Lamprelltimes recently sat down with Abdulrhman Aljaafari, known as AJ, to discuss his recent appointment as Country Manager for Saudi Arabia, the evolution of Lamprell’s presence in the Kingdom, and how the team is positioning itself to support continued growth across the energy sector.
You have recently stepped into the role of Country Manager for Saudi Arabia. What has the transition entailed so far, and what have been your immediate priorities?
Stepping into this role meant taking broader responsibility for the business in Saudi Arabia – moving from a primary focus on business development to supporting delivery across the operation.
The immediate priority is to ensure the business is structured to support the scale of projects we are delivering, particularly following the receipt of recent major awards. This includes strengthening leadership across functions and ensuring clear alignment between teams.
Establishing clarity around roles and maintaining strong coordination have been important for supporting consistent execution.
Having been part of the business for some time, how have you seen Lamprell’s presence in Saudi Arabia evolve over the years?
Lamprell’s presence in Saudi Arabia has evolved significantly over the years, from initially providing safety services through its subsidiary to becoming an established contributor to the Kingdom’s energy sector, delivering major EPCI projects.
Before joining Lamprell, I spent six years working with International Maritime Industries (IMI), the joint venture that was established in 2017 between Aramco, Lamprell, Bahri and HHI. This gave me early exposure to Lamprell’s capabilities and allowed me to work closely with many of the team during the development of the IMI yard. Being part of that journey from both sides and seeing the IMI facility grow over time has been a valuable experience, providing a clear view of how long-term investment and collaboration can translate into real progress.
Since then, Lamprell has continued to strengthen its presence in the Kingdom, including securing work from Aramco through the Offshore Long-Term Agreement (LTA) framework, which it has been part of since 2018. In 2025, this longstanding agreement was successfully extended, reflecting a proven track record in delivering LTA Contract Release Purchase Order projects and reinforcing a strong, strategic relationship with Aramco. Being part of the LTA is a significant achievement, with only a small number of contractors selected to participate and actively bid for offshore work in the region. It positions Lamprell at the centre of Saudi Arabia’s offshore development programme and supports our ongoing contribution to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and iktva objectives.
Lamprell’s KSA office was established in 2018 and has grown steadily since then. As part of this expansion, we are moving into larger premises and continuing to invest in developing local talent through our internship programme. We have recently welcomed a new cohort of interns to the KSA team, and I look forward to supporting them as they begin their professional journeys.
Being part of this significant company growth and now leading the Saudi business is something I am particularly proud of.
Speaking of the new office, can you share an update on the build and its progress?
The new office reflects the business’s growth in Saudi Arabia, and we are set to move imminently in Q2. It is designed to bring engineering, operations and other support functions under one roof, thereby improving coordination and day-to-day efficiency. It will also house the Lamprell Energy Academy, which supports the development of young Saudi talent, along with members of our onshore EPC team and our sister company, Algihaz Marine Contractors (AMC). Bringing these functions together will support more efficient execution as the business continues to expand.
How would you describe the current team in Saudi Arabia in terms of size, capability and areas of focus?
The Saudi team has grown from 20 to approximately 60 people across key operational disciplines, including HSE, logistics, HR, IT, finance, procurement and engineering. The focus has been on building capability, ensuring each function can support operations in the Kingdom while remaining aligned with global standards. There is also a strong emphasis on developing local talent, particularly in roles that require close engagement with the local market and stakeholders.
Coming from a business development and marketing background, what opportunities do you see for Lamprell in Saudi Arabia over the next few years?
The scale of investment in the Kingdom creates a dynamic environment, and preparing for this requires building the right capabilities while remaining adaptable to market developments.
Recent awards such as the DPE project in Dubai and the pipeline project in India demonstrate that Lamprell can successfully deliver across a broader range of scopes beyond traditional offshore EPCI. This is important for our positioning in Saudi Arabia, where clients are increasingly looking for contractors with more integrated and diversified capabilities.
The focus now is on building on this track record and actively pursuing similar opportunities within the Kingdom. This will support a more balanced portfolio and further strengthen Lamprell’s presence in the Saudi market.
Looking ahead, what are your key priorities for the Saudi business, and what would success look like for you in this role?
The focus is on positioning the Saudi operation for its next phase of growth. This includes expanding into new segments, strengthening our market presence, advancing toward establishing fabrication capabilities in the Kingdom and developing new talent.
Success is reflected in sustainable growth, consistent delivery and the continued development of the Saudi business as an integral part of the wider organisation.
You have an exciting time ahead with your growing family. How are you preparing for this next chapter, and how do you balance personal milestones alongside a demanding leadership role?
Maintaining balance comes down to being clear on priorities. Growing up in a family that valued both responsibility and commitment helped shape that perspective. Staying focused on professional responsibilities while maintaining strong family connections is important for long-term consistency. That balance supports both personal wellbeing and sustained performance.
Having spent time studying and living abroad, how did those experiences shape your perspective and approach today?
The time spent abroad provided valuable exposure to different cultures and perspectives. Studying in the UK and later in the US at the University of Oregon helped build independence and adaptability. Being involved in student activities and supporting international students also created opportunities to engage with diverse communities.
These experiences reinforced the importance of being open to different perspectives while remaining grounded in one’s values.
