In the welcoming city of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, cost engineer Hussein Abushehada is embracing a life of growth and opportunity with Aramco. Hussein’s journey has been marked by open-mindedness and a commitment to a life of learning and personal fulfillment.
Hussein embarked on his Aramco adventure in 2023, inspired by a casual chat during a soccer game with a friend. Bringing with him valuable experiences from ExxonMobil and NOVA Chemicals in Canada, he found the transition smooth despite some initial challenges like navigating new stores and adapting to different driving conditions. Although the move came with a few misconceptions, Hussein quickly discovered that life in Saudia Arabia offered many of the same comforts he enjoyed in Canada – including restaurants, shopping malls, and many other activities. This transformative experience also presented countless opportunities for Hussein and his family to learn and explore together.
Navigating Saudi life
Right from the start, Hussein's transition was supported by Aramco team members which consisted of a welcoming community of expats and locals. The Aramco compound, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, offers a range of activities fostering vibrant community life. Hussein enjoys playing soccer and paddle tennis among other activities and has made numerous friendships. Aramco’s My Community App further facilitates connections with people of similar interests, enhancing the sense of community.
Hussein’s social connections extend beyond the compound. He is part of five soccer teams and several WhatsApp groups, made up of Canadian expats and other supportive newcomers. These groups offer support, share ideas, and provide practical advice, helping newcomers navigate Saudi life.
“We have people who have been here for years who can help and support with any questions you have. And people go out of their way to help and support you,” he says.
This sense of community extends to his family as well.
Hussein’s family thrives in this environment. His children benefit from Aramco’s excellent educational facilities, while his wife enjoys planning trips across the region to destinations like Qatar, Bahrain, and Dubai, each offering a wealth of attractions, activities and dining experiences. His parents also look forward to their visits to Saudi Arabia, where they deeply appreciate the area’s rich cultural traditions.
Living in Saudi Arabia allows Hussein to connect deeply with his heritage. As a Muslim, proximity to Makkah is particularly enriching. He has performed Umrah twice, finding the experience profoundly rewarding. He values the opportunity to experience the region's rich cultural traditions and history.
Being part of something larger
While his personal life flourished, Hussein also saw exciting growth in his professional journey. Shortly after joining Aramco, Hussein was promoted to oversee capital expenditure projects. His role now involves collaborating with diverse Aramco business lines to craft comprehensive three-year business plans for the company.
“It's projects in South America, Asia, the U.S., and everywhere. And even within the Kingdom, there are projects like Al Qadsiah for example, which is a soccer team in Saudi Arabia owned by Aramco,” shares Hussein. “It’s a scale and complexity that few professionals in my field get to work on. I’m very proud of our team and our forecasting.”
One of the most compelling aspects of Hussein’s role at Aramco is the scale and diversity of projects. Beyond oil and gas, Aramco's projects expand into sports properties and stadiums, helping drive economic and cultural development, and positively impacting the lives of thousands of people in the Kingdom. Hussein finds immense satisfaction in being part of such transformative efforts.
Embracing opportunity
Hussein’s journey at Aramco exemplifies the valuable opportunities that come with approaching life with openness and curiosity. His advice to other professionals considering opportunities with Aramco is to be open to trying new things.
“Come with an open mind. The company is more than willing to invest in you, give you the training, and provide opportunities that are hard to find anywhere else,” says Hussein.
Looking back, he reflects on how this chapter has profoundly enriched his family’s life and redefined what’s possible in his career.
Hussein Abushehada’s story is more than a successful career – it’s a transformative journey of personal growth, opportunity, and fulfillment in a region at the forefront of global innovation.
