Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with King Saud University (KSU) to enhance cooperation between the two parties and collaboration on the future development of both masterplans.
The MoU reportedly enables the development of the shared land between DGDA and King Saud University by the authority, provided it has a tangible benefit to the project and maximises land use and value for both parties.
Additionally, the MoU opens avenues of collaboration between both parties 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.
By way of this agreement, DGDA said that it would benefit “from the world-leading academic and administrative competencies of King Saud University,” driving the attraction of talent from its graduates to work across the authority and its development projects. DGDA would therefore serve as an incubator of Saudi talent from the university.
Furthermore, joint programmes between DGDA and KSU will provide training schemes for students that introduce them to the labour market and help bridge the gap between theoretical and practical education.
Professor Dr. Badran bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar, president of King Saud University, said, “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. 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.”
Jerry Inzerillo, group chief executive officer of DGDA added, “King Saud University is a key partner of DGDA. A world-leading institution, it is both a beloved neighbour 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 towards 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.”
Diriyah is a US$63.2 billion mixed-use development inspired by the Najdi architect of the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif transforming 14 sq km of Diriyah into a world-scale destination and one of the greatest global gathering places.
