RIYADH: London Business School inaugurated its new executive education office in Diriyah, in a move that strengthens the school’s longstanding partnership of more than a decade with the Kingdom.
It comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s growing focus on human capital development, a key pillar of Vision 2030.
The opening ceremony on Thursday was attended by senior government officials, including Eiman Al-Mutairi, vice minister of commerce, alongside representatives from the British Embassy and key members of the Saudi business community.
The LBS has long been recognized for shaping leaders who combine intelligence, ambition and purpose, said Al-Mutairi.
The school builds not only strong minds, but also strong character, equipping leaders with cutting-edge skills and disruptive thinking to drive meaningful transformation — a leadership style that resonates deeply with the Kingdom’s ambitions today, she added.
Al-Mutairi said that LBS’ presence in Saudi Arabia comes at a pivotal time, as the Kingdom’s transformation under Vision 2030 places human capability development at the center of national priorities.
She added: “We are investing in people, leadership, and the knowledge that will define our economic and social future.” Tailored programs for Saudi leaders will prepare local talent to accelerate the transformation, Al-Mutairi said.
“Together, there is an opportunity to set a new global model for developing leaders during rapid change — one that blends heritage with innovation and places people at the heart of national progress.”
Sergei Guriev, dean of LBS, told Arab News: “Saudi Arabia is pursuing one of the world’s most ambitious transformations. Our presence in Diriyah reflects our commitment to supporting this journey through world-class, locally relevant executive education.”
More than 200 Saudi nationals have completed LBS MBA and executive MBA programs over the past 10 years, and 6,776 Saudis have attended the School’s Executive Education programs since 2022–23.
Guriev highlighted LBS’ role in advancing women’s leadership in the Kingdom, pointing to the almost 1,000 Saudi women executives who have been trained through LBS programs over the past five years — with a 52 percent year-on-year increase in participation during the last academic year.
LBS aims to empower 10,000 Saudi leaders and collaborate with 100 organizations by 2030, building on existing partnerships with entities such as the Diriyah Company, SABIC and BSF.
Prof. Sir Steve Smith, the UK’s international education champion, described the opening as a “key milestone” in UK-Saudi educational cooperation that will support innovation and skills development in line with Vision 2030, as well as the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
