Riyadh, November 17, 2024 – The Architecture and Design Commission has officially launched a new Continuous Professional Development (CPD) initiative aimed at advancing the skills of Saudi Arabia's architectural community. In strategic partnership with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and in collaboration with the French Architects for Export (AFEX), this pioneering program offers Saudi architects exceptional training opportunities and practical experience with leading architectural firms in France. The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's participation in the 2024 Cityscape Global Exhibition, furthering the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering architectural excellence and global connectivity.
The commission’s CPD program is designed to enhance the professional development of local talent by providing a comprehensive training curriculum, which includes both formal and informal learning opportunities. The program offers participants regular educational hours, allowing them to sharpen their skills and boost their professional output. This development is aligned with the commission's broader mission to raise the standard of architecture and design in the Kingdom, establish strategic international partnerships, and empower emerging talents to contribute meaningfully to the global architectural landscape.
One of the key components of this initiative is the partnership with AFEX, which is instrumental in providing Saudi professionals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and international exposure with top architectural firms in France. By linking Saudi talent with the rich architectural culture of France, the commission aims to foster a deeper exchange of ideas and methodologies that will benefit the Kingdom’s growing architectural industry.
The commission also highlighted that the registration process for interested individuals is now open, and candidates can sign up via a dedicated link (https://backyard-exp.typeform.com/adc-cpd). This initiative reflects the commission's commitment to offering Saudi architects and designers the tools, knowledge, and global perspective they need to excel in a competitive international environment.
Further cementing its role as a leader in architectural development, the Architecture and Design Commission signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Retal Urban Development Company during the Cityscape Global Exhibition. The MoU marks the beginning of a collaboration focused on enhancing professional development in the architectural and design sectors. It will see the creation of specialized workshops with renowned industry experts, sponsorship of competitions, conferences, forums, and lectures, and a strong focus on embedding the values and principles of the King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism into future development projects.
This partnership with Retal Urban Development Company underscores the growing synergy between public and private sectors in advancing architectural education, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of urban development in Saudi Arabia. The MoU’s focus on nurturing Saudi talent and promoting sustainable, forward-thinking design practices will help ensure that the Kingdom continues to be a leader in the global architectural arena.
Through this CPD initiative and the ongoing collaboration with international organizations, the Architecture and Design Commission is setting the stage for a new era of excellence in Saudi architecture, one that is rooted in both local heritage and global innovation.
