Aramco strengthens partnership with the Construction Industry Institute

Aramco extended its partnership with the Construction Industry Institute (CII) at the University of Texas (UT) by signing an agreement to foster excellence in project execution and best practices for large capital engineering and construction projects. 

The Memorandum of Understanding calls for several major initiatives striving to further enhance the company’s position among industry leaders through establishing world-class professional development resources and certification programs for Aramco and the construction industry, including:  

• Development of a new industry leading construction management certification program
• Work with the CII chapter at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals to incorporate CII practices into Aramco’s project management framework
• The creation of specialized project management training and development tracks within Aramco. 

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of Aramco’s membership with the organization based at the University of Texas School of Engineering. Aramco has been recognized by CII for its excellence in the planning and management of large construction projects. 

Representing Aramco, from Dhahran, were Ahmad A. Al Sa’adi, senior vice president of Technical Services, and Motaz A. Al Mashouk, executive director of Engineering Services, along with representatives from the company’s Project Management Office Department. 

“We are very pleased to renew this valuable partnership after so many years of constructive collaboration,” said Al Sa’adi. 

We have a long history of working with CII and making important advancements when it comes to large engineering and construction projects.
—Ahmad A. Al Sa’adi

Aramco’s U.S.-based subsidiary, Aramco Americas, supported the development and coordination of this MoU. 

Alison Preston, vice president for Research, University of Texas, detailed Aramco’s association with the university beginning in 1988 with a reservoir characterization study conducted by the Petroleum Engineering faculty. Over the past 32 years, the company has continuously funded research, helping to create important innovations in geology, chemical and petroleum engineering, and advanced computing. 

“To date, Aramco has funded 41 different studies and programs, representing a cumulative research investment of $12.4 million dollars. The largest of these initiatives has been Aramco’s involvement with the Construction Industry Institute,” said Preston.