Saudi Arabia: Diriyah Gate Development Authority has signed a memorandum of understanding with King Saud University to enhance cooperation and collaboration on the future development of both masterplans

The agreement, which was signed by Jerry Inzerillo,  Group CEO of DGDA, and Badran bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar, president of King Saud University, also enables the development of land shared between DGDA and the university by the authority, provided it has a tangible benefit to the project, and maximizes land use and value for both parties.

Additionally, the MoU opens avenues of collaboration for investment, endowments, academic and scientific research, surveying, archaeological investigation and documentation.

This also extends further to partnerships in the fields of employment, education, events, and visits, in addition to supporting joint volunteer and community work.

With this enhanced relationship, DGDA will benefit from the university’s world-leading academic and administrative competencies, further driving the attraction of talent from its graduates to work across the authority and its development projects, and allowing DGDA to serve as an incubator of Saudi talent from the university.

Joint programs between DGDA and KSU will provide training schemes to introduce students to the labor market, and help bridge the gap between theoretical and practical education.

“It is with great happiness that we are able to sign this MoU today. King Saud University and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority have a deep and important partnership. As we extend this even further, with cooperation in the integration of our masterplans, we are serving the goals of our capital Riyadh, and the missions of our two entities,” Al-Omar said in a statement.

“We are also pleased to implement the royal order which approved the inclusion of parts of the land of the university within the supervisory and developmental scope of DGDA. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the authority, and enhance the quality of education and opportunities that we offer to our students.”

Inzerillo said: “King Saud University is a key partner of DGDA. A world-leading institution, it is both a beloved neighbor and affiliate. This agreement is an excellent example of the success that results from cooperation between entities and the potential that can be unlocked when we work toward common goals.

“This enhanced partnership across such a wide range of sectors will benefit countless students and Diriyah residents for many years to come. As Diriyah grows, our community and those around us grow, too, and we are delighted that with this MoU we are growing even stronger with King Saud University.”