Arab News, Thursday, Jul 20, 2023 | Muharram 2,
1445
DGDA and King Saud University strengthen partnership
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.”