Our History

90 years forged in resilience and success

A look back at a remarkable history powered by determination and dedication.

90 years forged in resilience and success

The Arabian Sun May 29, 2023

From its early days of exploration in the 1930s, Aramco has forged a reputation for resilience and strength over the past nine decades. In many ways, Aramco’s story is just beginning, powered by innovation, determination, and dedication to a common goal.

1930s

1933 — Oil concession agreement signed

1937 — Max Steineke traversed the Arabian Peninsula in his search for oil.

1938 — Persistence pays off as eventually, commercial quantities of oil are found at the Discovery Well, Dammam Well No. 7.

1939 — The first tanker of exportable petroleum prepares to set sail with King Abdulaziz present.

1940s

1948 — Discovery of Ghawar, the world's largest oil field.

1948 — Construction begins on Tapline, Aramco's 1,700 kilometer long pipeline from Abqaiq to Sidon, Lebanon. The goal was to speed up the flow of oil to European markets to aid in the post-war reconstruction.

1950s

1951 — The world's largest offshore oil field, Safaniyah, is discovered.

Aramco begins broadcasting the first Arabic station in the Kingdom.

Two Saudis are appointed to the Aramco Board of Directors for the first time.

1960s

1963 — Company's first environmental policy is established, pioneering an environmental movement ahead of its time.<br>

1964 — College of Petroleum and Minerals opens.

Discovery of Shaybah

1970s

1975 — Master Gas System is launched.

1980s

1980 — The Saudi government concludes the purchase of Aramco.<br>

1988 — Creation of Star Enterprises, our first international venture.

1990s

1997 — The POWERS technology is developed.

2000s

2009 — Petro Rabigh, our first petrochemical plant, begins production.

2010s

2013 — Aramco launches the Manila projects

2015 — The company's In-Kingtom Total Value Add (iktva) program is launched.<br>

2016 — King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud inaugurates the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, more commonly known as Ithra.

2019 — Aramco becomes a public company, with shares listed on the Tadawul.

2020s

2022 — Aramco publishes its inaugural Sustainability Report.

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