Knight Frank promotes first graduate cohort, underscoring long-term investment in Saudi talent

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | January 2026: Knight Frank Saudi Arabia has promoted the first cohort from the Knight Frank Graduate Academy, marking a key milestone in the firm’s long-term commitment to developing Saudi talent.

Established in partnership with Oxford Brookes University, the Knight Frank Graduate Academy provides a dedicated pathway for Saudi nationals to gain hands-on industry experience while completing a fully accredited MSc in Real Estate and progressing towards 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 advancing into professional advisory roles within Knight Frank in Saudi Arabia.

Graduates are now supporting live advisory mandates across the Kingdom, reinforcing the Academy’s role as a direct pipeline for developing Saudi real estate professionals at a time of accelerating market demand.

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 gext generation of industry leaders

As Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector expands in line with Vision 2030, demand for specialised expertise is increasing across development, investment and occupier markets. The Knight Frank Academy has been designed to address this need by equipping Saudi nationals with both academic credentials and practical market 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.”