List of Those Granted Saudi Nationality Includes Kiswa Calligrapher, Historians and a Pioneer in the Theater Movement

Samaan Al Ani
Samaan Al Ani
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List of Those Granted Saudi Nationality Includes Kiswa Calligrapher, Historians and a Pioneer in the Theater Movement

Samaan Al Ani
Samaan Al Ani

Asharq Al-Awsat has learned that the list of people who have been granted Saudi nationality in wake of the royal decree on Thursday, includes several prominent names in the cultural and intellectual fields. These figures have had a huge role in supporting the local cultural movement through their important contributions. They include: chief calligrapher at the Kiswa Factory of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah and historian Dr. Amin Sido, researcher Dr. Mohammed Alboukai, historian Dr. Abd al-Karim Ibrahim al-Samak, and Samaan Al Ani, one of the pioneer theater directors.

The list also included several figures in the religious, history, medical, educational, investment, digital technology and sports fields.

Asharq Al-Awsat offers below a biography of some of the prominent names included in the royal decree:

Dr. Amin Sido

Sido has made major scientific and research efforts that have contributed to the local cultural movement. He has over 30 publications to his name that have enriched culture and literature in Saudi Arabia.

Sido is an expert in bibliographic studies and has many publications in the domain.

He worked at the King Fahad National Library and was editor-in-chief of its magazine. He has presented a bibliographical study on “Saudis and Libraries and Information Science.”

Dr. Mohammed Alboukai

Alboukai is a researcher and translator, with some 40 publications on various arts to his name. They include studies on history, critiques and translation. He worked as linguistics teacher and literary criticism at several academic institutions, including the King Saud University in Riyadh.

He currently works at the King Salman Center for Historical and Civilization Studies of the Arabian Peninsula, relying on a rich heritage in researching publications related to the history of the Arabian Peninsula and the Saudi state. In 2018, he was the recipient of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Award for Translation in the “individual efforts” category.

Dr. Abd al-Karim Ibrahim al-Samak

Historian Dr. Abd al-Karim Ibrahim al-Samak holds a PhD in Modern and Contemporary History. He lived some 50 years of his life in Saudi Arabia where he published biographies of several heads of state during the time of the Kingdom’s founding, especially the Arabs who worked with King Abdulaziz.

He was interested in the works of journalist and historian Amin Said. He published several of his books that focused on Saudi Arabia. He was also interested in the archive of his magazine, “The Near East”, which is a major reference about the history of the Hijaz and Najad Kingdoms because it was published around the time of the unification of Saudi Arabia. Al-Samak compiled the archive in a two-volume book, in a major contribution to Saudi history.

Samaan Al Ani

Al Ani is a pioneer in theater directing in Saudi Arabia. Soon after graduating in theater arts in Baghdad, he became one of the first people to join Saudi theater as a director in the 1970s

He directed “Qitar al-Haz", which is one of the earliest Saudi stage productions. His career kicked off soon after with many other productions. He took part in several international theater festivals and has trained numerous Saudi actors.

Mokhtar Alim

Chief calligrapher of the kiswa of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, Alim now works as a calligrapher at the Kiswa Factory of the Holy Kaaba. His works have been featured at international exhibitions and he has taught courses and offered trainings in calligraphy. One of his courses is taught at the Masjid al-Haram Academy. He also worked for two and a half years in the mid-1990s as a calligrapher of diploma, masters and doctorate certificates at the Umm All Qura University.

His works have been acquired by several political leaders and put on display in the halls of several public institutions. He has won various awards in recognition of his work.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Cooperation to Serve Humanity, Sustainable Growth

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Cooperation to Serve Humanity, Sustainable Growth

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Jeddah.
The Cabinet reviewed overall state activities, particularly those aimed at developing cooperation and partnership relations, and enhancing areas of coordination and integration with brotherly and friendly countries.

According to SPA, this focus will reinforce the Kingdom's position and pivotal role on the global stage, given the promising opportunities and unique capabilities provided by its vision.
The Cabinet also discussed the outcomes of Saudi Arabia’s participation in various regional and international meetings, underscoring its ongoing commitment to joint action that serves mutual interests, benefits all parties, and contributes to addressing global challenges.
The Cabinet noted the Kingdom’s participation in the World Summit on the Information Society in Switzerland, where it reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing digital cooperation and supporting the International Telecommunication Union's goals that aim to harness modern technologies to serve humanity and promote sustainable growth.
In his remarks to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of State, Cabinet Member for Shura Council Affairs, and Acting Minister of Media Dr. Essam bin Saeed stated that the Cabinet expressed its appreciation for the commendation received at the High-Level Meeting on Sand and Dust Storms, held at the United Nations Headquarters. The meeting praised the Kingdom’s efforts to protect the environment at local, regional, and global levels, as well as its effective initiatives in developing early warning systems and fostering scientific cooperation to mitigate the impacts of dust storms.
The Cabinet noted the significant achievements of the Financial Sector Development Program and the Human Capability Development Program. These initiatives have successfully contributed to enhancing financial sustainability, supporting the national economy, and boosting the competitiveness of national cadres both locally and globally. This success has been achieved through a continuous system of education and learning that aligns with the evolving needs and requirements of the labor market.
The Cabinet also commended the efforts of government agencies involved in launching and integrating the artificial intelligence (AI) curriculum across all levels of general education. This strategic initiative aims to prepare a generation equipped with future-ready skills, accelerating the transition to a knowledge-based society and solidifying the Kingdom’s global position in advanced technologies.
The Cabinet considered the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in the growth of international tourism receipts in the first quarter of 2025 as a reflection of the rapid development in this vital sector, which now leads in international indicators.