I’ve been at Saudi Aramco for over two years, and I feel compelled to share my experience for anyone considering a move here.
First, let me say that the reputation of Aramco as the world's largest oil company with unparalleled resources is not the reality on the ground. From the moment I arrived, I felt deceived. I was hired through their Houston office and promised meaningful work that aligned with my experience and career goals in the energy sector. Instead, I’ve found the environment here to be frustrating and demoralizing.
The workspaces are cramped and uncomfortable, often with outdated furniture and poorly maintained facilities. Imagine being stuck in a portable-style office with no working AC for weeks in the middle of the Saudi summer. The water quality is terrible; even the so-called "sweet water" that’s supposed to be safe to drink can make you sick.
The management style here is hierarchical and out of touch. Most of the managers have been with the company since they were teenagers and have zero experience outside of Aramco. They treat experienced expatriates like we're incompetent, all while contributing little to no value themselves. There’s this arrogant attitude as if they own the place, but in reality, they’re just playing a game of internal politics to keep their positions secure. It is very common to have someone who is trained in facilities management to be put into a management role they know nothing about.
Forget about learning and growth opportunities. The focus is on meaningless tasks like creating weekly PowerPoint decks that no one cares about, filled with pointless details that add no value. They’re more concerned with font sizes and colors than with substance. Any feedback you give is often dismissed or ignored.
Meetings are frequently conducted in Arabic without any regard for the non-Arabic speakers in the room, even when it’s clear that we’re the ones doing most of the work. This behavior creates an environment where expats are treated as outsiders, always kept at arm's length and never truly integrated into the team.
Aramco is wasting talent with its outdated practices and lack of innovation. There’s a hiring freeze in place, yet they continue to interview people for the sake of appearances, making it seem like the company is thriving when it's not. The truth is, Aramco doesn’t need 60% of its current workforce. It’s all about maintaining an image, not about actually getting things done.
If you’re thinking about coming here for a role, think twice. The trauma, mistreatment, and lack of professional respect make it simply not worth it. The only reason the company remains successful is due to the price of oil, not because of anything happening internally. Do yourself a favor and explore other opportunities before considering a move to Aramco.