The Saudi Aramco Research and Development (R&D) Centre in Dhahran has become the first facility in the Middle East to achieve ISO 129001 accreditation.

In achieving the certificate, Aramco's R&D centre was tested for adherence to high standards in quality management and research excellence.

According to the Saudi Gazette, the centre was deemed to have achieved international recognition in its R&D standards, while it was also found to be complying with Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems criteria outlined by the ISO.

The paper states that training staff to achieve these standards has been the "fruit of great efforts for a long time", with the company now recognised as a leader in research and management in the global oil and gas industry.

Saudi Aramco has also opened a new oil and gas safety training centre as part of a joint venture between Rawabi Holding Company and United Safety Limited of Canada.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development