The Riyadh Refinery, operated by Saudi Aramco, is one of the most strategically important downstream assets in the central region of Saudi Arabia. Established in the mid-1970s, it has steadily evolved into a highly reliable and efficient refining complex with a processing capacity of approximately 120,000–130,000 barrels per day. Located near the Kingdom’s capital, the refinery plays a pivotal role in meeting the domestic energy demand of the Riyadh region, which is one of the fastest-growing commercial and industrial hubs in the Middle East.
The refinery produces a wide range of essential petroleum products including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and other refined outputs. Its central geographical position enables efficient supply through robust transportation networks, supporting commercial markets, industrial facilities, transportation sectors, and aviation hubs across central Saudi Arabia.
Over decades of operation, the Riyadh Refinery has built a reputation for high reliability, strong process stability, and consistent product quality—making it a cornerstone of Saudi Aramco’s domestic supply chain and the Kingdom’s long-term energy security framework.
To maintain high operational excellence, the Riyadh Refinery has undergone several modernization programs aimed at enhancing refining efficiency, increasing processing flexibility, and supporting cleaner fuel production. Major upgrades have been carried out on hydroprocessing units, enabling the facility to refine heavier and more complex crude oil types while still meeting international-quality product specifications.
The refinery’s catalytic reforming systems have been upgraded to improve octane levels in gasoline while optimizing hydrogen recovery for downstream units. Enhanced hydrogen management facilities and utilities infrastructure have improved process stability, reduced energy losses, and extended the operational lifecycle of major units.
These modernization initiatives have significantly minimized unplanned shutdowns, improved refining margins, and strengthened product quality. As a result, the refinery consistently meets stringent global fuel standards, ensuring cleaner, more efficient fuels for the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding transportation and aviation sectors.
Through continuous technology-driven improvements, the Riyadh Refinery remains a model of operational safety, reliability, and efficiency within the region’s refining sector.
Environmental stewardship has been a major priority for the Riyadh Refinery in recent years. Advanced sulfur recovery units and tail-gas treatment systems have been deployed to significantly reduce sulfur dioxide emissions, contributing to better air quality in the central region of the Kingdom.
Energy-efficiency programs, such as heat-recovery optimization, waste-heat utilization, and enhanced process integration, have successfully lowered fuel consumption and reduced the refinery’s carbon footprint. These initiatives align with Saudi Aramco’s long-term sustainability objectives and the Kingdom’s national environmental goals.
The refinery continues to invest in advanced monitoring systems, emission-control technologies, and water conservation initiatives to further improve environmental performance. By implementing these measures, the refinery ensures that it operates responsibly while maintaining world-class operational standards.
Today, the Riyadh Refinery remains a vital element of Saudi Aramco’s domestic refining network—supporting downstream growth, ensuring stable supply of essential fuels, and contributing significantly to Saudi Arabia’s long-term energy stability and sustainability vision.