The story of Khamis bin Rimthan, a visionary Saudi geologist, serves as an inspiration for visitors to the STEAM Festival at King Salman Science Oasis. His invaluable contributions to the discovery of oil in the Kingdom have left a lasting impact on the nation’s history.
The journey of oil exploration began in 1933 when King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud signed an oil concession agreement. A team of geologists, led by Khamis bin Rimthan, embarked on a two-year expedition to explore Jabal Al-Bari and Dhahran hills.
With his exceptional talent in reading the ground and utilizing traditional navigation tools, Khamis bin Rimthan played a crucial role in guiding the team through the vast desert. In 1938, his expertise contributed to the discovery of the Dammam No. 7 well (Prosperity Well), a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s history.
Khamis bin Rimthan continued to work for the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco) until his passing in 1959. In recognition of his invaluable contributions, Aramco named t
he Rimthan field after him in 1974, located 95 kilometers east of Qaisumah. In 2017, Aramco launched the oil tanker Rimthan, further honouring his legacy as the most renowned desert guide.
Since the discovery of oil, the Kingdom has made remarkable strides in becoming one of the world’s leading oil-producing nations. This achievement has fueled a significant development renaissance across various sectors in Saudi Arabia.
Visitors to the STEAM Festival will have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating story of oil discovery in the Kingdom. This narrative showcases the values of determination, perseverance, and global leadership that have propelled Saudi Arabia to the forefront of the oil and petrochemical industries.
In line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to increase local content and localization in the energy sectors. By doing so, the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its global leadership, build a diversified economy, and ensure a sustainable future.
Source: Saudi Press Agency