His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received Professor Omar bin Mounis Yaghi at his office in Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh today (Wednesday), on the occasion of his being awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2025, which he shared with two other scientists in recognition of his revolutionary contributions to the scientific field.
During the meeting, the Crown Prince congratulated Professor Omar Yaghi on this great global achievement, stressing that his winning this prestigious award reflects international appreciation and well-deserved recognition of his tireless research efforts and the qualitative additions he makes to the field of chemistry, wishing him continued success in his scientific career to serve humanity.
A global scientific breakthrough in retinal chemistry
Professor Omar Yaghi's Nobel Prize win is a culmination of a distinguished career in chemistry, particularly in the development of reticular chemistry. Yaghi is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the design and synthesis of new materials known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). These materials possess unique properties and exceptional porosity, opening up vast possibilities for vital applications that serve the future of our planet. These applications include carbon capture to mitigate climate change, hydrogen storage as a clean fuel, and technologies for extracting water from the air in arid regions, offering an innovative solution to water scarcity.
Leadership support for research and innovation and Vision 2030
For his part, Professor Omar Yaghi expressed his deep gratitude to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the warm reception, appreciating the support and encouragement he received and praising the Kingdom's significant interest in science and scientists. This meeting underscores the growing attention Saudi Arabia is giving to research, development, and innovation, which are key pillars of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Under the leadership of the Crown Prince, the Kingdom seeks to build a knowledge-based economy by strengthening its scientific research infrastructure, supporting universities and research centers, and attracting brilliant minds. Professor Yaghi's research directly aligns with the Kingdom's green initiatives and its ambitions in sustainability and clean energy, making this achievement highly significant in local and regional scientific circles.
The impact of the award and its inspiration for future generations
The awarding of a Nobel Prize to a scientist of Arab origin carries profound significance that transcends the personal. It serves as an inspiration to young Arabs and researchers in the region, motivating them to engage in the fields of science and technology. This achievement also reinforces the standing of scientific talent with close research partnerships with Saudi academic institutions. Professor Yaghi has a history of fruitful collaboration with universities and research centers within the Kingdom, contributing to the localization of knowledge and the development of scientific solutions to global challenges.
