Driving Nonmetallic Solutions from Traffic Signs to Solar Panels Company Puts Nonmetallic Strategy Into Action See Pages 2 and 3

December 2, 2020 Vol. LXXV, No. 47 a weekly Aramco publication for employees

Aramco announces expansion Risk-free drive with Advance Diversity and Inclusion F1 in Schools of iktva program Journey Management System in this New international partnerships With safety top of the agenda, Annual LEWAS forum drives The premier global education issue and the establishing of Southern Area rolls out a diversity talk, recognizes top challenge, has announced a companies through an Industrial journey management system achievements in women’s long-term partnership with Investment Program (IIP) are ensuring 24/7 tracking of fleet empowerment. Aramco. added to iktva. cars. see page 5 see page 4 see page 8 see page 9 driving nonmetallic solutions from traffic signs to solar panels company puts nonmetallic strategy into action see pages 2 and 3

Don'tCOVID-19 is losestill a threat. sight of safety. Never let your guard down. December 2, 2020 the arabian sun 2 company news driving nonmetallic solutions glass fiber reinforced polymer traffic signs deployed within Aramco’s facilities By Waseem A. Khatri

Dhahran — In alignment with the company directives to promote nonmetallics in the building and construction sector, the Consulting Services Department (CSD) and the Transportation and Equipment Ser- vices Department (T&ESD) piloted glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) traffic signs and signal poles within Aramco’s facilities.

Design The traffic sign and signal poles were designed and produced to international standards and meet the loading and temperature requirements of the Kingdom. GFRP is produced indirectly through crude oil, and as such, promotes the use of crude oil derivatives in supporting the Kingdom’s economy.

GFRP traffic sign poles were installed for the first time in Dhahran at the intersection of Old Abqaiq Road and the T&ESD Admin Building. The poles were installed between July 2019 and April 2020, and will be monitored for a minimum of six The traffic sign and signal poles were designed and produced to international standards and meet the loading and temperature requirements of months from their installation date the Kingdom. to assess their overall performance.

The reason for piloting the GFRP which results in frequent repair and life cycle cost, the GFRP poles are ex- poles is to reduce the ongoing main- or replacement to maintain the ser- pected to provide greater value. tenance liability, and increase the viceability of these traffic signs and safety of vehicle occupants — in case signal poles. of a collision — in comparison to Sound construction steel posts. The GFRP traffic sign poles are di- A better value rectly embedded into the concrete There are thousands of traffic signs The GFRP poles are lightweight, foundation and the traffic sign is fixed and poles in company facilities and easier to install, construct, and do on the pole. The traffic sign plates are throughout the Kingdom. These are not suffer from corrosion in compar- constructed using GFRP, and the re- essential to direct and control the ison to steel poles. The fittings to fix flective sheeting is glued to the plate. traffic movements at intersections, the traffic signs and signal equip- The traffic signal poles and bases are roundabouts and roadways, and to ment are also tailor-made from GFRP also made of GFRP and fixed using inform and warn drivers and pedes- to meet the specific equipment fit- anchor rods to prefabricated concrete trians of road direction changes and ting requirement. This removes the foundations. Fixing the signal head hazards. Generally, these traffic sig- issue of constant replacement and in- to the pole is easily done, along with nal and sign poles are made of steel, spection of these fittings, which are cameras and other fittings. The traffic signal poles and bases are also made of GFRP and fixed using anchor rods to aluminum, or cast iron. difficult and expensive to repair and prefabricated concrete foundations. Fixing the replace. CSD advocates the use of nonme- signal head to the pole is easily done, along Steel posts are heavy to transport tallic in the Kingdom for lighting, with cameras and other fittings. and install. Also, the steel posts and The GFRP poles have a higher initial traffic signs and signal poles through fittings (nuts, bolts, and washers), cost than steel poles, however, they technical events, and in association which hold the traffic sign and sig- have a lower maintenance cost and with the local standard body Saudi The team working on this project nal equipment in place are suscepti- are expected to last longer. When Standards, Metrology and Quality were Waseem A. Khatri (CSD) and ble to corrosion. This is a major issue, comparing these attributes based on Organization. Tariq K. Al-Baker (T&ESD).

The GFRP poles are lightweight, easier to install, construct, and do not suffer from corrosion in comparison to steel poles. the arabian sun December 2, 2020 company news 3

Saleh A. Al Amer and Aaron K. Adkins appointed as Associate General Counsel Saleh A. Al Amer was appointed as an number of positions of increasing scope Associate General Counsel effective De- and responsibility. This included serving cember 1, 2020. He had previously been as the practice leader of the General Cor- in an acting capacity since November porate & Commercial Contracts Practice 2019. In this role, he oversees the Intel- Area and leading the transformation of lectual Property (IP) and the Litigation the Corporate Secretariat function to bet- and In-Kingdom Advisory Legal Practice ter support management and the Board Areas. The IP practice area provides legal of Directors in anticipation of the com- counsel in the areas of copyrights, trade- pany’s initial public offering and as the marks, and trade secrets. The Litigation company’s portfolio increases in size and and In-Kingdom Advisory is responsible complexity. for the company’s litigation portfolio as well as providing domestic legal advisory Adkins also served as the lead attor- and advocacy services. ney for a number of significant projects such as the construction program for the Al Amer began his career with the Saleh A. Al Amer Aaron K. Adkins Sadara Joint Venture, the Fujian Joint company in September 1998 as a partic- Ventures in China and the Johns Hop- ipant in the College Degree Program for Ethics Office. Al Amer also provided ing the Aramco Management Develop- kins Aramco Healthcare Joint Venture. Non-Employees, earning a bachelor’s de- counsel on international environmental ment Seminar, the Advanced Manage- In addition, he has extensive corporate gree in Chemical Engineering from the matters (including the 2015 Paris Climate ment Program at Columbia University, governance experience having served as Pennsylvania State University in 2003. Change Agreement); and is responsible and more recently, the Leading Creative the corporate secretary of several of the for managing local and international liti- Transformation in Critical Times Program company’s affiliates. He worked as a plant engineer in gations and overseeing a number of high at Stanford University. Abqaiq Plants and as a corrosion en- profile cases in a number of Saudi courts. Adkins obtained his Juris Doctor de- gineer in various corrosion control di- He also oversaw a number of transfor- Aaron K. Adkins was appointed as gree in Law from the University of Hous- visions in Engineering Services, before mation projects in the Law Organization, an Associate General Counsel effective ton in Texas, U.S. in 1999, after earning a being selected in 2008 for the company’s including the Corporate Secretariat trans- December 1, 2020. He had previously bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Out-of-Kingdom Law Degree Program — formation project. been appointed as assistant secretary in University of Northern Iowa in 1996. He through which he earned his Juris Doc- August 2018. Prior to this appointment, is a member of the State Bar of Texas. tor degree in Law from the University of In 2018, Al Amer was awarded a bach- Adkins had been leading Aramco’s Cor- Pittsburgh in 2011. elor’s degree in Shariah (Islamic Law) porate Secretariat function within Law Adkins has completed several leader- from the Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud since August 2017. He also serves as the ship programs during his career with Ar- Thereafter, Al Amer joined the Law Or- University in the Kingdom. secretary to the Audit Committee and the amco, including the Foundations of Busi- ganization where he held a number of Risk and HSE Committee of the Board of ness Leadership with the International positions of increasing scope and respon- Al Amer is a member of the State Bar Directors. Institute for Management Development sibility, including acting management of Pennsylvania and the State Bar of the (or IMD) and the in-house programs, positions as an Associate General Coun- District of Columbia. In addition, he has Adkins joined Aramco in October 2005 the Joint Venture Board of Directors, the sel, and in the Corporate Compliance completed several leadership programs from the law firm of Baker Botts LLP. Business Leadership Essentials, and the Department and the Corporate Business during his career with Aramco, includ- Since joining Aramco Law, he has held a Aramco Leadership Forum. nonmetallic solar panels shine light on brighter future by Joao Tavares el can weigh 75% less than a typical amco team reached an important mile- is conducted in-Kingdom at the King glass panel, allowing installation time stone by deploying the first ETFE pan- Abdullah University of Science and Solar panels, also known as photo- to be reduced by 40% due to ease of els in-Kingdom. The ETFE panels will Technology (Aramco Satellite Center), voltaic panels, were created at a com- handling, while transportation costs remain under surveillance to collect while another significant part of the mercial level for the first time in 1957. are reduced by 50%. energy data and approve its perfor- trial is performed at the Fraunhofer Past progression of the solar panel as a mance and further utilization in future ISE labs in Germany, the leading insti- product was mostly driven by innova- projects in Saudi Arabia. tute for solar panel research in Europe. tion of solar cell technology. 70 years Nonmetallic strategy in action ago, a solar panel generated energy Aramco, as part of its nonmetallic From a list of alternative plastic can- So far, the results and findings have with an efficiency below 6%, but de- strategy, is exploring opportunities to didates, polycarbonate (PC) was also been promising. In parallel to the re- cades of development have allowed introduce plastic materials in the re- identified as a high potential plastic search and development activities, panels to function today with an effi- newables solar energy industry, and material to be used in solar panel ap- Aramco has already kicked off collab- ciency above 20%. In addition to the the Consulting Services Department is plications due to its high transparency, orations with large international solar solar cells, a typical solar panel is com- leading the deployment efforts. The very high impact resistance, and low panel manufacturers and end-users posed of multiple layers of different main objective is to create a new mar- weight. This led Aramco to partner that have shared the excitement to see materials for protection and insula- ket for plastics, and consequently, in- with SABIC to explore PC use in solar a breakthrough in the solar panel mation. All components have an import- crease demand for crude oil. panel applications, which is currently terial structure, enabled by the utiliza- ant purpose, but the front glass panel conducting extensive test campaigns tion of nonmetallic materials. is the first barrier of defense for the Aramco identified a supplier of eth- to develop an innovative PC-based solar cells against external damage. ylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) non- product. Part of the material testing The front glass sheet also represents metallic solar panels and advocated approximately 70% of the total weight for its deployment. This year, the Ar- of a panel, which normally exceeds 20 kg, making installation more complex and less safe. A nonmetallic solar pan- December 2, 2020 the arabian sun 4 company news Risk-free drive with Advance Journey Management System by Ahmed Y. AlAmeer Process In addition, now JMS outlines the process for employ- all SAWCOD vehi- The Southern Area Well Completion ees to plan their trip, identifying all cles are equipped Operation Department (SAWCOD) rec- possible hazards and any associated with “SOS” key ognizes that driving is one activity that safety measures needed to reach their technology, which presents the greatest exposure to risk. final destination safely. can send a request SAWCOD’s fleet has driven more than for rescue should 5.4 million km to cover operations and Step change in our journeys Gears the user require assistance in locations meet business requirements. “A simple yet very efficient journey As part of journey planning, the sys- where radio or cellphone coverage is management process is a key factor to tem considers the type of vehicle to be not available. As it is very important and essential have JMS part of our team’s everyday used for planned trips as well as min- for SAWCOD to foster a high-level re- routine to assure their safety,” says Za- imum equipment required to ensure Technology sponsible driving culture, SAWCOD has kareya AlBenSaad, SAWCOD manager stress-free travel. SAWCOD has developed an in-house developed an in-house Journey Man- (A). Trips and traveling within SWACOD application that logs, tracks, and mon- agement System (JMS), which includes now are more systematic and planned. For example, for off-road trips, em- itors all trips in real time. Also, the ap- a centralized real-time solution that en- The step changes in the implement- ployees are allowed to drive only 4x4 plication provides notification to the sures travel is done in a safe and man- ed JMS focuses on process, gears, and vehicles, with a mounted vehicle radio, JMS coordinator once a trip exceeds aged environment. technology. and vehicle recovery kit. the planned estimated time, which is pre-set when the trip is generated. The application also triggers a notification to users when the vehicle moves out of the pre-defined zone via the Geo-Fence feature.

