Amr Adib Receives Saudi Citizenship Under Talent Attraction Initiative
The recent announcement by renowned Egyptian journalist, Amr Adib, about receiving Saudi citizenship, has garnered significant attention and raised questions about the criteria and process involved. This decision is part of a broader initiative to diversify the nation’s economy and attract talent across various fields.
Background of Saudi Citizenship Law Changes
Saudi Arabia moves to grant citizenship to selected expatriates, including doctors, clerics, and academics. Accordingly, this reflects the country’s ambitions under Vision 2030, a plan to reduce dependence on oil. It also aims to create a more diverse and sustainable economy. The Kingdom aims to create an “attractive environment” to cultivate and retain exceptional talent. This will focus on fields like Islamic scholarship, medicine, science, culture, sports, and technology. Such initiative also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategic goals to address future challenges. It also enhances local competitiveness and stimulate economic and scientific sectors.
Amr Adib’s Grant of Citizenship
Amr Adib announced on his show “Al Hekaya” on MBC Masr that he was granted Saudi citizenship. He described this honor as a recognition of his long history of working in Saudi media institutions and expressed his gratitude to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Adib’s contribution to media, spanning 30 years, includes significant time working within Saudi media institutions, albeit based in Egypt. He considers this honor as a responsibility and hopes to act as a bridge between two pivotal Arab nations, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Criteria for Granting Citizenship
The Saudi citizenship law traditionally requires foreign citizens to have held permanent residency in the kingdom for at least five years. However, a recent royal decree has broadened the scope, allowing worldwide candidates who meet specific criteria to be granted citizenship. This includes experts in various fields such as medical and forensic science, technology, agriculture, nuclear and renewable energy, oil and gas, artificial intelligence, arts, sports, and culture. These changes are intended to support Saudi competencies and knowledge that will benefit the general public.
Implications of the Citizenship Grant
Granting citizenship to Amr Adib and other talented individuals from various fields is a strategic move by Saudi Arabia. It reflects the kingdom’s commitment to becoming a diverse hub of knowledge and innovation. By such initiative it attracts global talents who can contribute to the nation’s development and Vision 2030 goals. The decision not only acknowledges individual contributions but also strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading nation in cultural, scientific, and economic spheres.
Amr Adib’s receipt of Saudi citizenship came among a wider strategy by Saudi Arabia to attract and retain global talent. Accordingly, tis contributes to the country’s ambitious reform plans and future growth. This move signifies the kingdom’s evolving approach towards residency and citizenship laws, emphasizing the value of intellectual and cultural contributions to national development.
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