significant treasure Inside the soaring shadows of Saudi Arabia’s exquisite Asir Mountains endures some of our planet’s most precious bio- diversity. Saudi Aramco’s working Abha site is a nationally significant area, protected by the company for more than 20 years. Sheltering many native plants, animals and migrating birds, alongside the site’s operations are the beautiful sounds of a rich biodiversity — butterflies flutter, birds chirp, insects buzz, lizards scurry and acacia trees wildly twist their branches. Abha’s near-pristine wilderness is nurtured by cool winters, mild summers with regular rainfall, and a 50 km fence, which isolates the area from human activity and uncontrolled do- mestic animal grazing.

Saudi Aramco’s working Abha site is an intricate 49 km2 of nature’s perfection, situated within a region listed as one of the world’s 36 Endemic Biodiversity Hotspots.

Dhubs have right of way Growing trees in desert sands Kingdom’s first bird hides

At Saudi Aramco’s ‘Udhailiyah community site, the world’s first Saudi Aramco’s Khurais site, one of the world’s largest oil The Kingdom’s first two bird hides were built at “Slow Down: Dhub Crossing” road signs were installed. producing facilities, plants trees along many of its desert Wetlands, a Saudi Aramco Biodiversity Protection Area, so roads to enhance native biodiversity, to control sand drift and visitors can watch birds without disturbing the animals. create natural shade.

Saudi Aramco environmental coordinator Ali M. Sinan checks mangrove trees planted on the Saudi Aramco has installed more than 2,700 artificial reefs throughout the Arabian Gulf. shoreline of the company’s Tanajib and Safaniyah oil and gas operations.

Incredible mangroves ter meet. Nurturing marine life facilities, which also act as artificial reefs, Saudi Aramco began regenerating Saudi Being swamped twice daily by sea tides Our planet’s coral reefs, invaluable sourc- Saudi Aramco promotes the growth of ma- Arabia’s mangrove forests nearly three de- and coastal winds, does not deter man- es of ecological and economic richness, are rine life with permanent artificial reef struc- cades ago. grove trees from thriving in this challenging increasingly being degraded and lost. tures throughout the Arabian Gulf. The ecologically crucial forests grow environment. In the Arabian Gulf, coral reefs are under Since 2015, the company has installed within the inlets and bays of the Kingdom’s These magical trees breathe fresh vitality risk of disappearance due to a combination more than 2,700 artificial reefs to help re- shores, providing critical habitats for plants, into our planet’s air and water, nurturing of climate change factors and human activ- build marine ecosystems, and support the birds, and marine life. natural life, and significantly for our car- ities such as fishing, dredging and marine local fisheries industry. Extraordinarily tough, mangrove trees bon-challenged world, sequester carbon pollution. grow in the salty mud where land and wa- dioxide. In addition, with our offshore oil and gas May 20, 2020 the arabian sun 6 cover story wild footprints return to soaring dunes

by Janet Pinheiro (Photos: Ding and Yara Zyad/MPD) The largest uninterrupted sand degrees Celsius, dropping to near- energy treasures of Shaybah, precious expanse in the world may seem an freezing on winter nights, the majestic biodiversity is being both protected unlikely place for plants, mammals, and Rub’ al-Khali is a land of extremes. and dramatically returned to its vastly birds to thrive, but wilderness breathes Located 800 kilometers (km) south of stunning sea sands and sabkhas (salt within, between, and above the golden Dhahran, the was flats). red sand dunes of the Rub’ al-Khali — discovered in 1968 — but held in It took inspiration, innovation, and also known as the Empty Quarter. reserve until 1995. dedication to engineer Shaybah, a skill With constantly shifting sands, Thanks to the willpower and set now being extended to protect and summer daytime temperatures of 50 innovation of people to tap into the restore its biodiversity.

Majestically stretching across a quarter of Saudi Arabia’s land surface is the largest uninterrupted expanse of sand desert in the world — the Rub’ al-Khali or Empty Quarter — a massively beautiful but challenging place. The Shaybah oil field, hidden deep beneath the giant towering dunes on the edge of the desert’s eastern basin, presented challenges like no other industrial project. This feat of engineering has now brought about the protection, enhancement and astonishing return of biodiversity within Saudi Aramco’s 637-km2 fenced sanctuary.

