A one-stop-shop for all quality requirements in oil and gas, RICI is present at all major projects including Spark, Marjan, Haradh and Hawyyah, OMPP, Jazan Economic City, Petro Rabigh, Saudi Aramco wellsites, and the Bapco Modernisation Programme

RICI has grown extensively in the past three years in terms of capacity and capability, and recently underwent expansion in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Commenting on these developments, Rabii Taifour, RICI Regional Business Development Manager – Mena, tells Abdulaziz Khattak of OGN: "We are proud of our recent expansion in the region especially in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, starting with revamping of our main branches of RICI in Dammam, Jeddah and Jazan, and inauguration of new branches in Riyadh, Hassa, Haradh, Jubail and Safaniyah."

The company also opened laboratories in Bahrain’s Manama and Hidd areas, and added new lines of services for lifting inspections, analytical maintenance, industrial chemical testing, and non-destructive testing (NDT).

"Our scope has expanded in both capacity and capability over the last three years without compromising quality,’ says Taifour.

A one-stop-shop for all quality requirements of the oil and gas sector, RICI plays a vital role as a third-party service provider for inspections, material testing, chemical testing, calibrations, certifications and training. The company holds several accreditations and approvals from local and international authorities.

Taifour ... overcoming challenges

RICI is present in almost every project in the oil and gas sector. "One way or another we get involved in all projects due to our many lines of service, especially in major projects, including Spark, Marjan, Haradh and Hawyyah, OMPP, Jazan Economic City, Petro Rabigh, and Saudi Aramco wellsites in Saudi Arabia, and the Bapco Modernisation Programme in in Bahrain," says Taifour.

With Saudi Aramco, RICI has several direct SFC, MFC and LFC contracts for different services, and indirect contracts through contractors and subcontractors. Recently, the company completed ISO projects for Aramco’s Shaybah Plant, training projects for its LPD and R&D Center, completed and renewed civil testing for the oil giant’s drilling and workover (D&WO) wellsite, chemical testing for Jeddah Terminal, and has ongoing contracts for calibration at the Haradh and Uthmaniyah Plants.

Similar to other companies, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has posed operational challenges for RICI as well. But the company has managed to overcome them and achieved project timelines as agreed with clients.

A challenge faced during the pandemic was conventional classroom training. To overcome that, RICI customised online training and auditing solutions to replace the conventional classroom in order to abide with health regulations during the Covid-19 situation.

RICI also obtained international accreditations for online solutions in order to ensure continuity of the projects.

Furthermore, RICI customised methods of providing technical services in order to minimise human interaction. "This was highly appreciated by many clients who expressed their satisfaction and applauded our approach," says Taifour.

He adds: "We always listen and understand our customers’ technical requirements in order to assist them better in their projects."

RICI team consists of experts and professionals from various technical backgrounds covering mechanical, electrical, civil, quality, health and safety, chemical and environmental fields.

Taifour says RICI has grown rapidly in the last three years. "Despite 2020 being a though period, we have fairly managed to maintain our consistency in terms of business. I believe we have already passed the toughest time. The second half of 2020 seems more promising for all of us."

RICI is considering expanding its Jubail facility to enhance its regional presence. This facility will have new verticals customised to provide solutions to fulfil customers’ needs in the petrochemical sector. It is also looking into the feasibility of opening branches in Neom, Madinah and Yanbu.

In Bahrain, it is planning moving into a bigger facility to enhance capacity and increase market share.

"We are very positive about the future, and have strong confidence in the leadership of Saudi Arabia. We believe the Kingdom’s economy has the strength to overcome all challenges. We’re here to stay and contribute to the Vision 2030 and will do our best to achieve our mission," Taifour concludes.