RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 11: In a landmark move reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to talent and innovation, Dr. Shamim Ahmad Butt and Faraz Khalid have become among the first recipients of Saudi citizenship under a royal decree issued on July 4.

The decree, aimed at recognizing individuals with exceptional talents across various fields, underscores Saudi Arabia's dedication to realizing its Vision 2030 goals. This ambitious vision seeks to create an environment that attracts, invests in, and retains creative minds, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Dr. Shamim Ahmad Butt, a distinguished Indian physician, currently serves as the Deputy Head of the Emergency Department at King Saud Medical City in Riyadh. Accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and the Saudi Council of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Shamim hails from Khan Sahib, Jammu and Kashmir. His accolades include the prestigious 2007-2008 Zonn Perkin Gold Medal for Emergency Research.

Faraz Khalid, another notable recipient of Saudi citizenship, brings a wealth of entrepreneurial expertise to the Kingdom. A graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with an MBA in Entrepreneurial Project Management, Faraz has made significant contributions to the regional e-commerce landscape. He serves as the CEO of Noon and played a pivotal role in co-founding Namshi, both prominent players in the e-commerce sector.

The granting of Saudi citizenship to Dr. Shamim Ahmad Butt and Faraz Khalid marks a significant step towards fostering a diverse and dynamic community of innovators as part of Saudi Arabia's transformative Vision 2030 initiative.