London Business School forges academic relations with Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah

 

Saudi Arabia: London Business School opens new executive education office in Diriyah

London Business School has officially opened its new executive education office in Diriyah, deepening a partnership with Saudi Arabia that spans more than a decade. The launch underscores the Kingdom’s growing investment in human capital development — a central pillar of Vision 2030.

The opening ceremony drew senior government representatives, including Vice Minister of Commerce Eiman Al-Mutairi, alongside officials from the British Embassy and leading figures from the Saudi business community.

Al-Mutairi praised LBS for its global reputation in shaping leaders who combine intellect, ambition and purpose. The school, she noted, develops not only sharp minds but strong character, equipping executives with cutting-edge skills and disruptive thinking that align closely with the Kingdom’s transformative ambitions.

 

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LBS’ expanded presence in Saudi Arabia comes at a crucial moment, as human capability development takes centre stage in Vision 2030. “We are investing in people, leadership, and the knowledge that will define our economic and social future,” Al-Mutairi said, emphasizing that tailored programs for Saudi leaders will help accelerate the nation’s transformation. She added that the partnership offers an opportunity to create a new global model for leadership development—one that blends heritage with innovation and places people at the core of national progress.

LBS Dean Sergei Guriev told Arab News that the school’s move into Diriyah reflects its commitment to supporting one of the world’s most ambitious national transformations through world-class, locally relevant executive education.

Over the past decade, more than 200 Saudi nationals have completed the school’s MBA and Executive MBA programs, while 6,776 have participated in its Executive Education offerings since the 2022–23 academic year. Guriev also highlighted the school’s role in advancing women’s leadership in the Kingdom, noting that nearly 1,000 Saudi women executives have undergone LBS training in the past five years, with participation rising 52 percent in the last academic year.

 

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Looking ahead to 2030, LBS aims to empower 10,000 Saudi leaders and partner with 100 organizations, building on existing collaborations with the Diriyah Company, SABIC and BSF.

Prof. Sir Steve Smith, the UK’s International Education Champion, described the new office as a “key milestone” in UK-Saudi educational cooperation—one that will foster innovation and skills development aligned with Vision 2030 and the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

Source: Arab News