Saudi Saudi Aramco had an exceptionally strong showing at last week’s Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE) — the flagship event of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). The company participated in wide-ranging technical presentations and our contributions to SPE and its mission were recognized with several prestigious SPE awards and recognitions. This year’s conference witnessed much energy and debate among attendees, beginning with a lively discussion at the opening session titled “2040: The Journey and the Destination — Diverse Perspectives", with panelists speaking about the industry’s strength and resilience in the face of a cyclical market downturn. Oil and gas professionals are indeed a tenacious group, the panelists noted. “This is the time when we do our best work. We adapt, strengthen, and innovate our way right through these challenges”, said 2015 SPE president and Statoil executive Helge Hove Haldorsen. Panelists agreed that these surges of creative genius — formed out of necessity — have shown over time to fundamentally change the industry for the better. Charles F. Rand Memorial Gold Medal Amin H. Nasser, president and chief executive officer of Saudi Aramco, was honored with the Charles F. Rand Memorial Gold Medal. The medal, which is given by The American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, recognizes an individual for distinguished achievement in mining administration, including metallurgy and petroleum. Recipients of this top honor are automatically elected as a Distinguished Member of SPE. Accepting the award for Nasser was Khaled A. Al Buraik, vice president of Saudi Aramco Petroleum Engineering and Development, who said that he was privileged to represent Nasser. Al-Buraik currently serves as a director at-large for SPE International.
SPE Distinguished Membership Award
This honor is given to SPE members who have attained eminence in the petroleum industry, the academic world, or who have made significant contributions to SPE. A long-standing member, Zainalabedin’s regional and international contributions to SPE have benefited the industry. In particular, he has reached out to young professionals in the field, helping them advance their skill and knowledge, and attain certification through SPE. He has been actively involved in the SPE Saudi Arabia Section (SPE-SAS), serving as section chairman, treasurer and secretary; and overseeing its program and membership committees.
Young Member Outstanding Service Award
This award recognizes contributions to, and leadership in, the community, as well as SPE, the profession, and the industry, by a member under age 36. Al-Tahan has been extensively involved in SPE, serving as the young professional vice chairman, publication officer, and chairman of the SPE-SAS. In 2011, he won the Regional Young Member Outstanding Service Award. He has also served on multiple technical committees to support SPE conferences in the Middle East.
President’s Award for Section Excellence
A President’s Award for Section Excellence was presented to Bandar A. Al-Khamies, 2014–2015 chairman of the SPE Saudi Arabia Section and YLAB coordinator at Saudi Aramco. “We are very proud to have received this international and prestigious recognition,” Al-Khamies said, adding that it commemorates the many dedicated volunteers who worked hard so the section could achieve such success.
“Century Club” Status
Members of the Saudi section also earned “Century Club” status for outstanding SPE recruitment: Suliman M. Azzouni, Sulaiman Alhassan Al Majdi, Ahmad Mohammad Alabduljabbar, and Ali Mousa. The section added 1,900 new members between June 2014 and June 2015.