How public-private partnerships share a common mission

Last week I received an invitation from the Ministry of Investment team to attend roundtable meetings with the Syrian delegation visiting Saudi Arabia. The agenda included signing a landmark agreement to promote and protect investments between the two countries.

In the evening, Khalid Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia’s minister of investment, hosted a gala dinner in honor of Mohammad Nidal Al-Shaar, Syria’s minister of economy and industry, and his delegation. What made this dinner particularly special was the venue — the Bab Samhan hotel in the historic town of Diriyah.

Choosing this venue was a smart way to combine business with culture at the unique site of Diriyah. During dinner, I briefed Al-Falih about BMG Foundation’s plan to host our next Diplomacy of Art exhibition, titled “Paintings and One Heart,” showcasing works by Saudi and Syrian artists to embody a shared vision of unity and creativity.

It is worth noting that BMG Foundation, the social responsibility arm of BMG Financial Group, was established 25 years ago and has dedicated itself to organizing economic, cultural, and sporting events. Its mission is to support important social awareness initiatives within the Kingdom, such as safe driving, water conservation, and promoting healthy lifestyles among the younger generation.

The next day I visited Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Co., where we discussed ways to form strategic partnerships to promote our respective business growth and corporate social responsibility missions.

We also shared plans for the upcoming Diplomacy of Art exhibition in Diriyah. I was pleased to meet his colleagues — Princess Dina K. Al-Saud, Sara Al-Jasser, Saud Al-Nafisi, and Mohaned Al-Debassi. My colleague and the exhibition curator, Aida Murad, also joined the meeting.

Diriyah Co., which is developing the historic district of Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, is renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices. This reputation is built on key strategies and initiatives, including sustainable urban planning, environmentally conscious construction methods, water conservation, biodiversity protection, effective waste management, and the adoption of renewable energy sources.

Through these efforts Diriyah Co. demonstrates leadership in environmental responsibility within large-scale urban development, setting an example for sustainable projects both regionally and globally. While all giga-projects are vital to Saudi Arabia’s future, Diriyah is arguably the most significant in terms of cultural heritage, national identity, and its key role in Vision 2030.

Diriyah’s distinctive blend of heritage, cultural vibrancy, and modern infrastructure makes it an ideal venue for hosting world-class art exhibitions, further enhancing Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a hub for the arts.

Since Diriyah, the Ministry of Investment, and BMG share a common mission, our upcoming “Paintings and One Heart” exhibition will be held at one of Diriyah’s prominent cultural venues.

• Basil M.K. Al-Ghalayini is chairman and CEO of BMG Financial Group.