Saudi Arabia: Officials from the Diriyah Gate Development Authority and King Faisal University have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in areas including student hiring, training, research, academics, and culture.

The agreement was inked by KFU President Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali and the DGDA Group Chief Executive Officer Jerry Inzerillo.

As part of the MoU, Al-Ohali said university undergraduates would receive training and practical experience with the authority which would help boost their knowledge and skillsets.

The deal will also see increased cooperation and participation between the two parties in job fairs and forums, exchange visits, events, joint initiatives, and coordinated volunteer programs, plus activities tailored specifically for KFU students.

Inzerillo said: “This MoU is important to the exchange of knowledge, particularly when it comes to academic studies and statistics that help the two sides develop relevant research.

“The DGDA and its range of projects are the ideal place for KFU undergraduates to gain the kind of experience that will qualify them to compete in the job market and develop their professional capabilities.

“Likewise, as part of our human development efforts, the DGDA is keen on making postgraduate studies available to staff members,” he added.

Under the terms of the deal, the two parties will work together to assess the Hofuf-based university’s highest-performing alumni and consider them for relevant job opportunities at the authority, where they will have the chance to work on some of the Kingdom’s most exciting giga projects.

The two organizations will also explore the possibility of collaboration to provide training opportunities for KFU students at DGDA, where students will learn from experienced staff and develop their abilities.

In return, KFU is set to provide executive learning and postgraduate education programs to DGDA staff.