Saudi Arabia has granted citizenship to a selected number of scientists, doctors, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and talented people who have unique capabilities, expertise, and specializations.
The granting of citizenship is in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to create an appealing environment that attracts, invests in, and retains exceptional creative mind.
“The announcement is made in line with the issued Royal decree to grant Saudi citizenships to experts and exceptional global talents with unique competencies in religious, medical, scientific, cultural, sports, and technological fields, contributing to the development of various sectors throughout the Kingdom, and in support of achieving its Vision 2030 goal, of creating an attractive environment that enables attracting, investing in and retaining exceptional creative minds,” Saudi Press Agency reported (SPA) reported.
Who are the scientists, researchers and innovators granted the Saudi citizenship?
Here is a list of some of the first Saudi citizenship recipients:
Islam Zween, CEO of Argaam: Zween has over 25 years of experience in technology, media, and business management. He holds a Master’s degree from Alexandria University in Egypt. Over the past years, Zween has dedicated his efforts to building pioneering digital projects in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, including “Argaam Financial Portal” and Akhbaar 24.com.
Since 2013, he has implemented a new strategy at financial news portal Argaam, transforming it into the leading provider of financial media and data journalism in Saudi Arabia and the GCC. Zween is considered as one of the pioneers in the Arab world for a media model focusing on qualitative and educational content.
Niveen Khashab, founding member of KAUST: Niveen Khashab is a Lebanese scientist with advanced expertise and contributions in bioengineering and nanomaterials. She is a founding member of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and has been an associate professor of chemical science and engineering there since 2009.
Jackie Y. Ying, Chair, Bioengineering & Nanomedicine Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center: Ying is an American scientist of Singaporean origin, who served as the founding executive director of the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore (2003-2018). She currently leads the NanoBio Lab and is a senior research fellow at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). She has published extensively on biomedical engineering and nanotechnology topics. Professor Ying was elected a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, a member of the German National Academy of Sciences, and named one of the “100 Engineers of the Modern Era.”
Mehmood Khan, CEO of the Hevolution Foundation: Mehmood Khan, a Pakistani scientist who earned his medical degree from the University of Liverpool Medical School in UK, is among the first recipients of Saudi citizenship. Dr. Mehmood Khan is now the CEO of Hevolution Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Riyadh that funds research through grants and provides investments in biotechnology to stimulate health sciences. He has also managed academic programs like the Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Nutrition Trials Unit at the Mayo Clinic.
Faraz Khalid, CEO of Noon: Khalid is an Indian entrepreneur with an MBA in entrepreneurial project management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is the CEO of the e-commerce platform Noon and co-founded Namshi, where he served as managing director.
Dr. Moutassem Azzubi, Chief Pediatric Neurosurgery at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital: Azzubi is a Syrian neurosurgeon who has performed numerous conjoined twin separation surgeries in the Kingdom and abroad. He was recognised for his extension contributions to the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme and the team of surgeons under Dr Abdullah Al Rabeeah, adviser to the Royal Court, supervisor general of KSrelief.
Rami Al-Qawasmi, CEO of Mawdoo3.com: Rami Al-Qawasmi, the CEO of Mawdoo3.com, is known for his passion for artificial intelligence (AI) and startup development. The Jordanian entrepreneur has created and developed over 10 companies before the age of 30. Under his leadership, Mawdoo3.com raised $23.5 million in a funding round.
Noreddine Ghaffour, Water Desalination and Reuse Center, KAUST: Ghaffour is a French scientist who holds a PhD in membrane separation techniques from the University of Montpellier (1995) and is currently a professor of environmental science and engineering at KAUST. He specializes in water desalination techniques and has published articles and research on environmental science, renewable energy, and membrane separation.
Ahmed Mirghani, Partner at BIM Ventures: Ahmed Mirghani is a Sudanese entrepreneur with an MBA in entrepreneurship from Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Mirghani is a co-founder and a leading figure at BIM Ventures and founded the “Angel Investor Mine” network, which has significantly contributed to bringing many traditional investors into the world of venture capital and the entrepreneurship.
