Khamis ibn Mohammed Rimthan
Khamis ibn Mohammed Rimthan, gifted guide, instinctive geographer and long-time employee of Aramco, died Sunday, June 21, at the Dhahran Health Center.
Khamis ibn Mohammed Rimthan, gifted guide, instinctive geographer and long-time employee of Aramco, died Sunday, June 21, at the Dhahran Health Center.
Born at the turn of the century in the al-Madi District of Jubail, he was a member of the 'Ajman tribe. As he had the ability to gauge distances accurately he was employed by the Saudi Arab Government as a guide. He was the first guide in the government service who was assigned to the Company in 1934 to lead caravans of supplies from Jubail to Dhahran and from Dhahran to Abqaiq.
After he entered the Company's employ in 1942, Khamis served as Chief Guide for Aramco's Exploration parties, working with Arabian Research during the summers when the parties came in from the desert.
Extremely conscientious, Khamis took his responsibilities seriously when he led a field party. His first concern was for the welfare and comfort of his charges. As Chief Guide he rendered an invaluable service to the Company. He knew the geography of Saudi Arabia as well as a child knows his mother. On numerous occasions his knowledge of the country proved to be more accurate than maps.
In the Arabian Research division he was considered the highest authority on Saudi Arab place names, Bedouin customs, tribal chiefs and their areas of influence. [Photograph]