[2][3] After completing his education in Cairo, Abdulhady Taher returned to Saudi Arabia, a country on the cusp of monumental changes in its economic landscape, particularly within the burgeoning oil sector.
With the global demand for oil increasing and Saudi Arabia's vast reserves becoming more strategically important, the nation was beginning to recognize the need for strong domestic leadership in managing its most valuable resource.
His role involved managing and overseeing financial records, an essential function that required not only technical proficiency but also an understanding of the broader economic implications of oil production and sales.
The early 1960s were a transformative period for Saudi Arabia, as the government sought to assert more control over its natural resources and reduce the influence of foreign oil companies that had long dominated the sector.
Taher’s Ph.D. dissertation, titled "Petroleum and Natural Gas Accounting and its Effects in Saudi Arabia," became a seminal work that provided invaluable insights into the economic management of oil resources.
His academic achievements, combined with his practical experience, positioned Taher as a knowledgeable and forward-thinking figure in Saudi Arabia’s oil sector, ready to take on more significant roles and responsibilities.
As Taher returned to Saudi Arabia with his newly acquired expertise, he was well-prepared to contribute to the nation’s strategic efforts to gain greater control over its oil resources.
His ability to blend academic knowledge with practical experience made him a valuable asset in the Directorate General of Petroleum and Mineral Affairs, where he continued to rise through the ranks, eventually leading to his pivotal role in the establishment and growth of Petromin, Saudi Arabia’s first national oil company.
[5] Abdulhady Taher’s career reached a pivotal turning point in 1962, a year that marked the beginning of his significant influence on Saudi Arabia’s oil and industrial sectors.
During this transformative period in the Kingdom’s history, the Saudi government was keenly aware of the need to establish greater control over its natural resources, particularly oil, which was becoming increasingly vital to the nation’s economy and global standing.
Ahmad Zaki Yamani, a highly influential figure in Saudi Arabia and the then Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Affairs, recognized Taher’s exceptional abilities and potential.
Yamani, known for his sophisticated diplomacy and strategic vision, was a trusted advisor to King Faisal and a key architect of Saudi Arabia’s modern oil policies.
He recognized the importance of diversifying Saudi Arabia’s industrial base, and under his direction, Petromin embarked on a series of large-scale projects that would lay the groundwork for the Kingdom’s future economic independence.
His leadership helped to position Petromin as a key player in the Kingdom’s economic development, and his efforts contributed to laying the foundation for Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a leading industrial nation.
His visionary leadership and ambitious agenda not only transformed Petromin into a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s economic strategy but also solidified his reputation as one of the most influential technocrats in the Kingdom’s history.
Despite facing challenges such as inefficiencies in expertise within the nation and market downturns, his leadership ensured that Petromin played a significant role in meeting Saudi Arabia’s growing energy needs.Petromin became an industrial behemoth with tens of thousands of employees.
His extensive experience in the fields of petroleum economics and industrial management, combined with his academic background, provided him with a unique perspective that he shared through a number of published works.
These writings reflect his deep understanding of the complexities of the oil industry, his insights into the economic challenges facing oil-producing nations, and his vision for the role that strategic management and transparent governance can play in fostering sustainable development.
His emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and strategic planning resonated with leaders who were seeking to modernize the Kingdom’s economic policies and ensure that oil wealth was used to benefit all Saudis.
As Taher’s career progressed, his writings continued to evolve, reflecting the changing dynamics of the global oil industry and the shifting priorities of Saudi Arabia’s economic development.
Taher’s legacy as an author is one of profound influence, not just in Saudi Arabia but across the oil-producing world, where his ideas have helped to shape the way that nations think about and manage their most valuable resources.