Previously on the brink of extinction, the numbers of the sanctuary’s three re-introduced Arabian species have currently regenerated to 122 oryx, 101 sand gazelles, and five ostriches, each living proof that oil and gas projects cannot only coexist with environmental conservation, but can actually restore biodiversity.

 -km wildlife sanctuary Saudi Aramco successfully turned back cilities, a 106-km security fence delineates of Saudi Arabia’s 50 high conservation The biodiversity of the Rub’ al-Khali pre- the clock by restoring these three iconic a 637-km2 protected area providing sanc- priority species, plus 13 regionally threat- viously suffered significant damage when, and culturally significant Arabian species tuary to about 200 species of plants and ened species. Also, recent biodiversity sur- due to overhunting, many species de- to their ancestral home, reversing more animals, some of which are not protected veys discovered 11 native plant species, clined, and some species, including the os- than 50 years of environmental degrada- anywhere else on Earth. potentially 13 reptiles, 18 mammals, and trich, oryx, and sand gazelle, disappeared tion. Living within the Shaybah Wildlife Sanc- 176 bird species, including 169 migratory completely from its enormous horizons. Located next to the site’s operating fa- tuary are 10 Arabian endemic species, 39 species.

Empty Quarter no entire food chain returning longer empty “Increasing vegetation cover is foun- dational to ecosystem restoration in arid Shaybah’s landscape is being trans- lands,” said Sweeting. “Plant cover sta- formed before our eyes, as sanctuary bilizes the sands and provides nest sites, specialist Wayne Sweeting explains, “The shelter, and a food resource that imme- successful reintroduction of the gazelle, diately increases insects and other small oryx, and ostrich means the sand dunes plant feeding mammals such as jirds and are once again decorated with wild foot- jerboas. prints.” “These smaller species are themselves a Saudi Aramco has not only helped to food source for larger carnivorous species, Shaybah safeguard the future of three endangered such as foxes and sand cats, who in turn species, but has also set the stage for a are consumed by apex predators such as full ecosystem recovery. birds of prey,” he added. “We are now Distribution of organic material, in the observing species diversity and popula- form of animal and bird droppings, nour- tion size increases across the whole food ishes the barren desert sands. chain.” Shaybah is part of more than 1,200 km2 of tantalizing biodiversity living within This soil enrichment, combined with re- Sanctuary rangers recently recorded Saudi Aramco’s onshore producing cent rainfall events and grazing pressure golden eagles in Shaybah for the first areas. reduction by camel herd exclusion, has time, and they now routinely observe Saudi Aramco Biodiversity Protection Area optimized conditions for large regenera- large monitor lizards and the increasingly Company area of significant biodiversity tion of flora, which is now occurring. rare desert hare. the arabian sun May 20, 2020 cover story 7 Shaybah: engineering feat wild footprints return to soaring dunes enhancing nature

“At Saudi Aramco, we are particularly proud of our environmental stewardship in the Rub’ al-Khali,” said Southern Area Oil Operations vice president Faleh J. Subaiei Khaled A. Al Buraik. best-in-class process “Our Shaybah crude oil management production site is a leading The Shaybah Producing Department is re- sponsible for producing Arabian Extra Light inspiration to the world of crude oil from the Shaybah field through how oil and gas operations four gas-oil separation plants and two cen- tral processing facilities. cannot only protect The separated crude oil is shipped to biodiversity, but also restore Abqaiq Plants through a 640-km pipeline, A meandering 16-km road, with a base built from local sabkha material, will take visitors in buses and light vehicles on an immersive journey to three visitor viewpoints, and through the inner and safeguard the future of while the gas is shipped to the Shaybah area’s six salt flats. Past a natural oasis formed by ancient salty water lying three meters below the natural gas liquids recovery plant, and the surface, visitors will see the tough Tamarix aphylla (salt cedar) trees that with their deep taproot endangered species.” site is self-sufficient, generating its own systems, provide shade and contribute to the area’s growing biodiversity restoration. electricity and water. Like all Saudi Aramco facilities, Shaybah is managed to first-class operational stan- dards around air quality, water, and waste Shaybah’s expanded wildlife and visitor facilities management. The oil field is carefully overseen by Shay- bah Producing, which minimizes flaring, manages greenhouse gases, and limits en- ergy use — a win-win for both sustainabili- ty and profitability. Every drop of water is efficiently utilized — formation water from oil processing units is reinjected into Shaybah’s reservoir for environmental purposes, while used potable water is collected and sent to the animal enclosures and ecological infrastructure sewage treatment plant for ornamental irri- There will be six water holes, 100 animal feeding points, 80 gation around the site’s facilities. sunshades for animals to escape the midday heat, and three visitor viewpoints. visitor center The venue will host, educate, and inspire visitors on the wonders of the Arabian wilderness. entrance and internal road network Arriving visitors will be welcomed at a new entrance gate and the Rub’ al-Khali’s ecosystem — in its natural form — can be viewed from a winding road.

