DHAHRAN — Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman has called on the global oil companies to move their headquarters to Dhahran in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Prince Abdulaziz made these remarks during his speech in the seventh edition of iktva exhibition 2023. He said that the energy localization programs, specifically iktva, Nusaned, and Binaa have enabled many international partners to collaborate in launch of more than 200 manufacturing facilities, thus, "We want more." He said that moving the regional offices is a dream of the past, but the hope today and tomorrow is to move the global headquarters to Dhahran. It is noteworthy that the minister inaugurated the GCC Lab Complex in Dammam, which includes several qualitative projects for laboratories and centers of excellence in the field of renewable energy, smart networks, optical fibers, safety and fire prevention, in addition to the equipment and electrical power laboratories. This project comes as one of the Ministry's efforts in localizing the industries, building national experiences in the sector and qualifying them. The complex will be subjected to a follow-up by Prince Abdulaziz, who laid its foundation stone 2 years ago with the participation of several Saudi and Gulf authorities. The complex is located in the third industrial city in Dammam, near King Salman Energy City (SPARK), and has an area of 170,000 square meters, to become the biggest energy laboratories complex in the world. The complex is an investment of several leading entities in Saudi Arabia and Gulf markets, at a value of SR720 million. It has also succeeded in localizing the necessary tests to rehabilitate and develop industries, raise the level of establishments services and safety, in addition to the establishments efficiency and their suitability for the environment, as well as raising the competitiveness of national exports. Moreover, it has succeeded to build technical capabilities in the fields of consulting, studies, accident investigation, asset management and training. The complex has obtained a number of Saudi, Gulf and international accreditations, in addition to attracting several of global partnerships.