To run the system, SAWCOD has a dedicated center available 24/7 to mon- itor and track the journey of the organization’s fleet.

Simple steps for a safe journey “The implemented JMS has provided a mechanism to make driving safer, risk-free, and most importantly, we can support our workforce in the field and deliver emergency responses in a rapid time,” says Ahmed N. AlDuaij, SAW- COD Operational Excellence and Com- pliance Group leader.

The developed JMS has set a stan- dardized, clever and easy solution for SAWCOD to plan and complete their trips safely and efficiently.

Your voice Social Media: Unplugged, unhinged, and no longer unhappy Ever feel like everyone else’s life is smartphone (even while driving) be- but out of distress. FOMO contributes to more interesting and exciting than your cause “social connection” is really im- the fact that people average around 280 own as you scroll through Facebook? portant and you might miss some cru- minutes a day of screen time. Do you struggle at work because it cial status update? seems everyone else is getting the best So what to do? We should begin re- assignments with opportunities to be • Have you ever needlessly interrupt- placing FOMO with JOMO, or the Joy of recognized? ed your work to check a social applica- Missing Out. Learn to get comfortable tion? with the idea of doing what you actual- One needs to hardly look farther than ly want to do instead of things that you the end of one’s own arm for the possi- • Are you that person in the movie feel you should. You will be happier if ble answer. checking your phone often, igniting you are following your own desires and that little screen to glow in the dark and chasing your own goals and dreams The extent to which mobile phones disrupt the viewing pleasure of others? rather than those of someone else. Ap- and their remarkable utility has infiltrat- preciate your own self-worth, not based By Abdulaziz J. Ansari ed our daily life is significant, but it has • Have you ever taken a sneak peek on how many likes you get on social Dhahran come with a heavy price. Many people’s at your phone while in a meeting or on media, but by appreciating what you [email protected] attachment often veers toward addic- a landline call because something more have and by being content with your tion, and their love of social media has interesting might be happening? own character. helped shade the perception that their lives are less vibrant and fulfilling than • Have you ever accepted a request Everyone is born unique, with differ- those of their friends. And the act of re- or agreed to go to an event even if it ent strengths, weaknesses, physical ap- peatedly trying to build up self-worth meant spreading yourself too thin in- pearances and values. Therefore, peo- by collecting “likes” and comments on stead of saying “no” simply because it’s ple need to embrace these differences posts tends to distract them from the joy a new opportunity for networking? — the good, the bad and the quirky — of the activity at hand. and follow their own desires for them- The constant chase of recognition and selves, not for the satisfaction of others. Sadly, technology has staged a coup- affirmation can drive depression and re- Everyone has the means and tools to be- de-tat on much of our social lives, en- lated symptoms is also often driven by come a better version of themselves, it couraging a slavish devotion to posting “FOMO,” or Fear of Missing Out. FOMO just needs guidance, commitment, and activities and obsessive behavior. triggers the body to produce the stress nurturing to see the bigger picture, and hormone cortisol, which can anxiously get them where they want to be for the Your Voice reflects the thoughts and opinions of the writer, and not necessarily those of the publi- Ask yourself: drive people to check their social me- right reasons and without being con- cation. • Have you ever felt glued to your dia feeds not out of interest or desire trolled by a “beep” of a cellphone. the arabian sun December 2, 2020 company news 5 Aramco announces expansion of its flagship localization program Dhahran — Aramco announced to act as an enabler, supporting the the expansion of its flagship pro- growth of national champions. Today gram to increase local content and we are expanding our flagship pro- boost domestic supply chains. It is gram, and expect more partnerships a significant milestone in the com- in the future.” pany’s In-Kingdom Total Value Add (iktva) program, which marks its fifth Aramco has concluded MoUs with anniversary on December 1. The ex- the following companies: pansion includes plans for new in- 1. POSCO — An agreement to col- ternational partnerships and the es- laborate on evaluating the feasibility tablishing of companies through an of constructing an integrated steel Industrial Investment Program (IIP), plate manufacturing plant in Saudi which is linked to the development Arabia. of Aramco's business. 2. Suzhou XDM 3D Printing Compa- ny Ltd. — An agreement to collabo- Aramco has signed MoUs with Shell rate on industrial 3-D printing tech- & AMG Recycling BV (AMG) from the nologies and development in Saudi Netherlands; Chinese firms Suzhou tva’s launch, Aramco’s local content nerships will also have a strong focus Arabia. XDM, Shen Gong, Xinfoo, and SUP- index has increased from 35% at the on new technologies by maximizing 3. SHEN GONG New Materials CON; and Posco from South Korea. end of 2015 to 56%. our investments in nonmetallic mate- (Guang Zhou) Co. Ltd. — An agree- rials and the circular carbon economy, ment to focus on developing control These strategic collaborations pave Amin Nasser, Aramco’s president as well as the development of talent- systems technologies for LED lighting, the way for the launch of new busi- and Chief Executive Officer, said: “To- ed Saudis in communities where we energy management, and intelligent nesses across multiple innovative day’s announcement is a step change operate.” control. growth sectors, including steel plate in Aramco’s pioneering iktva program, 4. XINFOO Sensor Technology Co. manufacturing, industrial 3-D print- which was launched in 2015. Despite Ahmad A. Al-Sa’adi, Aramco’s se- Ltd. — An agreement to explore op- ing, digital equipment manufactur- the uncertainties surrounding the nior vice president of Technical Ser- portunities in chip manufacturing and ing, energy management and control; global economy, we have sustained vices, said: “Aramco has a long his- related technologies. catalyst manufacturing and recycling, our focus on our long-term goals to tory of supporting the local business 5. Shell & AMG Recycling B.V. — An and advanced chip and smart sensor enable growth and development for a ecosystem. Our iktva program is a agreement to explore collaboration manufacturing. thriving ecosystem and a more diver- manifestation of our commitment to to develop plans for a state-of-the-art sified Saudi economy. this and the resulting investments, ei- regional hub for the recycling of gas- These new collaborations reflect Ar- ther directly by Aramco or indirectly ification ash and reclamation of spent amco’s commitment to increasing the “These new partnerships will con- by suppliers, have promoted localiza- catalyst, in addition to providing sus- company’s reliability and operational tribute to advancing innovation, sus- tion, contributed to Aramco’s supply tainable solutions. efficiency, as well as its commitment tainability and enhance the scale of chain resilience and enhanced Sau- 6. Zhejiang SUPCON Technology Co. to further enhancing the Kingdom’s reliability in our business ecosystem, di Arabia’s economic growth. Our Ltd. — An agreement to explore po- commercial ecosystem, and increasing and in addition, benefit companies planned partnerships will continue tential joint investment opportunities employment and development oppor- operating in the Kingdom's vast ener- this journey and advance the King- in Saudi Arabia for the services and tunities for talented Saudis. Since ik- gy and chemicals sector. These part- dom’s economic progress. We intend manufacturing value chain. Building a new skilled workforce for the future Virtual In-Kingdom Total Value Add (iktva) Training Services Roadshow spotlights National Training Centers (NCTs) and Saudization for suppliers and investors Dhahran — Building a trained and panel discussion featuring the top Pools of talent skilled local workforce equipped for representatives of the Kingdom’s Closing the event, Saad M. Al-Shah- Saudi Arabia’s changing econom- NTCs. rani, division head with the LWDD’s ic landscape will allow suppliers Training Capacity Development, said and future investors to benefit from “We want to hear your concerns, that the academies and training cen- new technical talent pools, an iktva your opinions, and of course your ters are ready to cater for suppliers sponsored virtual roadshow was in- ideas on how to improve the NTCs needs, and are valuable sources of formed. and their programs.” pools of young vocationally trained talent. The iktva Supplier Training Services Roadshow brought together almost Saudization “We are reemphasizing that those 100 suppliers and representatives The LWDD’s Saudization Services NTCs are available for iktva suppliers from Aramco’s Local Workforce De- Abdulrahman Z. Saad M. Al-Shahrani Unit’s Dina M. Al-Ghassab, gave a and the whole public,” he said. velopment Department (LWDD). Al-Mogren presentation in which she explained the concept of Saudization. She de- “A lot of effort has been exerted by Since its launch, the company’s scribed Saudization as a “national all stakeholders to reach the levels iktva program has been recording Opening the event, Abdulrahman duty” with the goal of a significant they are at now. They are bringing a steady localization success and is a Z. Al-Mogren, division head with Ar- increase in Saudi national participa- lot of value to industry and the econ- cornerstone of Aramco’s strategic amco’s Industrial Development and tion in the private sector. omy. intent. Its goal is to localize 70% of Strategic Supply Department, iktva Aramco’s supply chain content by Support, said, “The objective of to- “We want to be the leader in “In addition to the top tier techni- 2021, while raising energy-related day’s workshop is to raise awareness building the vocational training ca- cal training, a lot of focus is placed exports to 30% — in the process cre- about our existing NTCs, which have pacity to qualify and develop a com- on building the character of the ating thousands of jobs for young been created to help promote Sau- petitive Saudi workforce, and our trainees, including all extra curric- Saudis. dization and develop a competitive, mission is to promote Saudization ulum activities targeting improving highly trained and specialized work- with a focus on a sustainable train- communication skills, safety, and vol- force across the Kingdom.” ing environment,” Al-Ghassab told untarism,” Al-Shahrani said. Technical programs attendees. In tandem with the iktva program, He concluded by telling the suppli- National Training Centers (NTCs) Specialized training Dalia K. Alwasifir of LWDD’s Train- ers and investors that the NTCs are have been ramping up their technical The NTCs, Al-Mogren added, had ing Capacity Planning Unit, gave an flexibly set up and can adjust to the programs with the goal of providing been built to develop specialized overview of the NTCs. She said that specific needs of the market. highly skilled trainees to the energy training programs to boost the tech- the NTCs aligned with the Kingdom’s and other industrial sectors. nical skills of young Saudis. ambitious Vision 2030 economic Continued collaboration and en- roadmap and would accelerate job gagement would result in a “win- There are now 11 NTCs established He encouraged suppliers to engage creation, support industrial growth, win” for all parties, Al-Shahrani not- in 10 cities across the Kingdom. and ask questions during a virtual and increase local content. ed. December 2, 2020 the arabian sun the arabian sun December 2, 2020 6 community community 7

Surrounded by stacks of drying bricks, eighth-generation Tozeur brickmaker Antar Chorba pushes a wet mix of clay into block form as many as 600 times in a day. The bricks dry in stacks that will later be fired.

Sunlight illuminates a banded pattern of bricks Here, a central arched window may have once over a bricked in passageway in Ouled el-Hadef. been an opening in the wall, or the window may A banded pattern also appears over a vaulted be a bricklayer’s design device. passageway under a house.

