Ultimate guide to land a job in Saudi Aramco

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The Biggest Energy Company in The World

Me, during our company event sponsored by our department.

If you have read my previous post, I have mentioned that I am currently connected with the biggest and the largest energy company in the world based in Saudi Arabia. I know you're curious about my company. Today - I'm going to reveal and share with you my company and the steps that I did, to be part of this one of kind company known as the most valuable company in the world.

Can you guess my company now? Yes you are right! I'm humbled to say that, I'm working with Saudi Aramco, the biggest oil and gas company in the world. Saudi Aramco was founded almost a century ago by the Americans. Today Saudi Aramco continues its legacy of being the number energy company in the world.

Saudi Aramco workforce is composed of almost 100 different nationalities coming from the four corners of the globe. Our workforce is very diverse that we are seeing and meeting with various nationalities in the office. Mostly professionals who wish to work abroad aimed to be part of this renown company. I'm glad to share with you the steps to apply a job in Saudi Aramco. Below are the tips and guidelines: 

Educational Background

Aside from work experience, you need to satisfy the company's minimum educational attainment. If you are a professional or going to work in the administration (office job), you need to have at least a degree to be qualified. Currently I am working in the administration and I have completed a four years degree in Communication Management. Without my degree, I wouldn't be qualified in the company. Therefore, it is of paramount important to get a degree first.

What about the skilled-workers, do they need a degree? If you are a skilled-worker applicant, a degree is not necessary, but a good plus factor. However, skilled-worker applicants requires more technical certifications obtained, longer or more work experiences, preferably not just five (5) years, possessed technical knowledge and expertise of its field.

Work Experience

Your work experience is by-far the most significant qualification when applying for a job in Saudi Aramco. The company is always in need of competent professionals and skilled workers who have at least or preferably more than five (5) years continuous working experience.

The company is looking for professionals in the various field of engineering, Information Technology (I.T), Medical, administrative supports, office staff, Aviation, Maritime and skilled workers/maintenance. Once you have at least five (5) or more than work experience then you are qualified to apply. Plus factor if you have work experience in oil and gas companies, although it is not really necessary.

International Related Experience

When I say international experience, this relates to your work experiences before internationally. In my case, before getting a job in Saudi Aramco, I have already a prior work experience here in the Kingdom.

What about if you don't have international work experience? Don't worry, because international work experience is really not necessary this is only an add-on to your qualification, but not mandatory. I have colleagues in the office who don't have international experience prior joining Saudi Aramco. 

Professional & Technical Certifications

Another x-factor that the company is looking for is your professional and technical certifications. Certifications proving your expertise in a particular field is very important, like if you have diplomas, short courses, training and seminars from a reputable training centers, agencies, institutes and government related vocational schools. This will add-ons to your qualifications especially if you are applying for technical and requires highly skilled professionals.

Communication skill (English)

Saudi Aramco employs almost 100 different nationalities around the world, if you are applying for professional (degree holders) jobs. At least you should have a good English skill and able to write, speak and understand the universal language.

What about the skilled-worker applicants, are they required to have good English skill? if you are in this line of profession, a basic English is enough (able to speak and understand) because most of the time you are in the field and your job does not require prolific English skill.

However, certain professions require above average or intermediate English skill, like my line of job, since I am working in the administration (mainly in the office), my English skill is above average since it is required in my profession assisting management and executives.

Are You Ready to Apply?  

If you think you have what it takes to apply for Saudi Aramco and ready to join the biggest oil and gas company in the world, then you're most welcome. Who knows! we'll be working together here soon and enjoy the overflowing benefits and compensation package. If you need further clarification on how to apply directly, please leave your comments below and i will be happy to assist you. 

Jobs in Saudi Arabia No Longer Offered for Expats

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Planning to Work in KSA?

Are you planning to work in Saudi Arabia? Are you aware that there are a handful of jobs no longer offered for expats? If not, then let me help you then.

Saudi Arabia is among the richest country in the Middle East, the kingdom is the number one supplier of oil and petroleum products in the world, wherein majority of its revenue comes from. Until recently that oil price started to drop low which has drastically affected the country's economy.

To combat deficit and streamline the budget, the government has made changes of their policies including labor laws. Likewise, the kingdom is also planning to cut reliance on expat workers, thus there are certain jobs here which are no longer offered for expat workers, here are some of the jobs restricted only for locals now:

1. Watch shops

2. Optical stores

3. Medical equipment stores

4. Electrical and electronic shops

5. Outlet selling car spare part

6. Building material shops

7. Outlets selling all types of carpets

8. Automobile and mobile shops

9. Shops selling home furniture and ready  made office materials

10. sale outlets of ready made garments

11. Children clothes & men's supplies

12. Household utensils shops and pastry shops.

13. Mall jobs

The above aforementioned jobs will no longer be offered for expat workers to give way and help their unemployed citizens. There are still plenty of job descriptions which are reserved only for Saudis not mentioned on the list above.

