SABIC, Saudi Aramco grants staff two-month salary bonus

Saturday, 19 March 2011 4:13 PM

The headquarter of SABIC. (Getty Images)

State oil giant Saudi Aramco and Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) said on Saturday they would grant employees a two-month salary bonus in line with benefits announced by King Abdullah.

Khalid al-Falih, Aramco's CEO, was quoted as saying in a statement that the bonus would include employees and trainees.

King Abdullah offered $93 billion in handouts on Friday and boosted his security and religious police forces, opting for a mixture of carrot and stick to stave off unrest rocking the Arab world.

"In response to this generous approach and based on its social responsibilities, SABIC decided to grant its employees inside the kingdom a basic salary bonus of two months," SABIC said in an emailed statement.

SABIC, the world's largest petrochemicals company by market value, is 70-percent by the Saudi government and Aramco is the major contributor to the Saudi wealth.

In 2010, oil accounted for about 85 percent of the budgetary revenue of world's largest oil exporter and around 31 percent of its gross domestic product.

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Posted by: faisal Thursday, 21 April 2011 10:30 AM[UAE] - indian

Why for saudi nationals only? in some government establishments like hospitals still didn't receive any two month salary bonus only saudi national receive it. But if you will imagine all non-saudi are also working hard for this country. The king didn't say only saudi will receive it he said ALL GOVERNMENT... but what is happening now?

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Posted by: mel Sunday, 3 April 2011 2:59 PM[UAE] - Saudi Arabia

Shame on KFSH!! I heard that other companies have included all staff and if this is true, then how does KFSH get to make this decision? As an expat I feel insulted especially as I offer an essential and effective service to the Saudi nationals. A little recognition goes a long way. Needless to say, I think it was a bad decision for KFSH to make this announcement just a little more than a week before JCIA. It might have serious repecussions on the outcome if expats feel that they are not being appreciated or acknowledged! Why would they have to go the extra mile for a hospital who discriminates and has such complete disregard for them? It really is not about the money but the PRINCIPLE. I personally know of a lot of staff who are considering leaving as this is personal!! Yes, this is not our Saudi Arabia and people would probably argue that we can leave if we don't like it. But does this mean we don't deserve some appreciation or our hard work???

Posted by: Anon123 Monday, 9 May 2011 4:44 PM[UAE] - Saudi Arabia

(Old topic, I know!!!)

I agree with Mel to an extent. As a Saudi, I feel that one of the strengths of KFSH is the multinational staffing structure and the remarkably excellent relationship between the staff. However, thinking to leave the hospital because of such thing and waving the JCIA card are not quite professional.

I think the same could go for Saudi nationals, I?m sure Mel is very well aware that a foreign personnel's salary can reach up to 3x the salary of a Saudi personnel with same qualifications, if not even more, yet we don't see any Saudis leaving KFSH for the money but rather some extreme policies as you know; and you can check some departments and confirm that.

Bottom line, I really wish the bonus included everyone so we can all enjoy the "Money". But in KFSH, I think we have a lot of things to wish for more important than a bonus; because for the last few years, KFSH has been circling the drain.

Posted by: faisal Thursday, 21 April 2011 10:29 AM[UAE] - india

you are right brother! it should be fair!

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Posted by: Ronald Thursday, 31 March 2011 2:45 PM[UAE] - Saudi Arabia

Agree with you Ahmed, shame on KFSH. The expat employees are dedicated to advanced medical care of the Saudi Nationals. Shame that KFSH has ignored their staff once again.

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Posted by: Ahmed Wednesday, 30 March 2011 7:36 PM[UAE] - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Two months salary bonus for Saudis only at King Faisal Specailsit Hospital & Research Center Riyadh. Expats are totally ignored. What a shame .

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Posted by: Ftrichard Tuesday, 29 March 2011 12:45 PM[UAE] - Bahrain

Why don't the Saudi industrial giants put this money into funds to help develop employment instead of giving further bonusses to well paid staff?

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