Business & Money | Thursday 20 February, 2020 8:00 am |

Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The National Project Management, Operation, and Maintenance Organization in Public Entities (Mashroat).

The MoU was signed in the presence of Director of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University Dr. Ahmad bin Salem Al-Ameri, Assistant to the Minister of Economy and Planning H.E Khalid bin Saud Al-Shenaifi, General Supervisor of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University’s Technical Affairs Eng. Shafi bin Quaid Al-Qahtani, Director-General of Mashroat Ahmed bin Mutair Al-Balawi and a number of the university’s senior officials. 

The MoU is an important development for Mashroat given the large number of education facilities within Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University. The MoU will ensure facility management is carried out to the international standards set by Mashroat. 

Under the terms of the MoU, Mashroat will provide support as the university updates its facility management systems. It will begin by introducing a new electronic management system which will include data on maintenance and operations. It will also register and evaluate work carried out and introduce a performance indicator panel. 

Mashroat will also organize workshops for staff on the National Guidelines for Facility and Assets Management. They will be aimed at upskilling the university’s administrative personnel.        

Director of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Dr. Ahmad bin Salem Al-Ameri welcomed the partnership which will enable the university to apply best practice and enhance its facility management eco-system, “Partnering with Mashroat is an essential step for all government entities as they work to manage their projects and facilities to best international standards. 

“Through this MoU Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University is the first Saudi academic institution to adopt the Mashroat program. It will enable us to benefit from Mashroat’s expertise and experience to provide sustainable impact on our development programs.”

“The university manages 69 scientific institutions and 20 academic facilities across the Kingdom and the partnership with Mashroat will ensure they are run efficiently. The improved management of our facilities will also enhance the education services we provide for our 185,000 students.”

Director-General of Mashroat, Ahmed bin Mutair Al-Balawi said, “Based on this MoU, which is the first agreement signed with a Saudi university, we seek to support and empower Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University to apply best practice in the operation and maintenance of its facilities management.”

 “Mashroat seeks to build new partnerships with all entities working in the project, facility, and asset management sector. This MoU is part of Mashroat’s journey to build new and important partnerships across all sectors including education and health. Our policy is to empower all entities that work with Mashroat to achieve their strategic goals by applying best international standards.”   

The National Project Management, Operation, and Maintenance Organization in Public Entities (Mashroat) is the state's enabling arm for infrastructure projects. It provides consultancy and technical support to government agencies in project management, operation and maintenance in order to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of the national infrastructure. It also ensures all projects are in line with global best practice and meet the ambitious aspirations of Vision 2030.