Saudi Aramco Exhibit

One of our first stops this morning was the Aramco Exhibit. We were greeted by a few members of Aramco's PR department. They showed us a very fun 3-D film about oil and its impact on Saudi Arabia. (The auditorium and the production were very impressive.) After the film, we toured the museum. There were 5, maybe 6 different sections, each with interactive exhibits that detailed fossil fuel's creation, extraction, and transportation. While I was familiar with some of the information, I feel like I have a better grasp of how complex the oil industry is. For example, Aramco deals with 5 different types of crude, ranging from "heavy" to "ultra light." The lighter the crude, the less refining it requires, and the more economically valuable it is. Satellite mapping, as well as complex 3-D imaging and "smart" drills, have really benefited the company's efficiency. When asked about their research into alternative energies, the Aramco rep. informed us that they use alternative energies like solar power in their processes.

Not only did the tour inform us on industry, it had strong cultural components as well. The tour was led by Manal, one of the female Aramco employees we met today. Trained in the United States, she is the daughter of one of Aramco's pioneers. She, like many others working for the company, was educated in the US. Talking with her helped me realize that Saudi Arabia is making strides in employment rights for women. While currently something like 5% of the female population works, that number is increasing thanks in part to Aramco's commitment to hiring capable, intelligent people regardless of gender. (Keep in mind, cultural changes take time. Someone put it well in saying that culture moves at "a glacial pace."

The picture is of a massive globe with Arabic script from the Koran located near the beginning of the exhibits. Click on the following link to see more: