Marafiq Launches New Corporate Website

Marafiq launched its new corporate website to serve as information hub and its window to the world. The current website features enriched content and dynamic functionalities that will provide easy navigation and accessibility.

Mr. Abdul Rahman S. Abahusain, VP Finance, set up a joint steering committee headed by the Public Relations and Communication Department to look into various aspects of the website to give them a broader spectrum and make them user friendly.

An active feedback mechanism between the executive management, department heads and developers ensured that improvements are properly incorporated in the site. Marafiq acquired the services of Sara United Advertising Agency to design the website.

The English and Arabic versions were simultaneously launched with both website containing important information about the company including current business opportunities and major projects underway.

The website serves as the gateway to the world of power and water utilities in Jubail and Yanbu. Marafiq utilizes the power of online technology to connect its businesses to the rest of the world.

Thamer Al-Sharhan is New President and CEO

Thamer Al-Sharhan, former President of the Saudi Petrochemical Company (SADAF) has taken over Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (Marafiq) as its new Chief Executive Officer since September 1. Al-Sharhan replaces Abdullah S. Al-Marei who completed his term in June this year.

Al-Sharhan graduated in Chemical engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) and started his career with Petrokemya as plant engineer in 1983. "I was not really keen to take up employment with SABIC, nor, for that matter, with Saudi Aramco - the two main employers of KFUPM graduates. I wanted to enter the desalination business. However, my career advisor convinced me that Petrokemya was the right place to be since it was a new project and offered many challenges and opportunities," Al-Sharhan said.

He was later sent to a Union Carbide plant in Taft, Louisiana, in the United States for training. Those first few years as a young, inquisitive engineer gave him a solid foundation in the petrochemical industry. He progressed from being a production engineer in the Ethylene Department to becoming a section manager and them Department Manager of Ports and Utilities.

In 1994, Al-Sharhan was sent on deputation to SABIC for a short assignment to review the port operations in Jubail. This assignment required him to go to Rotterdam, Holland where he was a member of the Port Project Management Team working with consultants. The project was delayed and his sort stay turned into months and eventually was asked to stay for the next 12 months.

Then opportunity struck and in 1996 he was given the responsibility to lead SABIC's new port development project called SABIC Terminal Services (SABTANK). A joint venture between SABIC and a Dutch company, VOBAK, which had vast experience in terminal and port operations.