Saudi Aramco’s protection and restoration work continues in the Rub’ al-Khali with the Shaybah Wildlife Sanctuary’s infrastructure expansion 2 The Empty Quarter, one of the world’s last project. From an 870-m two-level visitor center perched on the edge of the inner enclosure area and topped with a rooftop viewing platform, remaining great wilderness areas, is full of life visitors will enjoy welcoming Saudi hospitality, environmental education, panoramic views of wind sculpted iconic red sand dunes, and the with 11 native plant species growing in opportunity of a close encounter with wildlife acclimatizing before their release to the wider sanctuary. Shaybah, each remarkably resistant to the drifting desert sands, extreme summer heat, Expanding the sanctuary’s infrastructure “It’s not only a visitor center. My dream is living evidence to the world that respon- cold winter nights, and near zero rainfall. for both its animals and visitors is the cur- to have this center as an incubator for ad- sible energy companies such as Saudi Ar- rent focus of the department’s protection vanced environmental research and studies amco are taking good care of the environ- and restoration work, and its manager, related to the Rub’ al-Khali ecosystem. The ment around them.” Khalid H. Al-Jamea, said the Phase 2 devel- center will host visitors from all over the In 2019, the Shaybah Wildlife Sanctuary opment includes a new two-level 870-m2 globe to provide an inspirational education was externally audited, awarded, and certi- visitor center for community environmental experience on Arabian biodiversity. Our fied to the ISO 9001 Quality Management education. goal is to welcome school students from standard. An exhibition hall inside the center will around the Kingdom to raise awareness The Shaybah Producing Department has display the topography, plants, and history of the environmental challenges and what twice won the President’s Environmental of the Rub’ al-Khali, the Bedouin lifestyle, can be done to help,” said Al-Jamea. Stewardship award. In 2010, it was award- information, and pictures on the Shaybah “This project is important to us,” he said. ed the best industrial facility from an envi- Wildlife Sanctuary and its major fauna and “We are more than an energy company; ronmental standpoint in the GCC, and in flora, as well as general environmental in- we are also stewards of the environment 2018, it received the Saudi Aramco Presi- formation. wherever we operate. We want to provide dent’s Award for Excellence.

sensitive construction unique terrain, and climatic conditions.” “Within the sanctuary, we operate to procedures the highest levels of site housekeeping Working alongside the Community and and sensitive construction procedures, Public Projects Department to deliver the ensuring minimal impact to the fauna Shaybah Wildlife Sanctuary new Phase 2 and flora,” he said. “Phase 2 develop- facilities, Shaybah Producing Department ments are currently on budget, ahead of engineer Abdulaziz F. Almudayfir said, schedule, and we expect the sanctuary to “All construction projects here are be fully operational for visitors by the end challenging given the isolated location, of 2020.” May 20, 2020 the arabian sun 8 company news

