King of Saudi Arabia Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, in a decree, announced that citizenship will be considered for those working in technology, agriculture, nuclear and renewable energy, oil and gas, AI and medical and forensic science.
The Saudi project, a government entity tweeted the same on December 5, saying the move is aimed at attracting “scientists, intellectuals and innovators from around the world to enable the kingdom to become a diverse hub…that the Arab World would be proud of.”
It is a move on part of the Saudi government to lessen the economy's dependence on petrochemicals.
As of now, Saudi law allows for the naturalisation of expatriates who have called the kingdom home for five years or more. But they would still need Saudi sponsorship.
Given that the Kingdom has been trying to renewing its image in eyes of the western world, the Kingdom also launched tourist visas that allow multiple entries to visitors.
Under the new citizenship decree, Islamic clerics will also be invited to take up citizenship.