Business & Investors

Khaled Abdullah Al Buraik is a distinguished petroleum engineering expert with over three and a half decades of leadership experience at Saudi Aramco. He holds a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering with honors from the University of Petroleum and Minerals (1984) and a master’s degree with first honors from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (1987).

Mr. Al Buraik’s illustrious career began in academia as a faculty member at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals before joining Saudi Aramco in 1987. His expertise was further enhanced during his secondment with Exxon in Houston, where he contributed to crucial well drilling research projects.

Throughout his tenure at Saudi Aramco, Mr. Al Buraik held several pivotal executive positions, including Chief Petroleum Engineer, where he orchestrated the development of major fields and drove the company’s production capacity to 12 million barrels per day. As Senior Vice President for Public and Government Relations, he spearheaded the development of the King Abdulaziz Cultural Center (Ithra) and strengthened the company’s community engagement initiatives.

His leadership as Senior Vice President for Southern Area Production Operations (2016-2024) was marked by significant achievements, including managing the world’s largest water injection plant and oil stabilization facility. Notably, he led the remarkable recovery efforts following the 2019 attacks on Khurais and Abqaiq facilities, restoring full production capacity in less than 10 days. Under his guidance, the region achieved the highest possible digitalization rating and multiple facilities earned World Economic Forum Lighthouse certifications.

Following his retirement from Saudi Aramco in April 2024, Mr. Al Buraik was appointed by Royal Decree as a member of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council in September 2024, where he continues to contribute his extensive expertise to the Kingdom’s legislative and advisory body. He currently serves as the Chairman of SANAD (Saudi Aramco Nabors Drilling), Vice Chairman of TAQA, and holds board positions at International Maritime Industries and ARGAS. His expertise in the energy sector is further recognized through his active membership in various professional organizations, including the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the International Association of Drilling Contractors.

Mr. Al-Ghadhban serves as Executive Vice President – Ventures & Chief Investment Officer. He is responsible for the development and implementation of TAQA’s strategy toward its invested companies (joint Venture).

He joined TAQA in 2006 and has held several senior positions within the Company since, including General Manager for Finance and Administration and Acting CEO of Jubail Energy Services Company (JESCO). Prior to joining TAQA, Mr. Al-Ghadhban spent six years in Saudi Aramco’s Treasury Department and four as the CFO in health sector.

Mr. Al-Ghadhban holds a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Denver, US and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Washington State University, US.

Abdulrahman Al-Belushi is Deputy Minister of Mineral Resource Management, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.

In his current role as Assistant Deputy Minister for Mining Enablement, Abdulrahman spearheads critical initiatives, including leading the licensing rounds, Exploration Incentive Scheme, and infrastructure support. Regularly leading the Ministry delegation in various international engagements, his expertise in exploration policies and opportunities development plays a vital role in driving the growth and competitiveness of the Saudi Arabian mining sector.

With a diverse and impressive background in the field of geology and strategic planning, Abdulrahman was promoted to Assistant Deputy Minister from Head of Mining Strategy at the Ministry, where he played a key role in formulating the nation’s new mining strategy, setting the stage for sustainable development within the industry to meet the Vision 2030 objectives.

Prior to his work at the Ministry, Abdulrahman served as the Head of Execution & Transformation Unit at the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) in 2019. His tenure marked a pivotal period where SGS launched its transformation to become one of the leading geological surveys by focusing on core functions, and mining sector enablement.
Abdulrahman also served as the Director of Mining Portfolio at the National Industrial Development & Logistics Program (NIDLP) in Riyadh, KSA, between 2017 to 2019. He was among the founding members of NIDLP, actively contributing to stakeholder alignment, program governance, funding procedures, strategy stress testing, and the formulation of the initial delivery plan.

Abdulrahman holds two master’s degrees in Mining & Energy Economics from the Colorado School of Mines and the Institute of French Petroleum (IFP), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Geosciences from the Pennsylvania State University. He is also affiliated with the Saudi Association for Energy Economics and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

Yahia Al Shangiti is the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of the Arabian Geophysical and Surveying Company (ARGAS), a leading geophysical services company since 1966.

Eng. Al Shangiti brings over 32 years of leadership experience in the mining and resource development sectors. His distinguished career includes executive roles at major national and private organizations such as Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden), Maaden Gold & Base Metal Company and Al Masane Al Kobra Mining Co. (AMAK), where he served as CEO. He is also the Chairman of Masharef Advanced Company for Geological Consulting and currently sits on several corporate boards, including ARGAS.

Yahia’s expertise spans mine development, operational excellence, cost optimization, and environmental management capabilities that align perfectly with ARGAS’s evolving strategy and diversification goals. He holds a BSc in Mining Engineering from King Abdulaziz University and an MSc in Mineral Industry & Environment Management from the University of Leeds.

Farid is currently a Director of the Industrials and Mining Sector at the Public Investment Fund (PIF), where he has played a role in building the fund’s presence in the mining industry.