making movies, making music, making memories undeterred, Aramcons create together by Janet Pinheiro spirit, it is actually an opportunity for cou- Nationalities from all over the world work ples and families to be together as never be- for Saudi Aramco, and even in the midst of fore,” said Mandhadi. “Despite lockdown, a global pandemic lockdown, our welcom- today’s amazing technology means families ing dispositions have prompted new ways to may stay physically far, yet be socially close.” get together for some creative fun. Aramcon’s imaginations have been fired soaring musical vibes up by being in lockdown, and we are using Music is like the wings of life, bringing the magic of technology to reinvent gath- people together and lifting their spirits, and erings. in Dhahran, a group of about 10 friends is There is no curfew on discovering fresh using an app to operate a virtual recording styles of togetherness, and examples include studio and perform music. film and music making, and inventive ways Musician Hans Stockenberger explains to meet. that after one member of the group lays a foundation track, others then progressively family filmmaking add to the recording. Echoing the lovelocks bridge in Paris “One of us will record a track of guitar where couples bolt padlocks to symbolize music, someone else will do a vocal track, togetherness, IT systems analyst Ravi Mand- and it is then sent to someone else who hadi has intertwined a short film to show does the harmony,” said Stockenberger. Ravi Mandhadi, top right, created a short film with a cast of Aramcons in Dhahran and one retired the COVID-19 family solidarity of four Ar- “Technology has allowed musician friends couple in Canada to show the closeness of our community. Pictured directly above are Mahesh amcon couples. to come together responsibly and celebrate Narayan and Deepa Mahesh. Top from left are Rohit and Shaista Patwardhan, Neha Verma, and The cast includes a retired Aramcon cou- what makes us human.” Sushama and Vilas Koleshwar. ple in Canada, Vilas and Sushama Kolesh- war, and three Dhahran-based couples (Sunil bookworms gather “Lockdown is a terrific time for anyone to the creativity of Saudi Aramco’s people goes and Sonali Verma, Rohit and Shaista Pat- Julie Scott, convener of the Dhahran Rec- seek out that classic novel they have always beyond crude oil. wardhan, and Mahesh Narayan and Deepa reation Library Book Club, is currently locked wanted to read,” she added. We are committed to caring for each oth- Mahesh), along with their children. down in the U.S., but quickly innovated a er and our communities, providing for and While staying safely at home, each filmed way for the club to meet online. connected in spirit checking on the vulnerable, and staying in their sequence, finding ways to function “Our group is much more than a book Adversity often brings out the best type of touch with those unable to return to Saudi happily as a team. club as members like to check on each an- resilience in people. Arabia. “The film shows that lockdown is only a other and stay in contact, both through the The ongoing spirit of Aramcons during Our creative reach for continued together- movement restriction, and that with creative meeting and on WhatsApp,” said Scott. this “COVID-19 time” demonstrates how ness is uplifting. your voice persevere and you will find success There are many qualities that can be but when the crow put its beak into the not easy for any of us, but what of that? considered “good” to have. Generosity, mouth of the pitcher, he found that only We must have perseverance, and above sincerity, kindness, honesty, straightfor- very little water was left in it and that he all, confidence in ourselves. We must be- wardness, and dependability are all excel- could not reach far enough down to drink lieve we are gifted for something and this lent and admirable. However, there is one it. thing must be attained.” quality that is often overlooked, although Then, a thought came to him, and he Similarly, Albert Einstein, who made it is essential for success; it is the quality to took a pebble and dropped it into the many scientific discoveries, attributed persevere. pitcher. Then he took another pebble and his success to his perseverance. He once Perseverance is the characteristic nec- dropped it into the pitcher, and then an- wrote, “It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just essary to succeed, whether it is to learn other, and another, and another. He ob- that I stay with problems longer.” how to cook, pass an exam, finish a served that the more pebbles he dropped Even the great Muhammad Ali, when key stage in the project, or to become a into the pitcher, the higher the water level asked if he liked his training, replied “I mighty “captain of industry.” It is to be rose. He carried on dropping pebbles into hated every minute of training, but I said determined to succeed no matter the the pitcher until at last he saw the wa- to myself, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now, and live by Peter J. Gray odds, no matter what barriers need to ter level raise up nearer and nearer to his the rest of your life as a champion.’” This Jazan be overcome; to persevere until success is beak, and after casting in a few more peb- key characteristic of perseverance is what [email protected] achieved. bles, he was able to quench his thirst. The made him a legend in boxing. There is an ancient Greek tale — one of determined crow not only had the wit, but At this present time, there is no finer Aesop’s famed fables — that tells the story the perseverance to succeed. quality than to persevere and be deter- of a thirsty crow who ably demonstrates Marie Curie, the first woman to win a mined in our working and nonworking life this attribute of perseverance. On one par- Nobel Prize and the first person ever to to overcome the shared obstacles that we Your Voice reflects the thoughts and opinions of the writer, and not necessarily those of the ticularly hot day, the crow came upon a win it twice for her works in physics and face. Never give up on your goals. Instead, publication. pitcher that had once been full of water, chemistry, replied to a question: “Life is persevere, and you will find success.