A hotel window is framed in brick Brickworkin the designs.

Tozeur’s palmeraie — date palm orchards — grow some 400,000 trees LandWritten and photographed of Palms by Jeff Koehler whose regular cuttings fuel Reprinted from May/June 2020 edition of AramcoWorld the brick kilns.

winds through Tozeur’s Ouled el-Ha- orchards, which are used to fuel the fuel pit is subterranean and directly Thirty minutes’ drive west of Tozeur, To read more AramcoWorld def quarter. The houses in this centu- brickmaking ovens. beneath the oven, and between the near the Algerian border, sits the town stories, download ries-old neighborhood open privately two parts of the kiln is a wheel-like of Nefta, population 25,000. Mekki Kh- the newest onto interior courtyards, offering the Tozeur became prosperous through chamber floor known as a sieve, an nissi, whose family has been making version of the narrow streets only tall exterior walls its plenty of dates, even referenced eight- or nine-spoke platform support- bricks there for 300 years, says it was AramcoWorld with high, slitted windows and stout by 11th century Andalusian historian ed by vaulted arches. Loading takes settlers from Kufa, Iraq, who brought App at the Apple App Store and doors made of palm wood. The walls, and geographer al-Bakri, who wrote: four or five workers a full day to com- the tradition a millennium ago. Google Play. though, are not smooth and white- “There is no other place in Ifrikiya that plete. washed, as in much of the country. produces so many dates; almost every Until some 30 years ago, brickmaker Protruding and receding bricks form day a thousand camels, or even more, Once the kiln has been filled, the Khnissi says Nefta’s kilns were in the unlight and shadows highlight intricate geometrical patterns around are loaded with this fruit.” loading gap is plugged with clay and center of town. Tunisian officials moved a brick-patterned facade in the windows, above doors and on many the ovens set ablaze. them because of pollution, and the S Ouled el-Hadef quarter of Toze- of the walls, creating contrasts of light Today the date orchards of Tozeur, large weekly suq now gathers on the ur, a city of about 50,000 in southwest and shadows. or palmeraie, spread some 15 square To fire a load of bricks, it takes flat expanse where they once stood. Tunisia. Laid horizontally and vertically, kilometers and contain 400,000 palms, around 6,000 fronds and 24 hours with Before then, there were 20 families some protruding and some recessed, Standing at a distance from a smat- famous for their amber-colored, temperatures inside the oven reaching making bricks. the handmade, kiln-fired bricks are tering of earthen, brick mosaics in near-translucent dates, or deglet nour. nearly 1,000 degrees Celsius. It takes staggered into shapes that recall tex- this southern Tunisian city, the walls The region is known as the “Land of three to four days for the bricks to cool. “Now there is just two. No one wants tiles and other traditional patterns and come alive in patterns, dancing and the Palms,” or in Arabic, Bled el-Djerid. Then the bricks are removed through to do it. It’s tough,” Khnissi says. scenes. The results are motifs that are shape-shifting in the light of mid- Without the numerous palms, the brick the temporarily plugged loading door, both mesmerizing and useful: The frac- day. In the fore, the small bricks ap- ovens could not burn — the bricks which is broken open; each brick is Yet, the tradition of artisanal mason- tional shadow cast by each sunlit brick pear bland, yellowish-green, and un- could not be. then sorted. ry continues in Tozeur and Nefta. New helps cool the wall. adorned. But one only needs to move houses are erected using the bricks, back a few steps and put distance be- Sunlight and shadows highlight a brick- Antar Chorba, an eighth-generation One of Tozeur’s brickmakers uses fronds cut from the palmeraie as fuel. It takes around 6,000 of them Tozeur takes its name from the Lat- and an area luxury hotel ordered 1 patterned facade in the Ouled el-Hadef quarter The narrow lane passes under a tween their eyes and the 15th century Tozeur brickmaker, is from one of the to keep a kiln going for the 24 hours a load of 10,000 to 20,000 bricks requires. Afterward, the bricks in Tusuros, bestowed by the Romans million of the bricks to use in its recent of Tozeur, a city of about 50,000 in southwest cool for three or four days. vaulted passageway and emerges Berber edifices to relish the complex- Tunisia. Laid horizontally and vertically, some families in the region that continues when they built a citadel fortress as construction. Brickmaking is a cher- back into the bright sunshine as it ity of the intricate masonry emerging protruding and some recessed, the handmade, the tradition of the early brick masons. part of their chain of fortified outposts ished gem for those who grew up in from the walls. kiln-fired bricks are staggered into shapes that Chorba explains that structures erected then sets a simple bottomless wooden production. At the final stage, they are meant to contain nomadic Berber pop- the region, and those visiting for the recall textiles and other traditional patterns and in the Djerid, or southwest region of mold on the ground and works a hand- stored until there are enough to fill the ulations, the original inhabitants of first time. So, while tourists may come scenes. The results are motifs that are both Amid the Sahara, Tozeur’s mesmerizing and useful: The fractional shadow Tunisia, in the early days were origi- ful of clay into one of the rectangular oven, which can hold between 10,000 Tunisia. The city soon became a major to experience the desert and its many famed brick mosaics are as cel- cast by each sunlit brick helps cool the wall. nally made of sun-dried bricks, molded holes until there are no air bubbles. He and 20,000 bricks. trading post and important stopover for timeless offerings, the bricks under- ebrated as the town’s safari ex- of mud and straw, and in Arabic called then repeats the process to form more caravans traveling from the Sahara to score the history of two towns and cen- cursions, sunset camel rides and fankar. bricks. After filling a section of the The open-top, updraft kilns measure the Tunisian coast, as well as those in turies of residents who have cemented guided tours to the nearby Star Motioning to a row of inverted “Vs” courtyard he’s working on, he gener- upward of 3 meters, with a narrow, transit to Makkah from the Maghrib re- their identity in the patterned facades Wars sets of Tatooine, the fiction- situated across the top of an archway The clay was dry enough to be cut ously tosses more ash over the top of door-like gap for loading bricks. The gion of Africa. of their homes. al original home of the movie’s in the mosaic, he says, “This