State-run oil giant Saudi Aramco has ordered a firearm simulation system in an effort to provide realistic security training for its staff.

US virtual reality firm Virtra Systems says the multi-screen simulation system is the first it has supplied to Aramco.

Virtra claims the system is popular with large companies which “must protect their assets and interests”.

In February 2006, a local Al-Qaeda cell raided Aramco’s Abqaiq processing plant, about 55 kilometres from Dhahran in the Eastern Province.

Abqaiq, which processes between 5 to 7 million barrels a day (b/d) of oil, is the world’s largest oil complex.

The attack was thwarted but in the subsequent clampdown, security forces reportedly uncovered plans and equipment for a second attack on Abqaiq.