Khalid Al-Falih

Khalid Abdulaziz Al-Falih is a renowned Saudi business executive acclaimed for his influential roles in global energy sector leadership. He significantly contributed to Saudi industry by holding several prominent positions across ministries, universities, and economic institutions. Most notably, Al-Falih served as the CEO and president of Saudi Aramco, the national petroleum giant, steering the company toward major expansions. He later assumed the role of Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources, spearheading critical policy development and industrial growth.

Khalid Al-Falih followed in footsteps of his father, who worked at Aramco for 47 years before retirement.

At Arageek, we appreciate such inspiring careers as Khalid Al-Falih’s—careers that drive national development, global collaboration, and cultural growth. His trajectory offers valuable insights into dedication, resilience, and the lasting impact a single individual can achieve in shaping macroeconomic dynamics.

Born on January 1, 1960, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Al-Falih hails from a family originally from the city of Zulfi. His father, Abdulaziz Al-Falih, held a position at Saudi Aramco’s material supply division for nearly five decades. Khalid spent his early schooling in Riyadh before joining his father in Dammam, where he studied at Aramco-associated model schools, subsequently completing his secondary education in local public schools.

After finishing high school in 1976, Khalid enrolled at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, but only stayed for a year before circumstances led him abroad. While visiting his father, who had moved temporarily to Houston, Texas, Khalid discovered Texas A&M University. Driven by ambition and curiosity, he applied, secured admission and an Aramco scholarship, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1982.

In 1986, Khalid Al-Falih married Najah, an accomplished scholar holding master’s and doctoral degrees in geography. Najah is currently teaching at the College of Arts in Dammam. Together, they have raised five children—two sons and three daughters—all well-educated.

– Al-Falih is the third Saudi citizen to serve as CEO of Saudi Aramco.

– Throughout nearly three decades of tenure, he steadily climbed the professional ladder within Aramco, following his father’s footsteps.

– Al-Falih has one brother and four sisters, being the eldest among his siblings.

Khalid Al-Falih’s professional journey is marked by impressive milestones that played crucial roles not only in Saudi Arabia’s economy but also globally. His career at Saudi Aramco began in the late 1980s, where he dedicated over 27 years serving the world’s largest oil corporation. His various roles included:

In May 2016, by Royal Decree, Al-Falih took office as Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources. Beyond Aramco, he led several strategic Saudi institutions, including the Saudi Industrial Property Authority (“MODON”), Saudi Exports Development Authority, Saudi Geological Survey, Saudi Industrial Development Fund, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, and King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy. Additionally, he chaired Saudi Arabia’s mining giant, Ma’aden.

A strong advocate for educational advancement, he co-founded the Board of Trustees of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. He also actively contributed to global forums and advisory councils such as the World Economic Forum, Asia Business Council, and MIT’s Presidential Advisory Committee.

Beyond energy, Khalid Al-Falih championed community-focused initiatives, notably chairing civic bodies such as the Dammam Municipal Council and the Prince Sultan Fund supporting women’s small enterprises.

Al-Falih’s active participation extends to professional organizations globally, like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Oxford Energy Forum, underlining his influential international stature. His work not only reshaped Saudi Arabia’s industrial landscape but also deepened strategic international partnerships, ensuring long-term sustainability and prosperity.