Prominent Pakistani gets Saudi Nationality

Date: July 4, 2025 | NewsMakers Web Desk

In a significant move under Saudi Arabia’s ongoing Vision 2030 initiative, Pakistani-origin scientist Dr. Mehmoud Khan has been granted Saudi citizenship, placing him among the first high-profile global professionals to be naturalized by the Kingdom.

The news was confirmed in a recent list published by the financial portal Argaam, which included several top-tier experts from fields such as science, medicine, technology, and the arts. Dr. Khan’s inclusion signals Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to attracting world-class talent to help diversify its economy and build a knowledge-driven society.

Who is Dr. Mehmoud Khan?

Born to Pakistani parents and raised in the United Kingdom, Dr. Khan earned his medical degree from the prestigious University of Liverpool Medical School. Over the course of a distinguished career spanning decades, he has held key leadership roles in global health, pharmaceuticals, and nutrition, including:

Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer of Global R\&D at PepsiCo
President of Global Research & Development at Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Director of the Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Nutrition Trials Unit at the Mayo Clinic

Currently, he serves as the CEO of the Hevolution Foundation, a Riyadh-based nonprofit focused on funding scientific research and investing in biotechnology, particularly in areas that promote healthy aging and longevity.

UAE Golden Visa for Skilled Pakistanis

Vision 2030 and the Citizenship Initiative

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to reduce the Kingdom’s dependence on oil and reposition it as a global hub for investment, innovation, and knowledge.

In November 2021, a royal decree allowed individuals with proven excellence in science, medicine, culture, technology, and sports to apply for Saudi citizenship. Dr. Khan is among the most notable figures to be granted citizenship under this policy so far.

The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy to bring top-tier global minds into its economic and social transformation journey, ensuring local and international collaboration in fields critical to the nation’s future.

Proud of Pakistani Roots

In an earlier interview with OPEN Silicon Valley, a global organization of Pakistani entrepreneurs and professionals, Dr. Khan reflected on his upbringing:

“I grew up in England. I haven’t had the chance to grow up in Pakistan,” he said, adding, “But I’ve always been proud of my Pakistani heritage.”

His success serves as a powerful example of how diaspora Pakistanis are shaping critical sectors across the world while staying connected to their roots.

Health Innovation at the Core

Under Dr. Khan’s leadership, the Hevolution Foundation is emerging as a key global player in funding research related to healthy aging, chronic disease prevention, and biotechnological advancement. The foundation is expected to commit billions of dollars over the coming years to support global research and startup innovations in health sciences.

Dr. Khan has been a vocal advocate for shifting the global healthcare model from treatment to prevention, and his work is seen as instrumental in Saudi Arabia’s ambition to lead in health innovation.

Conclusion: Recognition for Excellence, and a Win for Science

Dr. Mehmoud Khan’s Saudi citizenship is not only a personal achievement but also a recognition of scientific excellence and cross-border collaboration. His story reflects the kind of transformational talent Saudi Arabia hopes to attract, and it also offers inspiration to young Pakistani scientists worldwide who aspire to make a global impact.

As Saudi Arabia opens its doors to the world’s best minds, this marks a new chapter in science-led diplomacy — and Dr. Khan stands as a shining example of that promise.