Diriyah Company Joins Forces With Royal Chartered Surveyors To Develop Saudi Talent

Diriyah, SPA – The Diriyah Company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to enhance the training and development of Saudi talent. This strategic partnership aims to transfer knowledge and expertise by creating comprehensive learning and development plans, fostering collaboration across several professional fields within the built environment, governed by RICS standards.

The MoU was signed by Diriyah Company chief human capital officer Abdullah Al-Othman and RICS executive director of regulation and assurance operations Belinda Howell. This agreement will promote and support the growth of Diriyah's skilled workforce. Initially, the training will target 15 Saudis from the Diriyah team, with potential expansion based on organizational needs.

The partnership will exclusively target Diriyah Company employees, providing necessary training for young Saudi talent, mid-management professionals, and potentially senior staff. The training program will primarily be conducted in Riyadh through webinars and in-person sessions, minimizing disruption to business operations. There are also opportunities for international training based on organizational needs.

Key areas of collaboration include training and guidance; facilitating the transfer of knowledge to young Saudi professionals in cost and commercial management, project management, asset and facilities management, real-estate advisory, procurement, and tendering. Essential business skills such as budgeting and cost-control will also be highlighted.

Professionals within Diriyah Company will receive advice on suitable membership routes, including preparing development plans and overseeing the membership journey of young local talent to support their career development. A joint working team comprising representatives from both Diriyah Company and RICS will be formed to activate areas of collaboration. This team will prepare and submit progress reports to both organizations to enable continuous development of the agreed programs.

Awareness sessions will demonstrate the advantages of RICS membership and the comprehensive courses covering RICS pathway competencies. The MoU also includes a track for building conservation and collaboration on achieving sustainability goals, ensuring that historic buildings are effectively managed, certified, and preserved.

Statements from Leadership

"We are thrilled to collaborate with RICS to bring the immense benefits of their programs to our employees and projects by adopting global standards in training and development," said Diriyah Group chief executive Jerry Inzerillo. "It is a significant step towards enhancing our professional capabilities and ensuring the preservation of Diriyah's rich heritage."

According to RICS Global chief executive Justin Young, "Our collaboration with the Diriyah Company underscores our commitment to promoting cultural, economic, and professional growth within Saudi Arabia. By supporting Diriyah Company, we aim to highlight the roots of this ancient city and its history across various fields, including culture, arts, and knowledge."

Alignment with Vision 2030

The MoU aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasizes consolidating efforts, simplifying procedures, and empowering entities to deliver on their responsibilities. Diriyah Company remains committed to transforming Diriyah into a global destination enriched with culture, entertainment, education, and arts.

Collaborating with government and private agencies, the company aims to contribute to the Kingdom's cultural and economic development while enhancing the effectiveness of government initiatives.

With inputs from SPA