As part of our work to support our global membership and to exchange expertise and collaborate worldwide, we have formed a new strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Architecture and Design Commission (ADC).
The Memorandum of Understanding – signed by RIBA’s CEO Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick and ADC’s Dr Sumayah Al-Solaiman – encapsulates our shared commitment to promote architectural excellence. It also outlines our intention to exchange knowledge and research and promote best practice to the members and stakeholders we represent.
Together we will work on activities to bolster education at all levels from accreditation programmes at architecture schools to support for emerging architects to CPD to maintain competencies of qualified professionals. We also intend to partner on competitions, award programmes and knowledge-sharing conferences and seminars.
The KSA has ambitious plans for the built environment – it’s a significant area for architecture and architects. The King Salman Charter for architecture, developed by the ADC, supports many of RIBA’s strategic objectives, not least tackling the climate crisis through a creative and collaborative approach.
Speaking about the new partnership, RIBA Chief Executive, Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick said:
“This is a significant partnership for RIBA as we continue our critical work to support the exchange of knowledge and skills in architecture worldwide. In the Gulf region, where our growing Gulf Chapter mark its 15th anniversary next year, Saudi Arabia has been identified as a key country with major growth and transformation in architecture which will benefit RIBA and our members.
We are honoured to partner with the Architecture and Design Commission, an organisation that shares many of our priorities. This mutually beneficial partnership, which will bring together some of the world’s best architects, will allow us to promote architectural excellence within the Gulf and share research and knowledge to advance the design and delivery of the built environment.”
