According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), a recent royal decree has authorized the granting of Saudi citizenship to scientists, medical doctors, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals distinguished by their unique expertise and specializations.
The announcement is in line with Saudi Arabia’s initiative to attract experts and exceptional global talents across religious, medical, scientific, cultural, sports, and technological fields. This initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objective of cultivating an appealing environment that encourages the retention and investment of outstanding creative individuals.
This decree continues Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to attract prominent talents whose expertise significantly contributes to economic development, health, culture, sports, and innovation. It follows a similar Royal decree issued in 2021, which granted Saudi citizenship to the first group of distinguished talents in these fields.
According to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, several notable individuals have recently been granted Saudi citizenship through a royal decree. Among them is Mehmood Khan, an American who serves as the CEO of the Hevolution Foundation, recognized for his significant contributions to health sciences.
Jackie Yi-Ru Ying, an American scientist of Singaporean descent, has also been granted Saudi citizenship. Ying, known for her role as the founding Executive Director of the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore, currently leads NanoBio Lab.
Additionally, Lebanese scientist Niveen Khashab has received Saudi citizenship in recognition of her advanced scientific expertise and contributions to bioengineering and nanomaterials. Khashab has been a founding member of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and an Associate Professor of Chemical Sciences and Engineering since 2009.
Noreddine Ghaffour, a French scientist, has been acknowledged for his expertise in environmental science and engineering, with a focus on desalination technologies. Ghaffour, who holds a PhD in membrane separation techniques from the University of Montpellier, serves as a Professor at KAUST.