Diriyah Company, INSEAD Sign MoU for Training, Development

Diriyah Company, the developer behind the Kingdom’s landmark Diriyah project, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with INSEAD, a globally renowned business school, to collaborate on training, development, educational programs, statistics, and academic research. The agreement, announced on March 19, 2025, via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), aims to enhance human capital and support the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The MoU was signed by Abdullah Al-Othman, Chief Human Capital Officer at Diriyah Company, and Bachar Tabbara, Senior Director of Executive Education at INSEAD’s Middle East Campus in Abu Dhabi.

Context and Background

Diriyah Company is at the forefront of transforming Diriyah into a world-class cultural and heritage destination, a key component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The company has recently signed a series of agreements with governmental and private entities, both locally and internationally, to empower human capital and drive development. This MoU with INSEAD aligns with these efforts, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering education, innovation, and leadership. INSEAD, with campuses in France, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and an Innovation Hub in San Francisco, brings a global perspective and a reputation for excellence in executive education.

Key Details

The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in several areas: training, development, educational programs, statistics, and academic and scientific research. A joint team will be formed to explore avenues for cooperation and implement the terms of the agreement. The partnership aims to facilitate collaboration in statistics and studies relevant to the objectives of both parties, contributing to the advancement of research of mutual interest. Abdullah Al-Othman, Chief Human Capital Officer at Diriyah Company, commented, “This partnership reflects our commitment to investing in our people, who are the driving force behind our ambitious projects. By collaborating with INSEAD, we aim to equip our workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a rapidly evolving global landscape.” Bachar Tabbara, Senior Director of Executive Education at INSEAD’s Middle East Campus, added, “We are delighted to partner with Diriyah Company, a visionary organization that is shaping the future of Saudi Arabia. This MoU underscores our shared commitment to developing leaders who can drive positive change and innovation.”

Implications and Impact

This partnership is expected to have significant implications for human capital development in Saudi Arabia. By leveraging INSEAD’s expertise, Diriyah Company can enhance the capabilities of its employees, leading to improved project execution and innovation. The collaboration in statistics and research will also contribute to evidence-based decision-making, benefiting both the company and the broader Saudi economy. Furthermore, this MoU reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a hub for education and talent development, attracting global institutions and fostering knowledge transfer. It aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil by investing in human capital, a key pillar of Vision 2030.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to Vision 2030, which prioritizes education, innovation, and human capital development. By partnering with a prestigious institution like INSEAD, Diriyah Company is not only investing in its own workforce but also contributing to the Kingdom’s broader goal of creating a knowledge-based economy. As Diriyah continues to emerge as a global destination for culture, heritage, and tourism, such collaborations will be instrumental in ensuring that Saudi talent is at the forefront of this transformation. The MoU exemplifies how strategic partnerships can drive sustainable development and empower the next generation of Saudi leaders, further solidifying the Kingdom’s role on the world stage.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the purpose of the MoU between Diriyah Company and INSEAD?

A1. The MoU aims to collaborate in training, development, educational programs, statistics, and academic research to enhance human capital and support Saudi Vision 2030.

Q2. Who signed the MoU on behalf of Diriyah Company?

A2. Abdullah Al-Othman, Chief Human Capital Officer at Diriyah Company, signed the MoU.

Q3. Who signed the MoU on behalf of INSEAD?

A3. Bachar Tabbara, Senior Director of Executive Education at INSEAD’s Middle East Campus in Abu Dhabi, signed the MoU.

Q4. When was the MoU signed?

A4. The MoU was signed on March 19, 2025, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q5. What areas of collaboration are covered by the MoU?

A5. The MoU covers training, development, educational programs, statistics, and academic and scientific research.

Q6. What is Diriyah Company’s role in Saudi Arabia?

A6. Diriyah Company is the developer behind the Diriyah project, a cultural and heritage destination and a key component of Saudi Vision 2030.

Q7. What is INSEAD known for?

A7. INSEAD is a globally renowned business school known for its leadership and innovation-focused educational programs.

Q8. Where are INSEAD’s campuses located?

A8. INSEAD has campuses in France, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and an Innovation Hub in San Francisco.

Q9. How will the MoU be implemented?

A9. A joint team will be established to explore avenues for cooperation and implement the terms of the MoU.

Q10. What is the significance of the MoU for human capital development?

A10. It will enhance the skills and knowledge of Diriyah Company’s workforce, contributing to improved project execution and innovation.

Q11. How does this MoU align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A11. It supports Vision 2030’s focus on education, innovation, and human capital development, helping create a knowledge-based economy.

Q12. What benefits will Diriyah Company gain from the partnership?

A12. Diriyah Company will benefit from INSEAD’s expertise in training and research, enhancing its employees’ capabilities and decision-making processes.

Q13. What benefits will INSEAD gain from the partnership?

A13. INSEAD will gain insights into the Saudi market and contribute to the development of leaders in the region, expanding its global impact.

Q14. How does this MoU fit into Diriyah Company’s recent agreements?

A14. It is part of a series of agreements with governmental and private entities to empower human capital and enhance development.

Q15. What is the expected impact on the Saudi economy?

A15. The MoU will contribute to economic diversification by investing in human capital, a key pillar of Vision 2030.

Q16. Will the MoU involve academic research?

A16. Yes, it includes collaboration in academic and scientific research, as well as statistics and studies of mutual interest.

Q17. How does this partnership enhance Saudi Arabia’s global position?

A17. It reinforces Saudi Arabia as a hub for education and talent development, attracting global institutions and fostering knowledge transfer.

Q18. What is the role of the joint team?

A18. The joint team will explore cooperation avenues and implement the MoU’s terms in shared areas of interest.

Q19. What does the MoU mean for Diriyah’s development as a cultural destination?

A19. It ensures that Saudi talent is equipped to drive the transformation of Diriyah into a world-class cultural and heritage destination.

Q20. How does this initiative reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Vision 2030?

A20. It exemplifies the Kingdom’s dedication to education, innovation, and human capital development, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals.