Digitalization

Technology development

Our Digital Transformation program enables us to utilize the latest breakthroughs in digital technology so we can deliver tomorrow’s energy more safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Key to our vision is how we foster digital innovation, partner with leading technology companies and research institutions, and invest in the digital skills of our own workforce. Our aim is to be the world’s leading digitalized energy company. 


What is digitalization?

Technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) are reshaping the global economy, including energy. By employing a variety of cutting-edge technologies—from artificial intelligence (AI), Big Data and analytics, to unmanned vehicles (UVs), blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT)—businesses can benefit from data-led insights, respond in real-time to new challenges, and boost efficiency and productivity. Together, these 4IR technologies are transforming the world of work.

Digitalization and the future of energy

For over a century, oil and gas has played a vital role in the economic transformation of the world, but the industry is on the cusp of a new era. Digital transformation can deliver increased operational efficiency and workplace safety, as well as minimize the carbon footprint of the industry.


What are we doing?

We want to be the leading digitalized energy company. We're deploying digitalization solutions that meet the world’s energy needs while minimizing the carbon footprint of our activities; reducing CO₂ emissions, enhancing fuel efficiency, conserving water, and creating next-generation materials that make consumer products lighter and stronger.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Center

We are achieving this through our dedicated digital innovation centers, which all play a significant role in our Digital Transformation. From supporting the development of new digital technologies, to providing the environment and resources necessary for innovators and entrepreneurs to develop new digital solutions, our digital innovation centers are bringing forward digital technology capabilities and helping us to realize our digitalization ambitions.

 

Leaders in digital technology

Three of our facilities have been recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as “Manufacturing Lighthouses” for their large-scale use of 4IR solutions. Our ‘Uthmaniyah Gas Plant, one of the world’s largest gas processing plants, uses AI solutions to increase productivity while enhancing the reliability of its facilities. The use of drones and wearable technologies at the plant, to inspect pipelines and machinery, has helped cut inspection times by 90 percent.

At our Khurais oil field, we utilize thousands of IoT sensors to monitor and forecast oil well behavior. Through the use of digital technology like this, we have reduced power consumption by 18 percent and maintenance costs by 30 percent, as well as cutting inspection times here by around 40 percent – maximizing the field’s operational efficiency.

Abqaiq, the world’s largest oil processing facility, is our most recent addition to the Global Lighthouse Network. Our deployment of a wide range of 4IR solutions at the Abqaiq facility – such as robots, smart drones, and the use of data and predictive modeling – enabled us to boost its performance and efficiency.

Three of our facilities have been recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as Global Manufacturing Lighthouses: Uthmaniyah Gas Plant (UGP) and our two oil processing facilities in Khurais and Abqaiq.

Digital transformation and localization

We are encouraging technology companies to localize their services and serve Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region from within the Kingdom. We aim to help establish the Kingdom as a hub to provide digital services to the region. The expansion and development of the Kingdom’s technology infrastructure will create new entrepreneurial opportunities, drive further innovation and job growth, and support the diversification of the Kingdom’s economy.