IN light of the Expressway and Regional Highway Fuel Stations' Improvement Program, supervised by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs in coordination with the concerned governmental authorities, Petromin Corporation, the leading lubricants and automotive services company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has opened its first standard roadside fuel station on Al Hijrah highway linking Al-Madinah with Jeddah, totaling SR11.5 million. The opening ceremony was attended by Eng. Mohammed bin Abdulhadi Al-Amri, Mayor of Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah; Abdulmohsen Al-Moneef, the Undersecretary of Imarat Al-Madinah; Eng. Hussein bin Saud Al Sudairi, Undersecretary of Technical Affairs at Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs; in addition to official representatives from Ministry of Transport and Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage; and media representatives. "Petromin's vision is primarily based on providing a new, modern concept for Fuel stations with a comprehensive set of services and facilities according to the highest international standards, which is demonstrated by the six stations we have established so far in Riyadh and Jeddah. Highlighted by the presence of the government authorities involved in the project, the launch ceremony of Petromin's seventh station, the first of its kind on a Saudi highway, marks the actual takeoff of the development process of the company's fuel station network. By the end of 2016, Petromin will have completed 20 stations across the Kingdom, and is set boost its investments in this vital sector by allocating SR2.5 billion to build and operate more than 230 fuel stations with their related facilities by 2020. This ambitious plan is expected to provide 5,000 job opportunities for Saudi nationals, which will immensely contribute to the goals set by the private sector to raise its share of the country's gross domestic product in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030," said Samir Nawwar, Petromin's CEO, explaining the company's accomplishments and future plans in terms of setting up fuel stations. Nawwar also underlined Petromin's consistent efforts, in implementation of the government's directives, to develop the vital fuel stations' sector according to the highest international standards which truly reflect the Kingdom's global position in the fuel retail market as well as the company's endeavors to build the Kingdom's road network and the various facilities which will offer the best services for the road users in general, and visitors of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah in particular. The delegation of attendees toured the newly inaugurated station and its facilities, acquainting themselves with the integrated services it offers to both vehicles and visitors. These include gasoline and diesel sales services, Petromin Express Center for quick lube change services, fast maintenance and tire services, Primo convenience store, fast food restaurants, drive-through coffee shops, ATMs, two mosques of a total 500-persons capacity and a small motel, in addition to the personal service facilities and restrooms with round-the-clock cleaning and hygiene services. The new station, as well as all Petromin's stations, is easily accessible for people with special needs and is equipped with all the related facilities according to the highest international standards.
