Knight Frank Promotes First Graduate Academy Cohort in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Knight Frank Saudi Arabia has promoted the first cohort from the Knight Frank Graduate Academy, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s long-term commitment to developing Saudi talent, according to an announcement made in Riyadh on 7 January 2026.

Established in partnership with Oxford Brookes University, the Knight Frank Graduate Academy was designed to create a structured pathway for Saudi nationals to gain hands-on industry experience while completing a fully accredited MSc in Real Estate. Participants also progress toward professional chartership with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

A milestone for national talent development

The Academy’s first cohort achieved a 100% completion and progression rate, with all graduates moving into professional advisory roles within Knight Frank in Saudi Arabia. Graduates are now actively supporting live advisory mandates across the Kingdom, positioning the programme as a direct talent pipeline at a time of accelerating demand across the Saudi real estate sector.

Susan Amawi, General Manager, Saudi Arabia, commented: “Our graduates represent the future of the Kingdom’s real estate industry, and their progression demonstrates what is possible when talent and structured development come together. We are committed to providing Saudi nationals with world-class opportunities to learn, qualify, and lead – right here in the Kingdom.”

Building the next generation of industry leaders

As Saudi Arabia’s real estate market continues to expand in line with Vision 2030, demand for specialised expertise is rising across development, investment, and occupier markets. The Knight Frank Graduate Academy has been structured to address this need by combining rigorous academic training with practical, market-facing experience.

James Lewis, Managing Director, Middle East & Africa, added: “The success of our first Academy cohort underscores the importance of investing in people. By combining global expertise with local talent, we are contributing to a knowledge-driven real estate ecosystem in Saudi Arabia—one that supports the Kingdom’s ambitions and creates sustainable long-term value.”

The promotion of the inaugural cohort reflects Knight Frank’s broader strategy to support workforce localisation, capability building, and long-term sector resilience as Saudi Arabia’s real estate industry enters its next phase of growth.