Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) and the University of Warwick's Institute for Employment Research (IER) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the GREAT Futures Leadership Summit in London, formalising a partnership to support labour market development under the UK's modern Industrial Strategy and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between HRSD and IER to advance labour market development in Saudi Arabia. The partnership will focus on three priority areas:
- Advisory visits and workshops focusing on skills and job quality
- A programme of research and evaluation services tailored to Ministry priorities
- Capacity building for Ministry officials on agreed topics
Professor Chris Warhurst, Director of the Institute for Employment Research, said: "We are really pleased to partner with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development on this important initiative. Through our expertise in labour market analysis, skills development and job quality, IER looks forward to contributing to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 reforms.
"This collaboration is about building a sustainable labour market strategy that not only develops skills but ensures they are effectively used, creating good jobs and long-term opportunities."
Professor Caroline Meyer, Provost of the University of Warwick, who attended the signing, added: "This agreement was a clear demonstration of Warwick's commitment to impactful international partnerships. By working with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, we were proud to support Saudi Arabia's transformation agenda and to share Warwick's research excellence in shaping policies that improve skills, work and wellbeing."
Broader UK-Saudi Engagement: Investment and Job Creation at GREAT FUTURES Summit
The MoU signing took place alongside major UK-Saudi economic announcements at the Summit. Over 180 new jobs are set to be created in the UK and Saudi Arabia from more than £360 million of new joint investment, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds announced at the GREAT FUTURES Summit in London.
The Business Secretary, confirmed the new investment and welcomed Saudi Arabia as a key partner for the government's modern Industrial Strategy at the GREAT FUTURES Summit in London. The event brought together hundreds of C-suite executives to boost trade and investment in each other's countries and unlock new growth.
The new investments will create 187 jobs in both nations, of which 97 will be in the UK - backing the clean energies and professional and financial services sectors. The GREAT FUTURES campaign has provided the opportunity for both nations to focus on areas of collaboration, under the UK's modern Industrial Strategy and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: "Britain is a thriving business hub, and today's new investment announcements are not only a major vote of confidence in our economy but demonstrate our thriving partnership with Saudi Arabia.
"Our modern Industrial Strategy is giving investors the confidence they need to plan not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond - helping to create economic growth as part of our Plan for Change."
