King Saud University, represented by Riyadh Valley Company, the university’s investment arm, signed a long-term lease with Diriyah Company in the presence of His Excellency the Chairman of the University’s Board, Mr. Yousef Al-Bunyan. The agreement reflects the University’s commitment to supporting long-term developmental and investment partnerships. It was signed on behalf of the University by the Acting President and Chairman of the Board of Riyadh Valley Company, Prof. Ali Masmali.
The agreement stipulates that Diriyah Company will lease land from King Saud University for a period of (70) years, enabling the development of the area located within the second phase of the Diriyah Project – Zone Two (D2), in alignment with the project’s master plan.
The agreement aims to develop the area as part of the project’s overall master plan and to maximize the utilization of King Saud University’s assets through a sustainable investment model. It also supports the knowledge economy through a partnership between a national development entity and a university investment arm, while enhancing integration between the academic sector and major national development projects, contributing to the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030 objectives in urban and economic development.
His Excellency the Chairman of the University’s Board affirmed that this agreement reflects the University’s strategic direction in maximizing the impact of its assets and activating high-quality, long-term partnerships with major national projects, thereby strengthening its financial sustainability, reinforcing its role as an active partner in national development, and aligning with the University’s future aspirations toward global excellence.
For his part, the Acting President of the University and Chairman of the Board of Riyadh Valley Company, Prof. Ali Masmali, stated that the agreement represents a qualitative shift in investment, ensures the University’s financial sustainability, enhances the value of its assets, and achieves ambitious developmental objectives for both parties. Meanwhile, the Group CEO of Diriyah Company, Mr. Gerard J. Inzerillo, noted that the agreement represents a strategic step in the Diriyah development journey and reflects the integration of efforts between development entities and academic institutions to enable sustainable urban projects with long-term economic and knowledge-based value.
This agreement is an extension of a series of projects and contracts announced by Diriyah Company during 2025, which included the development of major cultural and urban assets such as the Royal Diriyah Opera House, Diriyah Arena, and the commercial district at Diriyah Square, reflecting the accelerating pace of progress within the project’s master plan.
Riyadh Valley Company serves as the investment arm of King Saud University in the fields of the knowledge economy and the University’s strategic projects, playing an effective role in developing the knowledge economy through partnerships between educational and research institutions and the business sector.