Nesma & Partners Establishes Research Chair in Partnership with King Saud University

Riyadh, October 30, 2024 - Nesma & Partners is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement to establish the "Nesma & Partners Chair for Construction Research and Building Technologies with the esteemed King Saud University (KSU). The agreement was signed by Rami Al-Turki, Chairman of the Executive Committee and board member of Nesma & Partners, and Prof. Abdullah bin Salman Al-Salman on behalf of the university.

This partnership underscores Nesma & Partners' dedication to advancing research and innovation in construction engineering and building technologies, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. By fostering research in the construction industry, this initiative will strengthen the Kingdom's position as a sustainable development leader while contributing to economic diversification and strengthening local content. Additionally, it represents a significant milestone in our commitment to excellence and reinforces our position as the leading contracting company in the Kingdom.

Commenting on the initiative, Serge Marashlian, VP of Project Controls and In-Kingdom Value at Nesma & Partners, stated, "Our collaboration with King Saud University, the Kingdom's leading university in knowledge partnership, reiterates our commitment to enhancing development in the areas of project management and supporting sustainable growth. This program will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s knowledge economy and enable us to meet client needs with safer, more efficient, and sustainable solutions. Investing in research and development fosters an environment where industry expertise and academic research join to advance construction cases in a fast-developing economy and develop the next generation of Saudi construction professionals".

Through this research chair, King Saud University and Nesma & Partners will work together to advance Saudi Arabia’s knowledge-based economy, promoting innovative solutions that drive sustainability and growth. This collaboration will enrich community engagement, develop specialized talent, and equip skilled professionals to realize their full potential in the construction sector. It will also leverage the expertise of esteemed local and international scholars to mentor and train Saudi talent. Through high-quality research publications and increased participation in conferences and seminars focused on sustainable development, the initiative will significantly contribute to the advancement of the scientific community.

Housam Ibrahim-Basha, VP & CSSO, added, "By partnering with King Saud University, we're creating a link between academic research and practical industry applications. Our goal is to develop innovative construction methodologies that prioritize safety while fostering the next generation of construction professionals. We look forward to the advancements this collaboration will bring to the field and our mutual goals for sustainable growth.”

This landmark step is a testament to the shared vision of both institutions in supporting the Kingdom’s shift to an intellectually driven, sustainable future aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. It aims to improve the construction industry through high-value local content initiatives. Nesma & Partners is committed to fostering sustainable growth and workforce readiness by equipping Saudi talents with the essential knowledge and skills needed for future success.