Aecom, a leading global infrastructure consulting firm, said it has been signed up by Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) to deliver project management and leadership training to the local community of AlUla region, thus supporting RCU’s strategic mission to develop the region’s human capital and build a thriving economy. 

RCU, which was established to safeguard AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in northwest Saudi Arabia, is embarking on a long-term plan to develop and deliver a sensitive, sustainable transformation of the region, reaffirming it as one of the country’s most important archaeological and cultural destinations.

The scope of work includes a broad range of initiatives across archaeology, tourism, culture, education and the arts, thus reflecting the ambitious commitment to cultivate tourism and leisure in Saudi Arabia, outlined in Vision 2030.

“RCU is one of our key government clients with whom we are partnering to transform the country under Saudi Vision 2030,” remarked Aecom’s Soner Keskinel, Vice President, Program Management and Construction Management (PMCM) in Saudi Arabia.  “As we develop the heritage-rich AlUla into a world-class destination for nature and culture, an important responsibility is ensuring the local people have the skills that will prepare them for success in the modern job market, enabling them to be active participants in the region’s economic and cultural development.”

According to Aecom, the programme is being delivered virtually using its global learning management platform, with content developed in close collaboration between RCU leaders and subject-matter experts from the group’s local team, as well as regional and global resources.

Designed with careful consideration to the needs of the local community, the programme consists of seven leadership and project management modules that combine guided, expert-led sessions with self-study and online assessments, ending with a case study assessment.