Abdullah Juma’ah is a prominent Saudi Arabian businessman who served as the CEO of Saudi Aramco from 1995 to 2008. He is widely credited with leading the company through a period of significant growth and modernization, transforming it into the world’s largest oil producer and one of the most profitable companies in history.
Juma’ah was born in 1942 in the eastern Saudi Arabian city of Al-Khobar. He received his education in the United States, earning a degree in petroleum engineering from Texas A&M University in 1966. After graduation, he returned to Saudi Arabia and began working for Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil company. He quickly rose through the ranks, working in a variety of engineering and management positions before being appointed CEO in 1995.
During his tenure as CEO, Juma’ah oversaw a period of significant growth for Saudi Aramco. He led the company through a series of strategic investments and partnerships, expanding its production capacity and increasing its revenue and profits. Under his leadership, Saudi Aramco also adopted new technologies and implemented environmentally-friendly practices, earning the company recognition for its commitment to sustainability.
Juma’ah’s wealth is not publicly disclosed, but it is believed that he has amassed a considerable fortune from his career in the oil industry. He has also served on the boards of several major corporations, including ExxonMobil and Credit Suisse.
Despite his wealth and success, Juma’ah has maintained a relatively low profile and is known for his humility and dedication to his work. He has been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud, one of Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honors.
Today, Juma’ah remains a respected figure in the world of business and continues to be involved in various philanthropic and charitable endeavors. His contributions to the oil industry and his commitment to sustainability have earned him a place in the history of Saudi Aramco and the global energy sector.
Here’s a timeline of Abdullah Juma’ah’s life and career:
- 1942: Abdullah Juma’ah is born in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
- 1966: Juma’ah graduates from Texas A&M University with a degree in petroleum engineering.
- 1966-1995: Juma’ah works for Saudi Aramco in a variety of engineering and management positions.
- 1995: Juma’ah is appointed CEO of Saudi Aramco, becoming the first Saudi national to hold the position.
- 2008: Juma’ah retires as CEO of Saudi Aramco after 13 years in the position.
- 2009: Juma’ah is appointed to the board of directors of ExxonMobil.
- 2010: Juma’ah joins the board of directors of Credit Suisse.
- 2014: Juma’ah is appointed chairman of the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden).
- 2019: Juma’ah is named chairman of the board of trustees of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
Throughout his career, Juma’ah has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud and the International Oil and Gas Industry Lifetime Achievement Award.
Here are 5 interesting facts about Abdullah Juma’ah and 5 quotes from him:
5 Interesting Facts:
- Abdullah Juma’ah was the first Saudi national to serve as CEO of Saudi Aramco.
- During his tenure as CEO, Juma’ah oversaw the development of the world’s largest oil field, the Ghawar Field, located in Saudi Arabia.
- Juma’ah is a member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-level Group on Sustainable Energy for All.
- In addition to serving on the boards of ExxonMobil and Credit Suisse, Juma’ah has also served on the board of directors for Dow Chemical Company.
- Juma’ah has been a strong advocate for the development of renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy.
5 Quotes:
- “We are on the threshold of a new era for the energy industry, with the need to meet growing global demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is an exciting challenge, and I believe that Saudi Aramco can play a leading role in meeting it.”
- “The future of the energy industry lies in innovation, technology, and sustainability.”
- “The most important lesson I have learned is to always strive for excellence, no matter what you do. That is the only way to succeed.”
- “I believe that we have a responsibility to use our resources wisely and to contribute to the development of our country and the world.”
- “Our ultimate goal is to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to the world, while also protecting the environment and supporting economic growth.”
