A Royal decree has been issued to grant Saudi citizenship to a number of scientists, medical doctors, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and distinguished talents with unique expertise and specializations including Dr. Mehmood Khan, an American and the CEO of the Hevolution Foundation, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
According to the Saudi Press Agency:
“A Royal decree was issued to grant Saudi citizenships to a number of scientists, medical doctors, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and distinguished talents with unique expertise and specializations. 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.”
A similar Royal decree was issued in 2021 to grant Saudi citizenship to the first group of select distinguished talents in these fields.
Among this round’s notable individuals is the extraordinary Dr. Mehmood Khan, an American and the CEO of the Hevolution Foundation, recognized for his contributions to the health sciences.
Dr. Khan has been a guest of The 966 podcast for a fascinating discussion of the Hevolution Foundation, longevity, healthspan and gero-science.
The Saudi Gazette reports that other notable figures granted Saudi citizenship include Jackie Yi-Ru Ying, an American scientist of Singaporean origin, founding Executive Director of the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore who currently leads the NanoBio Lab. Lebanese scientist Niveen Khashab for her advanced scientific expertise and contributions to bioengineering and nanomaterials. Khashab is a founding member of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and has been an Associate Professor of Chemical Sciences and Engineering there since 2009. And, Noreddine Ghaffour, a French scientist, who has been recognized for his expertise in environmental science and engineering, particularly in desalination technologies. Ghaffour is a Professor at KAUST.
