State-owned Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (Saudi Aramco) said on Wednesday its board of directors approved the launch of a sukuk programme, amongst other financing initiatives, according to the oil company’s weekly magazine, the Arabian Sun. The board also gave the go-ahead for establishing joint ventures for onshore and offshore rig services and providing interim financing for the planned Ras al-Khair maritime yard. In addition, Aramco will inject an additional equity contribution in Sadara Chemical complex, its equal joint venture with United States-based Dow Chemical Co., but no more details were mentioned about the size of the contribution. (Argaam)