١٩-COVID special edition do's and don'ts of virtual meetings well-being in difficult times changes to the curfew the arabian sun May 20, 2020 company news 9

oe stes re ot ve v te coy etor ee orto s ccesse ro yor oe coter or oe May 20, 2020 the arabian sun 10 company news

by Musleh Alkhathami changed, particularly at night as Therefore, Saudi Aramco’s plants markets, restaurants and cafes have continue to be vibrant during the day Saudi Aramco The world is going through an been forced to close, and people are and glowing at night, full of energy unprecedented health crisis, the impact staying home. and committed to providing it to the Plants at of which has reached all areas of life The lights are off, silence grows, and world. that forced governments and everything has slowed down. We take you on a visual journey individuals to make unprecedented Yet, the world still needs energy, and through Saudi Aramco plants at night decisions and adapt to unusual while people stay at home, they can — from the Arabian Gulf coast through lifestyles. count on our heroes to supply the the dunes of the Empty Quarter and Night Every aspect of daily life has world with energy. then to the Kingdom’s West. the arabian sun May 20, 2020 company news 11 Shaybah launches online trivia contest over Ramadan Riddle me this — what takes away the isolation blues? by Musherf Alamri dent from the Shaybah NGL Recovery Plant, Shaybah — Twice a week at 8 p.m., em- said, “The quality of the contest shows that ployees at the Shaybah Camp excitedly turn the company is exerting additional efforts their TVs on to Channel 1 to watch a virtual to enhance the quality of life in the remote trivia contest. The main attraction to this areas.” Al Motlaq added that the initiative contest is the participation of the residents. from the Shaybah community to replace Due to COVID-19 precautionary mea- 200 older TVs with smart TVs is proving to sures, Saudi Aramco has been looking at be very popular with young employees be- new ways to cater for the well-being of its cause they are spending more time in their employees, and a good example is an on- residential units due to the temporary situ- line trivia contest for residents in the Shay- ation.” bah community this Ramadan. Launched by the Northern Area Remote Camps Services multiple food locations, Division (NARCSD), the initiative is designed shorter lines to create entertainment and to engage resi- Another mitigation effort during the dents while practicing social distancing. Morad A. Bukhari takes part in a trivia quiz featuring questions about health and safety from his COVID-19 pandemic is offering multiple room in the Shaybah Community. This Ramadan, the Northern Area Remote Camps Services Division food service lines. a morale boosting activity launched the trivia quizzes as a morale booster and to provide entertainment and education for “Adding multiple locations for food ser- Participants are able to catch questions employees who have been impacted by physical distancing protocols. (Photo: Mohammad Bakhsh) vice lines in Shaybah and Tanajib camps is in between programs and submit their an example of our efforts being taken by answers by means of a mobile application to bring the community together through displayed, and then relevant questions are the company to provide the highest ar- specifically set up for the contest. The con- technology, while still practicing social dis- displayed. rangement level of services, considering test is facilitated by professional commen- tancing. We need to consider that some of Morad A. Bukhari, a maintenance plan- the pandemic precautionary measures,” tators who encourage healthy interaction, our residents are staying away from their ner from the Shaybah Producing Depart- said Saeed M. Al Ghamdi, NARCSD super- in a TV show-like experience with the lead- homes and facilities during this time.” ment, said “The variety of topics in the intendent. ing participant’s scores being broadcast live “This competition came at the right time, contest’s questions, ranging from history to “Considering that employees come be- during the competition. particularly with the curfew in place,” said physics, encouraged him and his friends to tween 5 and 6 p.m. to pick up their food, “This contest is great entertainment and Mohammad Bakhsh, a maintenance ma- Google interesting information and broad- the additional locations are necessary to al- boosts morale for our