RICS announces new working group in Saudi Arabia
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) announced the introduction of the RICS Working Group in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Chaired by Mark Turner, the board consists of seven members from diverse backgrounds, who are committed to building on the success of RICS in the region and strengthening the brand in the marketplace.
The group will be dedicated to promoting the adoption and recognition of international standards, forging links with other professional associations, encouraging growth in the number of qualified professionals and supporting professional development of existing members.
Turner said: Having seen huge advancements in the region since the 1985, I am excited to chair the KSA Working Group to advance the RICS global vision and support the Kingdom as they diversify and sustain growth.
The new working group members include:
– Mark Turner Chair, SYSTRA
– David Chappell Vice Chair, Currie & Brown
– James Irvine, Currie & Brown
– Haroon Niazi, HKA
– Muhammed Abdul-Khaliq, Emaar
– Haashiem Tayob, KAUST
– Ahmed Yehia Sabry, Taqeem
With Saudi Arabias long-term development plan, Vision 2030 aiming to boost non-oil revenue to $160bn by 2020 and $266bn by 2030, multiple sectors are benefiting from increased growth, specially the construction and real estate industries. With billions of dollars worth of projects currently in the planning or construction phase, and with the rapid growth in both commercial and residential markets over the last several years, it is a significant market for RICS in the region.
Robert Jackson, RICS regional director, said: By establishing the Working Group in KSA, we continue to grow our
presence in the region and add significant value to the local market through our wide range of services, all of which are delivered under our independent public interest mandate. Through the dedication of the Working Group members to promote the adoption and recognition of international standards and forge links with other professional associations, we aim to ensure the Kingdoms real estate, construction and infrastructure continue to thrive.
