Memory Lane: Looking Back Across the Decades

Memory Lane: Looking Back Across the Decades

BY The Arabian Sun / /

Charles F. Rocheville, with 30 years of experience as a pilot, is setting up "shop" at the Dhahran airport to handle Aramco's air transportation. In 1916-17, he served as an instructor for the Royal Flying Corps in Toronto, Canada, and when America entered the War, he transferred to the U.S. Navy and was assigned to aviation. He served in both World War I and II.

New Research Facility Accelerates Future of Upstream R&D

New Research Facility Accelerates Future of Upstream R&D

BY The Arabian Sun / /

With its EXPEC Advanced Research Center (EXPEC ARC), Aramco is creating game changing technologies and solutions that add immense value to operations. Recently, EXPEC ARC’s capabilities were taken to the next level with a newly constructed state-of-the-art building in Dhahran. The new facility is custom-fit to help EXPEC ARC become the preeminent center for Upstream R&D...

Memory Lane: New Buildings, A King’s Visit, Fighting Spills From The Air, and Crikite

Memory Lane: New Buildings, A King’s Visit, Fighting Spills From The Air, and Crikite

BY The Arabian Sun / /

The time has arrived to depart, and this being my last edition until I return, I personally thank all who have helped make the "Sun & Flare" interesting. Issues to follow will come forth once a week -- on Wednesdays -- and all copy should be sent to acting editor at Dhahran, to arrive on Sundays. Ere parting, here’s a wish for all: That you may live as long as you like and laugh as long as you live." — J Mahoney

Memory Lane: A Revolution of Safety, The King Inaugurates an Airport, and First Flower Show Held

Memory Lane: A Revolution of Safety, The King Inaugurates an Airport, and First Flower Show Held

BY The Arabian Sun / /

Here are some of the more interesting headlines over the past 75 years. Joe Cigar was standing on a soap box, gesticulating wildly. "Comrades," he began, "The time is ripe for revolution. For about 14 weeks now, I have presented facts and more facts, trying to convince you that it is time for revolution against industrial accidents and injuries.

Memory Lane: First Service Stations, Contractor Camps, Winter Weather and The ATP

Memory Lane: First Service Stations, Contractor Camps, Winter Weather and The ATP

BY The Arabian Sun / /

From service stations to floating contractor quarters, a look back at some of the more interesting headlines over the past seven decades. The new Dhahran Service Station was opened with formal inaugural ceremonies, assisted by batteries of spotlights and flood lights, attracted a large crowd. Refreshments were served as an indication of the size of the crowd, over 2,000 bottles of soft-drinks were consumed.

Memory Lane: Trains, Astronauts, and SAP Milestones Revisited

Memory Lane: Trains, Astronauts, and SAP Milestones Revisited

BY The Arabian Sun / /

Here are few headlines from over the past 70 years at Aramco. Whether you're going to Dhahran, to Hofuf, or all the way to Riyadh, you'll soon be able to do it in air-conditioned comfort aboard the Saudi Government Railroad. It's been a smooth ride at speeds approaching 90 miles an hour aboard a gleaming silver, stainless steel vehicle.

Memory Lane: Donkey Races, Khursaniyah Drilling, 3 Billion Barrels in a Year, and a Second Grade of Gasoline

Memory Lane: Donkey Races, Khursaniyah Drilling, 3 Billion Barrels in a Year, and a Second Grade of Gasoline

BY The Arabian Sun / /

Here are some of the more interesting headlines from The Arabian Sun over the past 75 years. Are now established as a New Year’s Day event not to be missed, and quite a crowd was present despite the fact that celebrating was touched upon the evening before .. and ignoring the sultry day with the temperature at 83 degrees, though some will swear it was hotter.

The Snack Bar: An Aramco Delicacy

The Snack Bar: An Aramco Delicacy

BY Anushka Bose / /

While growing up in Saudi, I distinctly remember one feature of the compounds that I have never encountered anywhere else: snack bars. No matter which compounds you were on: Dhahran, Abqaiq, Ras Tanura, or Udhailiyah, the snack bar was the stop in town to catch a tasty meal after swimming or an afterschool sport.

Welcome Aboard, My Dear Friends!

Welcome Aboard, My Dear Friends!

BY Aramco ExPats / /

These are the wishes my wife Amira and I hope to share with each of you in October when so many of our Aramco annuitant friends will board together for the upcoming Hafla Cruise.

Heart And Soul – Vignettes from Ali Al-Baluchi’s Memoir: Part V – Community Services

Heart And Soul – Vignettes from Ali Al-Baluchi’s Memoir: Part V – Community Services

BY Aramco ExPats / /

By the late 1970s, Ali Al-Baluchi had risen through Aramco’s Community Services to become Manager of the Food Distribution Department, where he was proud to employ one of the company’s first Saudi female employees. The following extract from Heart and Soul details how this opened a door to further training in the United States.

Flames, Smoke Engulf Saudi Shopping Mall

Flames, Smoke Engulf Saudi Shopping Mall

BY Arab News / /

A Saudi shopping mall was on fire Friday engulfed in smoke after a blaze broke out in the early hours of the morning. Plumes of smoke could be seen billowing from the Mall of Dhahran in Alkhobar — the largest commercial market in the Eastern Province — as emergency crews battled to contain the fire.

Happy 72nd Birthday to Brenda Neal

Happy 72nd Birthday to Brenda Neal

BY Aramco ExPats / /

Brenda Neal, Aramco 1979-1986, will celebrate her 72nd birthday on June 8th. Brenda lived in Dhahran with her family. She worked as a Resource Analyst in a Community Services Department. Her husband, Gary Neal, worked for Aramco as an Engineer. Gary passed away in 2016.

Victoria (Tori) Bahr and Xander Bahr Graduate

Victoria (Tori) Bahr and Xander Bahr Graduate

BY Aramco ExPats / /

Brian and Susan Bahr are pleased to announce the graduations of daughter Victoria (Tori) Bahr and son Xander Bahr. Both children were born in Saudi Arabia. Brian worked for Aramco from 1992 to 2009.

Troop 1 Scouting Program Girl Earns Eagle Rank

Troop 1 Scouting Program Girl Earns Eagle Rank

BY Aramco ExPats / /

Kayla Vivian Otoo, an 8th Grader with the Dhahran School and a member of the BSA Dhahran Troop One Scouting Program earned her Eagle Scouting Rank on 5/10/2022. Kayla Otoo joined the Scouting Program in the 6th Grade and has been working alongside other scouts for the past few years.

Memory Lane: Looking Back at Bicycle Races, Boy Scout Camporees, and Gas Finds of The Past

Memory Lane: Looking Back at Bicycle Races, Boy Scout Camporees, and Gas Finds of The Past

BY The Arabian Sun / /

Here are some memorable headlines looking back over the past 70 years. Sponsors of the Youth Recreation Program put on a highly successful bicycle race last Thursday afternoon in Dhahran. Over 40 boys and girls geared for the grind. The smaller fry, 10 and 11 burned up Kings Road from the Stag Hall to the Administration Building.