New headquarters supports a $7.5bn global venture portfolio through flexible, collaborative and technology‑driven design.
Aramco Ventures, the corporate venturing arm of Aramco managing $7.5 billion in assets, has opened its new headquarters in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Conceptualised by international design studio I-AM and delivered in just 45 business days by Pioneer Projects Executer, the workspace combines flexible environments, collaborative hubs and robotics- enabled technology to support the organisation’s growing global venture capital portfolio.
Spanning 1.700 sqm, the new headquarters provides a forward-looking environment for Aramco Ventures’ local team of over 80, while 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.
Designing a workplace around people
The design process began with a series of collaborative workshops involving the Aramco Ventures team. These sessions helped the I-AM team gain insight into the diverse personalities and working styles within the organization.
“During the session we asked everyone a very simple question: ‘What would we be crazy not to do with this project?’. Those conversations became incredibly valuable because they helped shape the final brief, alongside the strategic goals of Aramco Ventures,” said Jon Blakeney, Group Partner and CEO at I-AM.
The final outcome is a workplace concept centered 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.
“If everyone could work from home, why do offices still exist? At its core, workplace design today is all about creating a community,” added Jon. “Every organization brings together people with different roles, personalities and ways of working. Our goal was to create an environment where people feel relaxed and comfortable, but at the same time experience something progressive and forward-looking.”
As a venture capital organization investing in latest technologies around the world, Aramco Ventures sought to create a workplace that reflects the future-facing nature of its portfolio. “We invest in some of the most exciting startups and technology companies around the world. Our new headquarters reflects that forward-looking mindset,” said Mahdi Aladel, CEO of Aramco Ventures. “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.
The office also accommodates robotics as part of the everyday workplace environment. Sameer is one of the robots already operating within the space alongside employees, greeting guests and serving Saudi coffee and tea.
“The new office offers both privacy and connectivity.. The engagement across the team has increased significantly, and it has transformed how we host our portfolio companies and visitors,” explained Mahdi.
Delivering the project in just 45 days
The fit-out of the new headquarters was delivered by Alkhobar-based Pioneer Projects Executer, working closely with the I-AM design team. Despite the complexity of the project, the entire fit-out was completed within approximately 45 business days, which required careful planning and close coordination between all project stakeholders.
Joinery elements were fabricated in Pioneer’s workshops from the earliest stages of the project. Early procurement of lighting, acoustic solutions and other materials also ensured that the design specifications were maintained throughout the accelerated construction programme.
“Delivering a project of this scale within around 45 business days required strong collaboration between all teams involved,” said Mohammed Al Zamil, Founder and CEO of Pioneer Projects Executer. “By aligning closely with the IAM design team and the client from the outset, we were able to maintain the design intent while meeting the project timeline.”
A workplace built for the future growth
As Saudi Arabia continues to experience rapid economic transformation, workplace environments across the Kingdom are also evolving to support new ways of working and emerging industries.
“In Saudi Arabia we’ve seen a shift in how people perceive the office. Increasingly, employers are expected to create workplaces that play a meaningful role in people’s lives but are also flexible enough to support future expansions. The office should be somewhere people look forward to coming to” concluded Jon.
The Aramco Ventures headquarters reflects this shift, offering a flexible environment that can adapt as technologies, teams and business needs evolve.
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