Aramco Extracts From Date Seeds Innovative Method for Drilling Operations

Part of the practical experiments conducted by Aramco's EXPEC ARC (Advanced Research Center) on Date Kernel Extract
Part of the practical experiments conducted by Aramco's EXPEC ARC (Advanced Research Center) on Date Kernel Extract
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Aramco Extracts From Date Seeds Innovative Method for Drilling Operations

Part of the practical experiments conducted by Aramco's EXPEC ARC (Advanced Research Center) on Date Kernel Extract
Part of the practical experiments conducted by Aramco's EXPEC ARC (Advanced Research Center) on Date Kernel Extract

A senior researcher at Saudi Aramco’s Exploration and Petroleum Engineering Center – Advanced Research Center’s (EXPEC ARC) – was picking dates from a palm tree in his garden in Dhahran in September 2015 when he was inspired by the idea that the leftover seeds could be a possible alternative to the nutshells that were commonly used to manufacture drilling fluid products.

The next morning, the center designed a plan to implement the tests which lead to a new technology to fill porous areas that cause the loss of oil drilling fluids.

This would achieve Aramco’s objectives by increasing the effectiveness of the program’s goals to enhance the overall value-added of the supply sector within Saudi Arabia, increase national technical expertise and create jobs.

This gardening pastime triggered the researcher’s inherent curiosity to examine the use of various waste components of the date palm tree — pruning waste, leaflets, fruits caps, and deceased date trees.

At the EXPEC ARC lab, the testing went better than the researcher could have expected as the date seeds revealed properties that met, and even exceeded, the imported nutshells.

According to EXPEC, additional local sources were researched to expand preliminary tests, leading to the Date Research Institute in al-Hasa.

The institute arranged for a visit by the researcher’s team, during which it gathered various date seeds from different types of trees and regions to replicate and broaden the testing phase.

The team discovered that all varieties of date seeds fell into a tight range of mechanical properties — all of which were suitable for manufacturing a new product.

Based on such early work, a patent was filed to protect the idea for future development as a potential business.

The first test showed remarkable performance and determined that the compound effectively seals rock formations in oil and gas wells while drilling and was, therefore, the start of the official journey of ARC Plug development.

After reviewing the technology, the team identified local strategic partners to process and produce date seeds in bulk according to the required particle sizes and specifications.

After that, it was time for the new product to see light outside the laboratory.

EXPEC researchers worked closely with competent drilling engineers and drilling fluid specialists to identify potential oil wells with conditions applicable for ARC Plug.

After selecting three wells, it was time for the phase of pumping this “valuable” material downhole.



Saudi Arabia Leads Global Market Growth in 2024 with Over 55 Listings

The Financial Markets Forum 2025 kicked off in Riyadh under the theme “Empowering the Future of Financial Markets”. (Financial Markets Forum 2025)
The Financial Markets Forum 2025 kicked off in Riyadh under the theme “Empowering the Future of Financial Markets”. (Financial Markets Forum 2025)
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Saudi Arabia Leads Global Market Growth in 2024 with Over 55 Listings

The Financial Markets Forum 2025 kicked off in Riyadh under the theme “Empowering the Future of Financial Markets”. (Financial Markets Forum 2025)
The Financial Markets Forum 2025 kicked off in Riyadh under the theme “Empowering the Future of Financial Markets”. (Financial Markets Forum 2025)

Saudi Arabia’s stock market has emerged as the fastest-growing in the world in 2024, with over 55 initial public offerings (IPOs) across various sectors. This surge has created diverse investment opportunities for both local and international investors, supported by major banks facilitating IPO participation. Additionally, more than 15 new listings are awaiting regulatory approval.

These developments were highlighted at the Financial Markets Forum 2025, which began in Riyadh under the theme “Empowering the Future of Financial Markets.” The three-day event, running until February 20, brings together top financial leaders and decision-makers to discuss the future of global financial markets.

Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih said the Kingdom’s debt market remains underdeveloped compared to its potential, accounting for less than 4% of GDP—significantly below the G20 average of 40%. He encouraged Saudi companies to explore raising capital through bond and sukuk issuances.

Saudi Arabia’s next challenge is upgrading from emerging to advanced market status, he revealed. The Kingdom has already demonstrated its ability to adapt by successfully joining major emerging market indices such as MSCI and FTSE within two years of the Vision 2030 launch.

Green investment

Al-Falih highlighted a growing interest from Asian investors in the Saudi market, attributing this to major investments in tourism, transportation, and logistics, which have strengthened the financial sector.

Regarding green investment, he said Saudi Arabia has made sustainability a key priority, moving from an oil-dependent economy to a diversified one. He cited the success of the LEAP Conference as evidence of Saudi Arabia’s rising global investment influence.

He also discussed the insurance sector, which currently contributes about 2% of GDP, with a target to increase this to 8%. He pointed out significant growth opportunities in specialized insurance fields, including property and life insurance.

Al-Falih noted that several sectors, which were almost nonexistent before Saudi Vision 2030, have since experienced substantial growth, with some achieving double-digit annual increases despite global economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

UK-Saudi trade relations

UK Investment Minister Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to expanding trade with Saudi Arabia. She highlighted efforts to increase direct flights and facilitate electronic visa applications to strengthen economic ties.

Speaking at a panel discussion, she emphasized the UK-Saudi strategic partnership, stating that the upcoming free trade agreement between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) could boost trade by 18%. She also stressed the importance of fostering business relationships through joint events to drive economic cooperation.

Regarding renewable energy, the minister praised Vision 2030 as a global model for sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Moreover, she underscored the UK’s strengths as an investment hub, citing its modern industrial strategy, robust financial infrastructure, and world-class academic institutions as key factors attracting investors.

Saudi stock market

Sarah Al-Suhaimi, Chairperson the Board of Directors of Saudi Tadawul Group, described the forum as a key platform for discussing the resilience of financial markets amid evolving economic conditions and identifying emerging opportunities.

Meanwhile, Tadawul CEO Mohammed Al-Rumaih noted that Saudi Arabia’s stock market recorded more than 55 IPOs in 2024, with exceptionally high subscription rates—exceeding 1,000% in the main market and 400% in the parallel market (Nomu).

Saudi Arabia had the highest number of company listings worldwide in 2024, marking a significant milestone, he stated.

“We celebrated the listing of 400 financial instruments and launched a new capital system—one of our most innovative developments,” he added.

With 15 banks now active in the Saudi stock market, IPO subscriptions have surged, with Nomu witnessing a 50% increase.

The forum featured panel discussions on global economic trends, regional market shifts, capital allocation strategies, and investment opportunities amid economic transformations.

Topics included the role of commodities in driving economic growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council, strategies for financing renewable energy projects, and infrastructure investments to support Saudi Arabia’s sustainability goals.