IE Center for Leadership & Innovation in the Middle East opens

The official opening of the IE Center for Leadership & Innovation in the Middle East on January 27, 2026, was celebrated with a launch event at its headquarters in Riyadh.

The Center is the result of a strategic partnership with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and reflects IE University’s commitment to supporting the region’s development as a hub for innovation, talent development and economic growth, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative.

The event welcomed senior Saudi government officials, business leaders and representatives from key regional partners. IE University Executive President Santiago Íñiguez opened the evening by noting, "The executive development landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing a profound transformation toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, competitiveness and global integration." His words reinforced IE University’s ongoing commitment to academic and leadership development in the Middle East.

Jorge Urteaga, IE University alum and executive director of the Riyadh Creative District at King Abdullah Financial District, then delivered a welcome address, sharing insights into the vision shaping the district. IE University’s CEO, Diego del Alcázar Benjumea, later took to the stage to reflect on the University’s growing global position and well-established presence in the region.

William Dávila, chair of the IE Center for Leadership and Innovation in the Middle East, continued the evening by outlining the Center’s mission and highlighting the importance of its collaboration with local organizations and institutions.

He commented, “From Riyadh, we work closely with leading companies and institutions across the region to develop talent, foster innovation and conduct applied research. The Center also contributes to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting the strategic priorities of the corporate and public sectors across the Middle East.”

To conclude the evening, His Excellency Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, spoke about Vision 2030 and the important role the new Center plays in its mission.

The Center’s opening comes at a time of substantial growth and transformation in the Middle East. Its work will be built around three core pillars, focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation, leadership development, and development of the creative ecosystem. These will be delivered through collaboration with the IE Entrepreneurship Hub and the IE Design & Media Lab.

The Center will deliver tailored leadership and executive education, designed to support the region’s evolving needs as a growing economic and cultural hub.