The Research and Development Center reflects the company's continuing and expanding commitment to the future of petroleum research, to development in the Kingdom, and to achievement in research. This new facility will enable scientists and engineers to effect a shift in focus from service orientation to a blend of specialized services and applied research.

With completion of the new, state-of-the-art Research and Development Center, Saudi Aramco has made a strong commitment to expand applied R&D by developing innovative techniques and acquiring advanced technologies. Research within the R&D Center is focused upon both upstream and downstream corporate operations. In addition, emphasis is placed upon providing research in the material and analytical sciences.

Saudi Aramco's Research and Development Center provides timely and cost-effective applied research in support of its industrial and environmental objectives. As a corporate research facility, the Center offers the following services:

• Corporate-wide research to meet company objectives focuses upon upstream research (reservoir - production), downstream research (gas plants - refineries), material sciences, and environmental research. Technical support and troubleshooting are also provided.
• Advanced laboratory services provides company-wide advanced analytical support to proponents such as Exploration, Producing, Manufacturing, Engineering & Operations Services, and area laboratories.
• Research and program coordination is provided by Saudi Aramco to academic institutions both in-Kingdom and out-of-kingdom.
• Intellectual Asset Management is a group formed by Saudi Aramco for the protection and development of its intellectual property. This team, within the R&D Center, manages patents and markets newly discovered technologies and inventions.