residents — a much chinist in the Shaybah Producing Depart- en their knowledge. The contest reminds low physical distancing,” he added. needed event since we can’t do any usual ment. “It was very exciting and delightful.” me of the time I normally spend with my Also, in the Ramadan spirit of giving Ramadan activities in the camp,” said Ab- Bakhsh liked that the questions covered family during the Holy Month of Ramadan, back, a separate initiative was undertaken dullah S. Al Shemaly, acting manager of the in the contest were on topics such as health where we get together and play board by employees to package excess food from Northern Area/Western Region Commu- and safety. During the broadcast, aware- games and trivial quizzes.” the Shaybah Camp, which is then donated nity Services Department. “It is important ness videos from the Ministry of Health are Kamal M. Al Motlaq, a shift superinten- to people who need it, Al Ghamdi noted. cultivating a culture of caring for others by donating blood In the midst of these challenging times brought by the COVID-19 virus outbreak, encouraging a culture of giving and caring for others’ health becomes even more im- portant. Acting upon that duty, the Northern Area Gas Producing Department (NAGPD) recent- ly organized a blood donation campaign to support the Kingdom’s efforts in collecting bloodstocks required to provide continuous health care to all patients during the ongo- ing pandemic. The initiative, which was arranged in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH), targeted NAGPD em- ployees across the organization’s facilities, A John Hopkins Aramco Healthcare medical team works with donors during the recent blood From left, Hamad M. Alsharekh, Karan Field as well as other Saudi Aramco employees donation campaign, which was recently organized by the Northern Area Gas Producing Department Operation foreman, and Ramy E. Elzeiny, Karan within the same area. Employees from dif- to support the Kingdom’s efforts in collecting blood to provide continuous health care to all Field Plant engineer, volunteer to participate in ferent organizations, such as Aviation and patients during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. the campaign prior to mobilizing offshore. Industrial Security, were also able to partici- pate during the campaign. would have the opportunity to participate ing to their work locations offshore. In ad- during the COVID-19 pandemic, protec- in the blood donation campaign. dition, some employees arranged to come tion measures and health precautions were addressing location challenges AbdulRahman M. Al-Qahtani, NAGPD from different areas to make their contribu- implemented following JHAH guidelines. To ensure success, the team had to ad- manager, explained that the campaign is tions. Physical distancing among participants was dress the challenge of collecting donations aligned with Saudi Aramco corporate social Hizam M. Otaibi, a foreman who works maintained, the maximum capacity of do- from employees working across several lo- responsibility objectives, and that it was or- in the Khursaniyah onshore area, expressed nors at the same time was reduced, and the cations, including some in remote locations. ganized by NAGPD for the first time. his delight in participating. “I was excited to remote blood donation unit was sterilized. Many NAGPD employees work in offshore “We wanted to give all of our employees participate in the campaign, as I believe my The JHAH medical team worked con- facilities such as Karan and Arabiyah, while a chance to participate in this campaign, re- blood donation will be even more meaning- tinually throughout the day to ensure all others are working from Tanajib Marine and gardless of their location,” said Al-Qahtani. ful during such a time,” Otaibi said. available blood donations would be collect- Khursaniyah onshore areas. Volunteers with the required blood type ed, with 24 units of blood being collected Collaborating with JHAH, the team decid- groups were identified, and arrangements protecting everyone’s health during the effort — well above the daily av- ed to mobilize the blood donation unit to were made to fly them to to To ensure the health and safety of vol- erage of 20 units since the COVID-19 pan- Ras Tanura Airport so offshore volunteers make their blood donations before return- unteers and the JHAH medical team alike demic began.

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