Aramco Ventures opens new Dhahran headquarters with I-AM design delivered in 45 business days

Saudi Arabia-based Aramco Ventures, the corporate venturing arm of Aramco managing $7.5 billion (€6.5 billion) in committed capital, has opened its new headquarters in Dhahran, conceptualised by international design studio I-AM and delivered in just 45 business days by Pioneer Projects Executer, Design Middle East reported.

Spanning 1,700 square metres, the new headquarters provides a forward-looking environment for Aramco Ventures' local team of over 80, whilst also serving as a destination for entrepreneurs, portfolio companies and global technology partners. The workspace supports both focused and spontaneous work within a flexible environment to accommodate the organisation's future growth.

Jon Blakeney, group partner and CEO at I-AM, said the design process began with collaborative workshops involving the Aramco Ventures team. "During the session, we asked everyone a very simple question: 'What would we be crazy not to do with this project?'" Blakeney said. "Those conversations became incredibly valuable because they helped shape the final brief, alongside the strategic goals of Aramco Ventures."

The final outcome is a workplace concept centred on flexibility and community. Natural light plays a central role in shaping the interiors, with windows on both sides of the floorplate. The design also balances biophilia, comfort and warmth with a contemporary aesthetic.

Mahdi Aladel, CEO of Aramco Ventures, said the new headquarters reflects the organisation's forward-looking mindset. "We invest in some of the most exciting start-ups and technology companies around the world," Aladel said. "One of the key design principles was to prioritise our people. We wanted a lot of open space and natural light, while also creating gathering areas where teams can come together."

Mohammed Al Zamil, founder and CEO of Pioneer Projects Executer, said delivering a project of this scale within approximately 45 business days required strong collaboration. "By aligning closely with the I-AM design team and the client from the outset, we were able to maintain the design intent while meeting the project timeline," Al Zamil said.

Explore full details of Aramco Ventures' Dhahran headquarters design and 45-day fit-out delivery.