I recently went to one of the popular malls here in Al-Khobar Saudi Arabia, I was surprised seeing no expat workers in the shop. When I asked one of the locals salesman, "where are the expat workers here?" he replied, "they have already went exit Sir, because of the localization program."

Therefore; if you are planning to work here, it is important to understand and know your job positions prior moving to KSA. Knowing the restricted jobs will help you not being caught and not ending up going back home.

How I Got Hired by The Biggest Energy Company In The World? Part-1

Night view of Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. 

It is everyone’s dream to land a better job and prosperous career after finishing a degree, to provide our needs and support our families. But finding a good company is already a difficult challenge for everyone, how much more getting hired by the biggest energy company in the world?

My journey to my dream company started back in 2012, when I first arrived in Saudi Arabia looking for a greener pasture. My first company was a manpower supply agency that provides staffs to reputable companies in the kingdom.

My First Company in Saudi Arabia

Kingdom Tower, where our office is located.

I was supplied and worked as a subcontractor to the biggest company in Saudi Arabia, the company is also deemed as the biggest energy company not only in the gulf, but in the world.

The company is so great that almost all nationalities and professionals new about it and wanted to be part of it. Since I was new at that time, fresh from the Philippines, I do not know the company’s history and reputations at all, until I got my chance to work there as a contractor.

Being a contractor is tough, you are held on the neck by your sponsored company with very low salary, and with limited benefits almost to nothing. While I was working over there, I could not stop myself to dream of becoming a regular employee soon. But becoming a direct employee is next to impossible considering the companies rigid qualifications required. I was very young at that time with less experience.

Patience and Determination

Faisaliah building, popular landmark in Riyadh. 

However, age and experience proved immaterial to a person who has the determination and passion to learn. In just a short time I was able to master my job and daily activities in the office being an Admin Assistant. 

Since my work is merely administrative support, I found it easy and light. Although sometimes it is stressful dealing with different colleagues and nationalities in the workplace.

Working in the administration requires patience as you are reporting directly to your superior and if you are unlucky, you may end up working with a not too friendly boss. I was fortunate the last boss that I had was indeed a very professional man and treat everyone with respects like his friends and family members.

My workmates in the office were like my families too, mostly senior employees of the company. While I was in there, I took the opportunity to apply for a better company which would hire me directly as a regular employee.

Until one day, I got a call from unfamiliar person, she is an HR (Human Resource) employee of a multi-billion dollar international I.T company based in the U.S, informing me that I was among the shortlisted for the final interview. The company has opened a new branch in Saudi Arabia and looking for Administration Manager.

Got Hired by My Second Company in KSA

Riyadh capital city of Saudi Arabia.

Upon hearing her news, I have already claimed that I would be hired, although the interview has not taken place yet lol. As if I have predicted the result of the final interview, I was overwhelmed with joy and very excited to attend the interview. The day has come, the final interview took place, being a graduate of Communication Management, I was able to answer their questions with flying colors.

Jobs interviews are no longer surprising for me, as I have honed myself to answering tricky questions. Back in my college days, I have joined several competitions on impromptu and public speaking. A nerve wracking competitions in the college wide, the competition begins by giving you a topic to answer and expound profoundly in a given time.

Remembering My College days 

My former office mates and colleagues. 

I was the champion on impromptu speaking for three consecutive years from 2^nd to 4^th year in college. Therefore, ambush interviews are no longer unusual to me, thanks to my college experience on joining public speaking contests, it has really helped a lot on what I am now.

A week after the final interview, the result came – I was hired and offered to work the company as soon as possible. I was stunned with the salary offered, it was ten times higher than my previous salary. It was a turning point of my life; I have immediately submitted my resignation letter to my first company and flown back to the Philippines to process my documents back to KSA.

This multibillion dollar company is enermous that it has office all around the world, even in the Philippines. I was welcomed at the Philippine branch in Manila, although I was hired in Saudi branch. The company’s head quarter is in Teaneck New Jersey, the company is listed in the “Fortune 500” companies. Fortune 500, is a global ranking of the biggest and richest public companies in the world.

Going Back to KSA

At the airport lounge waiting for my departure. 

After my work visa was approved, I had flown back to Saudi Arabia and managed a satellite office in Dammam as Admin Manager. I am all alone in the office in Dammam, I loved it as I don’t like working with too many people around. 

I like the nature of my job too, my work mainly involved arranging the logistics of our associates working in Saudi Arabia.

I have to ensure that they are taken cared upon arriving in KSA, I am also the focal point of contact between Dammam and our main office in Riyadh. I was accommodated in a very comfortable place, I lived in the hotel for a year paid by the company.

It was one of the best experiences I ever had working with such a reputed company, in fact I was the first Filipino hired in the entire Middle East branches. Yes, you heard it right, I was the first Filipino in the gulf branches ever hired. The rest of the nationalities are from Europe, India, America, Saudi and many more.

