Saudi Aramco is determined to ensure that it continues to maintain its position as the world's largest oil producer for many years to come, the company's chief executive Khalid al-Falih has claimed.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Mr al-Falih said that the Aramco of today would be unrecognisable to an employee worked for the company 30 years ago, at which time it was a strictly land-based exploration and production company.

Saudi Arabia boasts the world's largest proven and probable oil reserves and Aramco has long been the world's largest oil producer, with average output said to be roughly four times that of Exxon Mobil's.

However, Mr al-Falih stressed that to maintain this position the company needs to diversify into new fields, such as gas shale plays and offshore fields, and ensure that its workforce is highly trained in the latest extraction technologies.

Aramco has provided substantial contributions to the country's Saudization programme, which aims to maximise local employment opportunities in the oil and gas industry through training and development.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development