The Diriyah Company has established an agreement with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to advance the training and nurturing of Saudi professionals. The memorandum, which outlines a mutual understanding, is set to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and create a robust framework for learning, emphasizing RICS’s esteemed standards in the realm of the built environment.
Jerry Inzerillo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Diriyah Group, expressed excitement about the partnership with RICS, anticipating the significant advantages their training programs would offer to the company’s employees and projects. Inzerillo highlighted the importance of this initiative for professional growth and the preservation of Diriyah’s unique cultural heritage.
Abdullah Al-Othman, the Diriyah Company’s Chief Human Capital Officer, and Belinda Howell, RICS’s Executive Director of Regulation & Assurance Operations, have signed the agreement, reaffirming their dedication to the development of a competent workforce in Diriyah.
Initially, the collaboration will aim to train 15 Saudi nationals from the Diriyah Company each year, with the potential for future growth depending on the organization’s needs. Designed exclusively for the company’s employees, the training program will empower not only the young Saudi talent but also mid-level and potentially senior professionals. Courses will be delivered in Riyadh through a blend of webinars and in-person sessions to minimize any disruption to business operations, with international training opportunities offered as required.
The joint training initiative will cover areas such as Cost and Commercial Management, Project Management, Asset and Facilities Management, Real Estate Advisory, Procurement, and Tendering. Emphasis will be on building business acumen, mastering budgeting, and learning essential cost control techniques. Diriyah Company professionals will also receive guidance on the best membership paths with RICS, from charting out development plans to facilitating the career progression of local talent.
A combined task force from both Diriyah Company and RICS will oversee the implementation of the collaboration, ensuring that the program evolves continually. This team will be responsible for providing progress updates and organizing awareness sessions to highlight the benefits of RICS membership. The training will encompass comprehensive courses aimed at meeting RICS pathway competencies. Additionally, the agreement includes a focus on the conservation of buildings and collaborative efforts towards achieving sustainability objectives, ensuring that historic structures are managed, certified, and conserved effectively.
Justin Young, the Global CEO of RICS, commented on the collaboration, noting its alignment with their commitment to cultural, economic, and professional development in Saudi Arabia. The partnership is designed to celebrate the heritage of Diriyah and promote its story across various disciplines.
The MoU is in synergy with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, reflecting Diriyah Company’s commitment to transform Diriyah, nicknamed ‘The City of Earth’, into a distinguished global destination rich in culture, entertainment, education, and the arts. In partnership with both governmental and private sectors, the company aims to contribute to the Kingdom’s cultural and economic growth, enhancing the impact of government initiatives.
Founded in 2023 under the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Diriyah Company is tasked with the development of the Diriyah project, which seeks to create a historical, cultural, and lifestyle hub. With a focus on development, hospitality, investment, retail, and office leasing, it is positioned to contribute significantly to the realization of Vision 2030’s objectives by establishing Diriyah as a global hub.