Saudi Aramco has ordered employees to leave its headquarters in Dhahran, eastern Saudi Arabia, and work remotely until further notice. The move follows a reported attack on the facility last week, as security concerns grow amid escalating Houthi attacks.
Three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters and AFP that most employees had already been working remotely since the earlier incident. They spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity of the situation.
Before the latest directive, only essential personnel continued to work on site. The new order extends the precautionary measure to all remaining employees, the sources said.
Saudi Aramco tightens workplace safety measures
The latest evacuation marks a further tightening of workplace security at one of Saudi Arabia’s most important energy companies.
Aramco had already shifted most employees to remote work following the reported attack. However, the latest order requires the remaining personnel to leave the headquarters as well.
The company has not publicly clarified the reason for the latest evacuation order, according to the report. It has also not announced how long the remote-working arrangement will remain in place.
The measures aim to protect employees while allowing the company to maintain business continuity. However, the available reports do not confirm whether the evacuation has affected Aramco’s operations.
Houthi attacks raise concerns over critical infrastructure
The evacuation comes amid heightened security concerns over attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi group. Reports have pointed to growing alerts around key facilities in Saudi Arabia’s eastern region.
The reported incident at Aramco’s headquarters has brought workplace safety and the protection of critical energy infrastructure into focus.
For employers operating in sensitive sectors, such incidents can require rapid changes to workplace arrangements. Remote work can help limit employees’ exposure to potential threats while allowing some business functions to continue.
However, the effectiveness of such measures depends on operational needs, security assessments and the ability to maintain essential services.
Aramco’s operations and business continuity
Headquartered in Dhahran, Saudi Aramco is one of the world’s largest oil producers. Its business spans oil and gas production, refining and energy exports.
The company has not confirmed whether the latest evacuation will affect production, refining or export activities. It also remains unclear when employees may return to the headquarters.
For now, the directive signals a precautionary approach to employee safety amid an uncertain security situation. Further updates from Aramco or Saudi authorities may clarify the duration of the measures and any operational implications.
