Saudi scientist Professor Omar Mounis Yaghi achieved a historic accomplishment by winning the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry , becoming the first Saudi scientist to receive this prestigious award presented by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, in recognition of his pioneering contributions to the establishment of network chemistry , and the development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that have brought about a fundamental transformation in materials science, and opened new horizons for clean energy, water and environmental applications.
Global leadership in retinal chemistry
Professor Yaghi is one of the world's leading scientists in his field, having contributed to the publication of over 300 scientific papers , which have garnered widespread attention and over 250,000 citations . He has also co-founded several global companies and launched pioneering research initiatives in sustainable energy and advanced materials science.
His career was crowned with a series of major international awards, including the King Faisal International Prize in Science , the Albert Einstein World Award , the Wolf Prize in Chemistry , the Eni Award for Excellence in Energy , and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Award , in addition to being honored within the Arab Genius Awards and the Fin Future Award for Emerging Science and Technology.
Saudi leadership's support for science and innovation
the President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology , Dr. Munir Mahmoud Al-Desouki, expressed the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz , and to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman , for their continuous support for the research, development and innovation system, and for empowering national talents and attracting creative minds from all over the world, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 towards building a knowledge economy based on innovation.
Al-Dusuqi said, “Professor Yaghi’s Nobel Prize win embodies the leadership’s vision of making the Kingdom a global center for science and knowledge, and confirms that investing in minds is the path to building a sustainable future for humanity.” He added that Yaghi’s innovations in designing and using nanomaterials to extract water from the air represent an inspiring example of what scientific will can achieve when combined with institutional support and a strategic vision.
Vision 2030 attracts creative minds
Professor Omar Yaghi among the distinguished individuals who were granted Saudi citizenship in recognition of his outstanding scientific contributions, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to fostering an environment that attracts exceptional minds in science and technology. He serves as the Director of the Center of Excellence for Nanomaterials for Clean Energy Applications, a joint initiative between King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and the University of California, Berkeley. He also serves as an advisor to the President of KACST and a member of the Board of Directors of the Research, Development, and Innovation Development Authority .
This global scientific achievement reflects the Kingdom’s growing stature in the fields of science and technology, and confirms that the support of the wise leadership under MBS is resulting in a qualitative shift in the national innovation system, and places Saudi Arabia among the leading countries in investing in knowledge and scientific research.
