IT always feels great to see Saudi Aramco continue to be closely linked with the development and prosperity of Saudi Arabian communities through its Social Responsibility programs which always aim at improving the welfare of the people and continue to exceed expectations in whatever they do.
I am now referring to the upcoming opening ceremony of a new educational landmark, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to be inaugurated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
KAUST is a unique educational center and dream of King Abdullah that is now bringing together leading researchers, scientists and academicians to work toward promoting the advancement of science and technology to result in tangible benefits which can contribute to the diversification of the Saudi Arabian economy.
Saudi Aramco took on the responsibilities of the development, construction and management and has shared its expertise and knowledge to complete a landmark educational center which I feel affirms Saudi Aramco’s role as truly socially responsible, not just in Saudi Arabia but also as a role model for other large state oil companies.
Also we should ask those other large businesses and companies in the private sector, both local and international, which are in the process of setting up new mega-joint ventures in Saudi Arabia to follow the same example. It is not a question of only funding the Social Responsibility programs whatever they may be but it is a question of sharing the expertise and knowledge to work hand-in-hand with communities across Saudi Arabia and spread the benefits where they are required.
I recommend and suggest that business and companies both local and international in Saudi Arabia contact Saudi Aramco and spend time to understand the process and work that has been done in order to establish a spectacular educational landmark that is the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.
In addition, they could also learn about Saudi Aramco’s social responsibility program and if possible request Saudi Aramco to assist them in setting up and managing similar projects to create something that will benefit the lives of people in Saudi Arabia for many years to come.
The opening of this new educational landmark should serve as an example and reminder to all business and companies in Saudi Arabia that if they really have the desire to have a social responsibility program, they should also include sharing expertise and knowledge which is the ultimate goal of King Abdullah who has worked and is working to improve the welfare and lives of citizen in all the different communities in Saudi Arabia.
— Dr. Fahad Ibrahim Altouraif is vice president, investment banking, at NCB Capital.