is a camel into blocks, he says, but was vulner- the freshly molded bricks. Along with hero, Luke Skywalker. But the train.” He then points out stylized palm able to the powerful rainstorms that blotting up excess moisture, the pro- bricks, arranged in their trees and a zigzagging snake design. often swept the area. The fankar tective layer of ash stops cracks from many unique geomet- also tended to erode from wind and forming on the surface of the bricks as ric patterns — they “We represent what is around us.” sandstorms and the intense heat of they dry. delight the resi- the Saharan sun. Soon locals began dents and tourists Only a small number of brick arti- experimenting with firing the clay in While Chorba molds bricks, an assis- alike. sans remain, keeping alive a tradition handmade kilns, which over time the tant patiently scrapes with a knife each of brickmaking that hasn’t changed masons observed improved durability. of the six sides of the bricks, which “They’re beau- much through the centuries. Chorfi has were formed a few days before, to re- tiful,” Tozeur res- seen the local artisans using the same Working quickly, Chorba can form move the ash and give them their final ident Imed Chorfi method of brick creation and design over 600 bricks a day. With the paste shape. Then, the bricks are stacked in says, gazing at the fa- as the town’s Berber predecessors did, ready, he scatters ash from the kiln harsai, pillars of 10 or 12, allowing for Brickmaking in Tozeur begins with a mix of clay and sandy soil that soaks for some 12 hours before being pressed into a rectangular mold. The ground miliar walls. including setting afire the abundance across a patch of courtyard. This pre- ventilation as the bricks dry. This meth- below and the tops of the damp bricks are sprinkled with ash to absorb moisture, drying in the open air for hours to days depending on the weather. In of fronds from the local date palm vents sticking and absorbs moisture. He od also helps the masons keep count of the kiln the bricks are baked at almost 1,000 degrees Celsius. December 2, 2020 the arabian sun 8 company news Diversity and Inclusion Resilience, inclusivity focus of LEWAS 2020 Annual forum drives diversity talk, recognizes top achievements in women’s empowerment Resilience and inclusivity provided sideration, and how virtual connections the main themes for the sixth annu- place everyone on level playing fields. al Leadership Excellence for Women Awards and Symposium (LEWAS) spon- Jennifer M. Shepard, a diversity and sored and chaired by Aramco. inclusion specialist at Aramco, spoke on the psychology of bias, saying, “Biases, LEWAS serves as a platform where in- especially unconscious ones, are the re- fluential women in the energy industry sult of the way our brains sort and cat- share their thoughts and experiences egorize information as a result of our on industry challenges and receive rec- socialization and life experiences.” ognition for their many achievements. Shepard said such biases can’t be un- learned but can be overcome through LEWAS 2020 Award the REAL technique, which stands for winners and finalists remain, expand, accept, and live. The LEWAS 2020 Award committee received over 100 nominations from Aram Y. Alyahya, a business systems across the region, and Aramco was analyst, joined other young leaders pleased to have some of its employees, discussing the need to push boundar- affiliates, and joint ventures among ies and demonstrate great examples in them. The Aramco finalists and winners • Fatimah M. Alkayadi, petroleum en- inclusive ecosystems, and ensure we leadership. were: gineer and finalist in Rising Star. engage, empower, and elevate the • Suzana Nunes, professor at King advancement of women in our indus- Abdullah University of Science and This year’s forum, held virtually, fea- tries,” said Reem A. Al Ghanim, head Personal resilience Technology, winner of the Academic tured the theme “Resilience Reimag- of Aramco Chemicals HR and Support The “Untapped Reserves 2.0 Study,” Achievement award ined: Leading People through Change” Services, and co-chair of the LEWAS led by the World Petroleum Council • Elspeth M. Crawford, petroleum en- as it focused on the challenges of the 2020 forum. and the Boston Consulting Group, was gineer, winner of the Leading with Ex- ongoing pandemic through keynote discussed in length at the forum, in- cellence award speeches, interviews, and panel discus- Marwa M. Al-Khuzaim, managing di- cluding: • Dr. Salwa S. Sheikh, head of the Pa- sions addressing topics such as gender rector of Aramco Asia Singapore, noted • The consistent underrepresenta- thology and Laboratory Services Divi- diversity, women and innovation, and the importance of shifting gears and tion of women across geographies and sion, winner of the Women of Achieve- women’s future in the oil industry, as adapting through these difficult times, types of companies ment award well as operational resilience, business while also emphasizing the importance • The decreasing percentage of wom- • Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, continuity, and flexibility in responding of diversity and the impact it has on an en in the workforce over time, which winner of the Corporate Excellence to the new realities of a post-pandemic organizations’ ability to adapt. worsens at more senior levels award world. • Wide gaps in perception between • Seba S. Al Maghlouth, petroleum Aramco Chemicals vice president men and women regarding the chal- engineer and finalist in Leading with “LEWAS 2020 has certainly elevat- Olivier G. Thorel spoke about the im- lenges Excellence ed our hope for a brighter tomorrow. portance of leaving no one behind, • The importance of CEO’s value on • Fatemah H. Abudeeb, petroleum Now, it’s time we all elevate our think- the significance of looking at different gender balance, as organizations will engineer and finalist in Rising Star ing of how we can continue to build realities, taking local context into con- follow their lead. Using artificial intelligence to colorize old images By Umair A. Cheema the B&W or monochromatic image and Original published tries to create a colorized version. images. Artificial intelligence (AI), by defini- tion, is a field of computer science that The other friend called “Discrimina- allows machines to undertake tasks tor” tries to guess if the image is col- that would otherwise require human orized by Generator or is a genuinely intelligence, but thanks to the com- colored image. puting power of the latest graphics processing units (GPUs) and the avail- As Generator improves its ability to ability of data, some AI algorithms colorize B&W images, the Discrimi- can even undertake tasks that are still nator improves its ability to spot fake quite challenging for human experts colored images. Together, this process in terms of scale and/or complexity. helps the GANs learn how to colorize monochromatic or B&W images. Colorizing black and white (B&W) or monochromatic pictures, as simple While going through some previ- Images colorized with as it may sound, requires considerable ous editions of The Arabian Sun on a the use of AI. time, effort, skill and specialized soft- weekend, this author thought of train- ware. ing a GAN using a GPU and approximately 150 published photos to colorize some monochromatic and B&W Algorithims hold the key images. A particular family of algorithms in AI titled Generative Adversarial Net- The results after training the GANs works (GANs) employ a very intelligent based on work done by professor Phil- approach in undertaking tasks such as lip Isola of MIT and his team are given colorization. in the following images. While the result is not perfect, it still shows the po- The best analogy to understand tential of AI and in particular GANs to how GANs will color an old image is undertake challenging computer vision to imagine that there are two friends, tasks without requiring huge amounts one friend called “Generator” looks at of data to train the models. the arabian sun December 2, 2020 company news 9 F1 in Schools partners with Aramco to promote learning F1 in Schools, the premier global education challenge, has announced a long-term partnership with Aramco, the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals company From 2021, Aramco will be title spon- real boost for us and we’re excited to be sor for the annual Formula 1 (F1) in partnering with a forward-thinking, in- Schools World Finals events. The finals novative company to help us deliver our brings together the best of F1 in Schools impressive World Finals. teams to compete for the World Cham- pion title. The partnership announce- “I know that Aramco will reap many ment follows on from Aramco signing rewards from partnering with us, from its first global sponsorship deal with F1. engaging with our amazing students and meeting future F1 engineers, to see- The COVID-19 pandemic has had a ing new innovations that they develop huge impact globally across education in their quest to be champions. at all levels. As a result, the Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals 2020, scheduled “Introducing our students to a leader to take place in September, will now be tainability and cleaner energy. classrooms to conducting STEM summer in the fuel and energy sector, with am- held in Melbourne, from March 12-19, camps, we’re focused on accelerating bitions that fit well with our challenge, 2021, to coincide with the F1 Australian The F1 in Schools World Finals events human potential through the next gen- will offer huge learning and career Grand Prix. are a celebration of outstanding STEM eration of young talent — equipping opportunities. We look forward to in- achievements marking the culmination them with the tools they need to turn troducing Aramco to our F1 in Schools of many years of work for these talent- their ideas into reality. global community at our World Finals in Long history in inspiring ed youngsters. Aramco’s support will Melbourne.” the young help F1 in Schools continue to deliver “At Aramco, we strive to accelerate Aramco’s title sponsorship of the F1 inspiring events and the chance for stu- the ability of young people to make a Ross Brawn, managing director of in Schools World Finals events is an ex- dents to compete against the best from difference, enabling them to deliver Motorsports at F1, added: “Encourag- tension of its long history of investing in around the world for coveted university solutions that help their communities ing students to pursue STEM careers is engaging programs that inspire young scholarships and the F1 in Schools World make the next leap forward. Through incredibly important to our sport and people to follow exciting career paths Champions trophy. our partnership with F1 in Schools, we wider economies and as an engineer, it in Science, Technology, Engineering and hope to achieve new levels of engage- is something very close to my heart. It is Mathematics (STEM), recognizing the ment by connecting with young people vital that we continue to support STEM ever-increasing necessity to embed such Develping interest in STEM around the globe.” initiatives as we develop the future stars skills and foster innovation and creativity. Nabil A. Al-Nuaim, vice president of of our sport from an early age. Corporate Affairs, said: “This partner- Andrew Denford, founder and chair- It will introduce the company to some ship is another example of Aramco’s en- man of F1 in Schools, said: “We are “F1 in School’s partnership with Aram- of the most talented STEM students gagement to developing young people delighted to welcome Aramco to F1 in co will open the door to new opportuni- from around the world and provide a for STEM careers. Schools, bringing a new title partner to ties and help to connect children glob- platform for Aramco to share with them our prestigious World Finals events. At ally, ensuring we are offering the best their innovations and ambitions for sus- “From building technology-based this challenging time, positive news is a opportunities to build a career in F1.” Capturing the Full Value of Green Buildings as Drivers of Circular Carbon Economy By Mohammad H. Al Wathaifi ing high performance and sustainable building certified so far. buildings worldwide. The development The World Green Building Council of this voluntary and consensus-based The Aramco Innovation Center (LAB7), defines a Green Building as a building certification system engages hundreds which broke ground this year, has al- that, in its design, construction or op- of volunteers and thousands of stake- ready started to gain LEED credits at- eration, reduces or eliminates negative holders from around the world repre- tributed to sustainable deign. It is on impacts, and can create positive impacts senting every sector of the building in- track to receive the certification when on climate and environment. dustry. construction is completed. The les- son learned from past projects is that LEED references the industry’s most pursuing Green Building certification LEED recognized standards and uses state-of- shouldn’t come as an afterthought, it Leadership in Energy & Environmen- the-art strategies for energy and water should be part of the project scope and tal Design (LEED®) is the Green Building efficiency, sustainable site development, mandated as a target. Rating System™ developed by the U.S. materials selection and indoor environ- Green Building Council for develop- mental quality. The system strives to reverse contribution to global climate Green Building advantages change, enhance individual human Green Building rating systems estab-