Prior to joining PIF, he was Head of M&A covering Europe, North America and the Middle East for Huhtamaki a leading Finnish packaging company with global operations. Farid worked as M&A manager at ArcelorMittal, a multinational steel and mining company and has also worked with a focus on oil and gas as Vice President at Barclays Investment Banking, in London. He started his career with Deloitte Corporate Finance in Dubai where he was an Associate.

Farid is a board member of the Middle East Paper Company (MEPCO) and Arabian Geophysical & Surveying Company (ARGAS). He is also an Executive Committee member of Manara Minerals Investment Company.

Farid has a BA in Finance from the American University of Beirut.

Yahia Al Shangiti is the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of the Arabian Geophysical and Surveying Company (ARGAS), a leading geophysical services company since 1966.

Eng. Al Shangiti brings over 32 years of leadership experience in the mining and resource development sectors. His distinguished career includes executive roles at major national and private organizations such as Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden), Maaden Gold & Base Metal Company and Al Masane Al Kobra Mining Co. (AMAK), where he served as CEO. He is also the Chairman of Masharef Advanced Company for Geological Consulting and currently sits on several corporate boards, including ARGAS.

Yahia’s expertise spans mine development, operational excellence, cost optimization, and environmental management capabilities that align perfectly with ARGAS’s evolving strategy and diversification goals. He holds a BSc in Mining Engineering from King Abdulaziz University and an MSc in Mineral Industry & Environment Management from the University of Leeds.

With more than 18 years of extensive experience in finance and corporate strategy, Mr. Al Tuwaijri is a seasoned financial leader specializing in financial strategy, management, and operational efficiency. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and an MBA, both from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM).

Hisham’s notable professional journey includes serving as the Corporate Development Executive Director at TAQA and as the Treasury and Risk Management Manager at JESCO. He has successfully led multiple acquisitions both locally and internationally, demonstrating his expertise in M&A, risk management, and corporate governance. Hisham is known for his ability to secure funding for key projects and drive organizational growth through effective financial planning and compliance.

A strong advocate for team leadership, Hisham is committed to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in finance.

Mr. Al Qahtani is a seasoned executive leader who brings over 20 years of extensive, diversified experience in strategic management and leadership, including 14 years in senior managerial positions. He has a proven track record of aligning critical business functions—from corporate support services to revenue generation—with the company’s strategic goals. He has held pivotal leadership roles across multiple sectors, consistently demonstrating the capability to drive organizational success and sustainable growth.

As Chief of Staff at ARGAS, Mohammed oversees a comprehensive and critical suite of departments, encompassing Corporate Services and the Sales & Business Development function. This oversight ensures the strategic direction and effective management of core operations while actively driving the company’s business growth agenda.

Renowned for his forward-thinking approach, Mr. Mohammed has held leadership roles in multinational organizations across industries such as Oil & Gas, Environmental Services, and Chemicals. He places a strong emphasis on innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement, ensuring the organization not only meets its tactical objectives but builds a strong foundation for long-term sustainable business growth.

Mário Guedes is an executive with a proven track record of more than 25 years in the energy, environment and mining sectors. He holds a master’s degree in mining engineering, a master’s degree in environmental management and is currently developing his PhD in Energy Systems and Climate Change.

He is a specialist in project management, geographic information systems, evaluation of mining and renewable energy assets, social responsibility and public management policies. As a consultant, he has integrated a wide range of mining due diligence teams and other mining related projects.

Mario was responsible for the management and monitoring of more than 10 environmental rehabilitation projects in old mining areas, with an investment over 30M€. As a consultant, he has integrated a wide range of mining due diligence teams and other mining related projects.

Dr. El Hakim is a seasoned professional with over 21 years of experience in water resources and environmental management. He has held key leadership roles at Schlumberger, where his leadership successfully transformed the Saudi Arabian water business into a steady and profitable operation and helped in establishing the geothermal business in Saudi Arabia, leading high-profile projects for MEWA, NEOM, Royal Commission of Riyadh City and other organizations.

He holds a PhD in Water Sciences Engineering from Montpellier 2 University, and a Master’s degree in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Geostatistics, and Geochemistry from Pierre et Marie Curie University (Paris VI).

Dr. Massaad’s expertise spans water resources, environmental consultancy, and geothermal energy. His leadership resulted in significant improvements in project execution, cost management, and business development across multiple sectors in the GCC and beyond.

Soufiane Azzi holds a BSc in Geophysics from INHC Boumerdes (Algeria). He began his professional journey in 2000 with SLB, where he spent 21 years contributing to a range of roles across the company. He started with field positions, gaining hands-on experience before transitioning into operational management, focusing primarily on the seismic business. He also took on recruitment responsibilities and a product champion role. Notably, Soufiane managed the two largest land seismic crews for Westerngeco worldwide, located in Saudi Arabia, a testament to his leadership and expertise. His final position at SLB was as the manager of Cameroon in Algeria, where he oversaw operations in the region for a year and a half before leaving the company.

After his successful tenure at SLB, Soufiane joined ARGAS as the Director of Commercial & Collaborations. In this role, he played a key part in securing strategic collaborations with leading technology companies, further enhancing ARGAS’s position in the industry.