However, my happiness in this american I.T company was short-lived, i have to leave and go back to the Philippines. Wanna know the reason why? Find out on my next blog! See you there. 

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My Accommodation In Saudi Arabia

The Place Where I lived Here In KSA

While working here in Saudi Arabia some of my friends are asking me - how is my living condition here, how is my accommodation, how is the general living condition of the foreign workers, and to address that inquiry, let me show you the place where i lived and my accommodation here in the Kingdom. 

Majority of the expat workers here in Saudi Arabia are living in a company provided accommodation which is free of charge. Other companies are giving you accommodation allowance to find your own housing outside if you prefer. Currently, i am living inside company provided accommodation here in the Kingdom. 

I am fortunate enough to be with such a huge and big company in KSA, our company ensures its workers are taken cared especially on our accommodation needs. Our company is so great that we have our owned exclusive city only for its employees. This exclusive compound is equipped with all the facilities you could imagine. 

The Amenities Inside The Camp 

What are the amenities inside our exclusive city or compound? As i have said, our company is big that has its owned city within Saudi Arabia. The compound is divided into two categories, one for the senior employees with families and the other one for junior employees or bachelors. Since i am a junior employee; therefore, i am assigned in a junior camp. 

Our accommodation is a high rise building, the building is composed of studio typed rooms inside fully equipped with all the appliances and furniture, hence you don't need to buy stuff to furnish it. Inside my room, i have my owned living room with sofa, kitchenette with appliances like fridge, bed and blanket, cabinet, tables and chairs etc. 

What about our recreation needs? As i have mentioned earlier, our camp is complete with all the amenities. Below are the amenities that we can utilize free of charge inside the camp: 

Exclusively Free of Charge for Employees 

Swimming pool - Not all company provided accommodations here have swimming pool, i am lucky that our company is providing as this amenity. Our swimming pool  is big that could fit in even a hundred people swimming at the same time. The swimming pool is guarded with lifesaver to ensure the safety of the employees. 

Jacuzzi - Apart from the swimming pool we have our owned Jacuzzi just alongside the pool. The water is very relaxing and warm, perfect for those who are not a good swimmer and prefer to soak in the Jacuzzi. 

Sauna - Another amenity inside the camp is our sauna, all my life i have never tried using the sauna. I just tried it here and the experience is really great; it just a little bit hot inside the sauna room lol. 

Steamed Room - Similar to that of the sauna, we have our owned steam room like of that in a hotel. The steamed room could accommodate 10 people at the same time. I loved the steam room after using the Jacuzzi, it's very relaxing and you could really feel your sweat coming out. 

Library - You could never imagine that you will find a very big library here in our camp, the library is complete with all the recent books you would love to read. This is among my favorite spot here in our camp. Most of my time is spent in the library when i am free. 


Computer Room - Inside the library we have our owned workstations where you can check your company email and do some unfinished work in the office. Whenever, i have something urgent to do, i just come here to do it before hand. It is really helpful giving us so much flexibility to do our work. 

Recreation Room - Aside from those amenities mentioned above, we have recreation room equipped with billiard table, ping pong, chess, TV room, and hand ball. Many employees are using this amenity after office work. Since i am not fond of it, so i don't come here oftently. 

Gym - Of course our camp will never be complete without gym, our gym is full of equipment like of that in a five star hotel. All types of workout equipments are in here, so if you want to stay fit and healthy, you can use it free of charge. 

Sports Facilities We Can Enjoy 

Basketball Courts - Our camp is so big that we have our owned basketball courts, if you want to play basketball especially for Filipinos who loved this sport. Here in Saudi Arabia Filipinos are known for being basketball addicts lol. 

Tennis Courts - Aside from basketball courts, we have around 10 tennis courts here in our camp. Yes - 10 tennis courts, many locals and expat employees are playing here almost daily. The court is of the same standard as of that used by the Olympic games. 

Football Field - Aside from basketball courts and tennis courts, we do have our very owned football field here. Yes you read it right, there is a football field inside our camp, mostly of the employees playing here are locals because football is their national sport here in KSA. 

Dining - Another amenity here in our camp is company dining, so if you are feeling tired of cooking, you can drop down to the dining and choose your meal to eat. Sometimes when i don't feel cooking my food or need urgent meal, i come here to buy some food. 

Other Amenities 

Commissary - This is one of the most essential amenities here in our camp, the commissary, this is where we are buying our basic needs like food, water, vegetables, fruits and meats. The commissary is big and almost complete with all the basic necessities one should require. 

I could not imagine how blessed i am to be part of this company, being in this company is truly a dream come true. Those are some of the amenities that we have here in our camp and there are still a lot more i did not mention. If you are here in the Kingdom let me know how is your living situation and accommodation by dropping a comment below. 

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