Regional Priority health and well-being, protect and relish a solid framework for the de-car- Location and store water resources, protect, enhance, bonization of buildings and offer inter- Transportation and restore biodiversity and ecosystem national recognition of excellence in this Innovation Sustainable services, promote sustainable and re- area. Sites generative material resources cycles, build a greener economy, enhance so- There are numerous examples of en- cial equity, environmental justice, and vironmental stewardship in Aramco’s Water Efficiency community quality of life. core industrial operations in general. Indoor Although nonindustrial buildings com- Environmental Quality prise a small part of the company’s as- First Kingdom projects sets, Green Buildings offer a distinctive LEED is now the leading global stan- edge. Green Buildings are more easily consumed in the Kingdom shows that dard for green buildings worldwide, understood outside the oil and gas in- buildings are the largest consumer; pro- Energy and used in more than 135 countries. Aram- dustry, where Aramco’s achievements jections of future trends show increased Atmosphere Materials and co played a notable role in developing in this domain can be communicated demand on natural resources with an Resources some of the first certified flagship proj- through a wider spectrum of channels accelerating increase in construction ects in the Kingdom. KAUST, KAPSARC, to a broader audience and testify to new and a growing population. and Ithra stand out for the Kingdom and strategic directives. Al Midra is the largest Aramco office This leads to the clear conclusion that A careful look at where energy is Aramco’s efforts to show leadership in this area can go a long way. Categories of LEED Building rating system requirements. December 2, 2020 the arabian sun 10 company news JHAH Flu Vaccination Campaign

