Aramco Highlights Strategic Expansion at Gulf Downstream Association Conference

Riyadh: Saudi Aramco President of Refining, Chemicals, and Marketing Mohammed Al-Qahtani outlined the company's strategic expansion in this sector, emphasizing its role in meeting the world's growing energy needs. According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Qahtani underscored the importance of technological innovation and workforce development in driving transformation in the refining, chemicals, and marketing sector, contributing to energy security, and supporting emissions reduction. Speaking at the 2025 International Downstream Conference and Exhibition, organized by the Gulf Downstream Association, Al-Qahtani stated: "The refining, chemicals, and marketing sector is undergoing a clear transformation. We see strategic expansion in this area as essential to diversifying our portfolio, extracting greater value, and boosting long-term resilience." He highlighted that global energy demand continues to rise and that Aramco's international presence in refining, chemicals, and marketing, supported by strategic foreign investments, reinforces its position as a trusted partner in refining and petrochemicals. With portfolio growth in emerging fields such as retail, fuels, and trading, Al-Qahtani expressed confidence in Aramco's ability to thrive in an increasingly carbon-conscious world. On the role of technology, he noted that tools such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, digital twins, and blockchain are enhancing efficiency, transparency, and security across the sector. The conference and exhibition, recognized as a leading regional event in the Middle East, brings together global energy professionals and institutions to explore opportunities for cooperation, partnerships, investment, knowledge exchange, and addressing challenges. The 2025 edition features more than 5,000 international participants, over 150 speakers, and more than 80 exhibitors, all focused on driving innovation, sustainable growth, and excellence in refining, chemicals, and marketing.