The volunteers of the Society of Petroleum Engineers – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (SPE-KSA) play a vital role in the local community by organizing events, sharing knowledge, and supporting the professional development of members. This segment highlights the passion, dedication, and valuable contributions of the SPE-KSA volunteer base.
Mohammed Alessa
Reservoir Petroleum Engineer
Saudi Aramco, Gas Development Department
My volunteering journey with SPE-KSA has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to contribute meaningfully while growing both personally and professionally. As a dedicated member of the Technical & Professional Programs and Treasury committees, I have had the privilege of playing an active role in advancing SPE-KSA’s mission. One of the highlights of my time with the Technical & Professional Programs committee has been organizing and supporting the NMO program. This unique initiative brings together speakers from diverse backgrounds to engage in roundtable discussions on a single topic, fostering a lively exchange of ideas and perspectives. Witnessing these sessions’ positive impact on attendees—who often express their gratitude for the knowledge shared and the connections made—has been a truly fulfilling experience. Through volunteering, I gained valuable leadership experience, enhanced my organizational skills, and forged meaningful connections with industry professionals and peers. The opportunity to work alongside such a passionate and talented team has been inspiring and has strengthened my commitment to driving positive change within the SPE community. Volunteering with SPE-KSA has not only broadened my professional horizons but also deepened my appreciation for the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. I look forward to continuing this journey and contributing further to the success of SPE-KSA’s impactful initiatives.
Abdullah Bubshait
Reservoir Petroleum Engineer
Saudi Aramco, Gas Development Department
As soon as I started my professional career, SPE became a cornerstone of my personal and professional development, fostering creativity and leadership opportunities that shaped who I am today. With the unwavering support and encouragement of SPE-KSA’s executive board, I was able to explore my potential and take on impactful volunteering activities. One of the most memorable experiences was establishing multiple SPE student chapters and maintaining active communication chapters with other universities by serving on the Student Outreach committee. This journey required me to navigate complex challenges, such as negotiating with university leadership, including deans, department chairs, and professors, to align the chapters with SPE’s global mission and vision. Through these interactions, I evolved my leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, learning to tailor discussions to meet diverse stakeholders’ academic and professional goals. Engaging with students was equally transformative. Mentoring them in structuring and leading their chapter plans taught me the importance of inspiring others to realize their potential. Organizing workshops and field trips further developed my ability to manage logistics and curate impactful learning experiences, bridging academic knowledge with industry practices. These experiences not only deepened my connection to the energy industry but also inspired a sense of purpose and resilience. They reinforced the value of adaptability and collaboration, skills that have been invaluable in my career. SPE allowed me to become a more confident, versatile, and community-oriented professional, demonstrating the organization’s unparalleled role in fostering development and leadership.
Dana Alismail
Geologist
Saudi Aramco, Exploration Business Support Division
Contributing to the continued success of SPE-KSA has been an incredibly rewarding journey over the past months. Through my role with the Public Relations committee, I have honed essential skills while handling the content and design role, contributing to several SPE conferences, and coordinating and leading the SPE-KSA podcast Journey. This podcast has become one of my most memorable experiences, expanding my perspective and providing invaluable lessons and exposure from inspiring leaders in the field of sustainability and energy. It is truly an honor to support SPE-KSA’s mission and vision, as it has offered me countless opportunities to give back to our community and build meaningful connections with professionals and further leaders across our industry.
Mohammed Almannai
Petroleum Engineer
Saudi Aramco, Southern Area Oil Production Engineering Department
I still remember the day I first volunteered with SPE-KSA, as if it were yesterday. Little did I know that moment would mark the beginning of a life-changing journey. As an active volunteer, I have been part of a community that shares my passion for the oil and gas industry. Through SPE-KSA, I have not only expanded my technical knowledge but also discovered a sense of purpose and belonging. Volunteering with SPE-KSA has been a transformative experience that has helped me grow both professionally and personally. It allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from renowned experts, and contribute to meaningful projects shaping our industry’s future. Beyond skills and expertise, the people and camaraderie have impacted me most. Every moment, whether during engaging discussions or lively networking events, has been inspiring and fulfilling. Through SPE-KSA, I have developed valuable skills and formed lasting connections, gaining a deeper understanding of the industry. Volunteering has taught me that giving back is not just about time but about investing in oneself and others. Joining our community can lead to unexpected journeys. For me, it means growth, discovery, and connection. Thank you, SPE-KSA, for being my catalyst for change and helping me become a better version of myself.