Don’tAs part of the ongoing Flu Vaccinationforget to get your flu shot! Campaign conducted by John Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH), we would like to inform you of several locations in which you and your family can go to receive your flu shot.

It is important for the safety and well-being of all Aramco employees that everyone stays vigilant by adhering to COVID-19 preventive measures.

Have you taken your flu shot yet? For JHAH’s flu vaccination schedule, visit https://www.jhah.com/en/news-events/ events/flu-vaccine.

Safaniyah Area Producing plants 4,500 trees at Tanajib Sanctuary By Zouhair A. Kaaki environmental and health bene- ural environments of its operations.” fits and are proven to consume low Tanajib — A Chinese proverb says: amounts of water, and can withstand “These areas of biological diversity, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 the harsh desert climate. NAOO’s ownership and initiatives are years ago. The second-best time, is clear evidence of the company’s suc- now.” cessful efforts in maintaining the en- Using treated water vironmental ecosystem while running Safaniyah Area Producing recently to sustain trees its operations.” sponsored the planting of 4,500 trees An irrigation system was installed to at the Tanajib Sanctuary, as part of make sure each tree is receiving the ad- Safaniyah Area Producing gen- its commitment to Aramco’s 1 Million equate quantity of water until it reach- eral manager, Ali S. Al-Ajmi, is the Trees Initiative, which forms part of es maturity, and is able to survive on its sponsor for planting various type of the corporate commitment to plant own. Planted 10 meters apart, the trees trees and mangroves in the area from native trees across the Kingdom. cover an area of about 360,000 m2. Khursaniyah to Tanajib, in desert areas as well as along the shorelines.

Plantation Maintaining biodiversity “NAOO, with the help of the Envi- Three types of trees were selected in the increment ronmental Protection organization, for the initiative — 2,500 Sidr trees, Northern Area Oil Operations has set an ambitious plan to improve Dawood M. Al-Dawood plants a tree as part of 1,000 Ghaf, and 1,000 Athel trees. All (NAOO) vice president, Dawood M. environmental biodiversity and accel- the program. of which was provided by the Minis- Al-Dawood, said, “The company has erate rehabilitation of onshore and try of Environment, Water and Agri- always valued its responsibility to pro- offshore areas where we operate,” culture. Each type provides significant tect and enhance the surrounding nat- Al-Ajmi said. Benefits of planting trees The benefit of planting and maintaining trees are multifaceted. Not only do they beautify the landscape, they provide shade, fruits, flowers, and most importantly, fresh air (oxygen). They also form part of the food chain.

Planting more trees can help in reducing air pollution, specifical-

ly CO2, by absorbing pollutant gases and particulates, and help reduce air temperatures in desert areas. They are also key in reducing soil erosion, slowing runoff.

According to a new study by ecolo- gist Thomas Crowther and colleagues Ziziphus Spina-Christi Prosopis Koelziana Tamarix aphylla at ETH Zurich, a Swiss university, there (Sidr trees) (Ghaf) (Athel) is enough room in the world’s existing These evergreen trees/plants are Prosopis is a kind of flowering plant in Tamarix aphylla is the largest known parks, forests, and unoccupied land, native to northern and tropical Africa, the pea family, Fabaceae. It contains species of Tamarix (reaching a to plant 1.2 trillion additional trees,

Southern and Western Asia, and are approximately 45 species of spiny height of up to 18 meters). It is an which would have the CO2 storage native to the Levant region of East Af- trees and shrubs found in subtropical evergreen tree, native across North, capacity to terminate a decade of CO2 rica. Fruit and leaves from these trees and tropical regions of the Americas, East, and Central Africa, through- emissions. were used in ancient Egyptian cuisine Africa, Western and Southern Asia. out the Middle East, and into parts and medicine. Modern research has of Western and Southern Asia. Ecologically, trees provide shelter to shown that compounds extracted birds and animals, while also serving from the trees’ leaves could be used as a source of food and protection for to decrease severe inflammation. them. Climatic changes can be curbed by planting more trees. the arabian sun December 2, 2020 company news 11

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Photographic memory Training in RT: Many Saudis received skills training at the Ras Tanura Refinery complex in the immediate postwar years, as shown in this photo from that period of time.

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