Aramco Downstream President outlines strategic expansion for refining & chemicals

At a recent event, the Aramco Downstream President, Mohammed Al-Qahtani, outlined the Saudi company’s strategic plans for expansion in the refining and chemical sectors, further strengthening the role of conventional energy generation. As the world enters a future that will undoubtedly see an increase in energy demand across the board, the role of the downstream refining and chemicals sectors will remain as strong as an ox. Despite the overarching proclivity for the renewable sector, the world needs to expand downstream operations to meet the exceedingly high energy demands of the global market.

Aramco is one of the most important organizations in the energy sector

Aramco has existed in some form or another for nearly 100 years, and as of 2024, it is the fourth-largest company in the world by revenue. Pointing to the substantial financial return that the downstream energy sector presents.

At the recent 2025 International Downstream Conference and Exhibition, organized by the Gulf Downstream Association, Aramco’s President outlined the company’s strategic expansion for the downstream sector. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is among the most influential energy-rich nations of the world and a leader in the Gulf region.

At the conference, Aramco’s downstream President highlighted the global market seeing an increase in energy demand. He also noted Aramco’s presence in refining and chemicals reinforces its position as a trusted partner in the global downstream sector.

“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.” – Aramco President of Refining, Chemicals, and Marketing Mohammed Al-Qahtani

Al-Qahtani expressed confidence in Aramco’s ability to thrive in the energy sector

In his speech to the International Downstream Conference and Exhibition, Al-Qahtani noted the importance of technological innovation and workforce development in the sector, which will drive transformation in the refining, chemicals, and marketing sectors.

By expanding its downstream presence, Aramco can contribute to energy security and support a reduction in emissions, which has been the goal of the global energy sector since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2016.

Aramco boasts an impressive portfolio in emerging fields such as retail, fuels, and trading, which exemplifies the company’s ability to thrive in an increasingly carbon-conscious world.

The International Downstream Conference and Exhibition brings together the relevant stakeholders in the downstream sector

The event is seen as a leading regional event in the Middle East, which brings together global energy professionals and institutions in order to explore and discuss opportunities for cooperation through strategic partnerships, and additionally serves as the perfect place to address any issues in the sector.

As the world is embroiled in calls for a more balanced mix between oil, gas, and the renewable energy sector, Aramco will serve as the cornerstone of the global energy market for many years to come.

“The world still needs more energy…Our global downstream presence, supported by strategic overseas investments, is reinforcing our position as a trusted partner in refining and petrochemicals. As we expand across the portfolio in developing arenas such as retail, fuels, and trading, we remain confident in our ability to thrive in an increasingly carbon-conscious world” – Aramco President of Refining, Chemicals, and Marketing Mohammed Al-Qahtani

Aramco will continue to lead the global energy sector’s expansion into the future

Considering the lengthy experience that Aramco has in the global energy sector, it would be a safe assumption that the company will continue to lead the global expansion of the downstream sector for the foreseeable future. That expanding nature of the Gulf region has resulted in the monetization of pipelines in that part of the world. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has relied on the conventional energy generation sector for generations, and will continue to serve as a global leader in the sector.