Yara Alkhaldi
Petroleum Engineer
Saudi Aramco, EXPEC Advanced Research Center
My journey with SPE-KSA began when a friend invited me to lend a hand as a volunteer at one of their events. What started as a simple help opportunity quickly became a purposeful pursuit. Fast forward two years, and I am now an active member of one of SPE-KSA’s committees, proudly co-leading the Special Programs division within the Human Capital committee. One of our most significant accomplishments, and one I am particularly proud of, is ROSHD—a mentoring program designed to equip both mentors and mentees with essential skills for growth. It has shown how mentorship fosters personal and professional development, helping individuals unlock their full potential. Witnessing the program evolve from initial drafts to its official launch has been thrilling and deeply rewarding. The team’s unwavering support and dedication have been a constant source of inspiration, and it has been an honor to work alongside such talented individuals. I am especially grateful to Afnan Alnahdi and Re’am Alsinan for their guidance and for making my experience within the committee so memorable. While my journey may have started by chance, becoming a part of the SPE-KSA family was a deliberate choice—and one that has been immensely fulfilling.
Alwaleed Alturaif
Petroleum Engineer
Saudi Aramco, Upstream Development Strategy and Reserves Department
Imagine being part of a dynamic movement revolutionizing the energy landscape—a movement where innovators, thought leaders, and passionate individuals unite to shape the future. For me, that movement is SPE-KSA, and I feel privileged to be an integral part of it. From the moment I joined, I knew I was in for an extraordinary ride. The organization’s infectious energy and unwavering commitment to excellence have sparked a fire within me—a flame that burns brighter with each passing day. Through SPE-KSA, I have had the privilege of collaborating with fellow professionals, attending exclusive events, and participating in projects that push the boundaries of what is possible. One of the highlights of my journey has been serving on the Event Management committee, where I have had the opportunity to sharpen my project management skills, think creatively, and work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality events that exceed expectations. Specifically, I have gained hands-on experience in event planning, marketing, and execution, which has not only refined my attention to detail but also taught me the importance of adaptability and effective communication in fast-paced environments. Together, we’re redefining the energy sector, driving innovation, and creating a better tomorrow. I am thrilled to say that this is just the beginning. With SPE-KSA, the possibilities are endless, and I am excited to see what the future holds.
Faris Alghamdi
Planning & Performance Analyst
Saudi Aramco, Producing Planning & Performance Management Department
During my tenure with SPE-KSA Treasury committee, I contributed to financial oversight and strategic decision-making. I played a pivotal role in collaborating with other committees and providing them with the financial insights and resources necessary to execute their initiatives effectively. I also led the enhancement of three different committees with financial support by recommending improvements to funding strategies and cost management practices. I helped bridge the gap between financial planning and execution, ensuring alignment and fostering a culture of accountability. This role allowed me to collaborate passionately to encourage knowledge-sharing and build meaningful time. Also, coming from Aramco’s upstream finance, this new exposure brought me closer to the business. My experience with SPE-KSA reinforced my commitment and opened a continuous window for improvement. Though my time with the society began briefly, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such groups of Incredibly bright Individuals.
Ranyah Albeesh
Planning & Performance Analyst
Saudi Aramco, Reservoir Description & Simulation Department
Volunteering with SPE has been a fulfilling experience that has enriched both my professional and personal journey. Organizing events within the Technical & Professional Programs has given me the privilege of curating dynamic spaces where industry leaders and professionals gather to delve into topics such as leadership, career growth, and financial acumen. These roundtable discussions have extended my experiences beyond our industry, fostering a platform for meaningful connections and collaborations. Furthermore, my work with SandRose Magazine has given me a unique opportunity to engage with exceptional individuals from diverse backgrounds, spotlighting their inspiring stories and expert insights. Every issue has been meticulously crafted from conceptualization to publication with passion, precision, and dedication, reflecting the highest editorial excellence and creativity standards. Through these experiences, I have acquired invaluable skills in event management, content creation, and teamwork while developing a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the energy industry. Moreover, being part of the SPE-SKA community has allowed me to work alongside talented individuals and contribute to initiatives that positively impact our community. It is an honor to contribute to SPE-KSA’s mission and be part of its continued success and legacy.
Abdulelah Bukhari
Planning & Performance Analyst
Saudi Aramco, Reservoir Description & Simulation Department
My journey with SPE-KSA has been filled with memorable moments. As a member of the Admin Coordination and Public Relations committees, I was fortunate to go through some unique experiences. First of all, by leading the SPE-KSA Surveys team, as we went through hundreds of responses after every SPE-KSA event, I was able to garner a comprehensive overview of the attendee’s preferences and learn more about the section’s activities, helping improve SPE-KSA to more incredible successes and enhancing my data analysis skills. In addition to that, my experience with the Public Relations committee has given me a unique outlook on SPE-KSA from the perspective of the public, as gauging audience reaction and seeing how they respond to social media posts has developed my communication and critical thinking skills and has given me a different viewpoint on the perception of SPE-KSA, with Public Relations committee I also worked on the SPE-KSA podcast, Journey, which was a fascinating adventure to go through, as being a part of this platform was instrumental to my professional growth with the podcast tackling the pillars of sustainability and volunteerism among others and hosting industry professionals as guests, allowing me to have a first-hand experience with them and learn from their expertise, which contributed greatly to my career development.