Biden Picks Career Diplomat Michael Ratney as Envoy to Saudi Arabia

Michael Ratney. (AFP)
Michael Ratney. (AFP)
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Biden Picks Career Diplomat Michael Ratney as Envoy to Saudi Arabia

Michael Ratney. (AFP)
Michael Ratney. (AFP)

President Joe Biden intends to nominate career diplomat Michael Ratney to be US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, the White House said on Friday.

Ratney previously served as the charge d'affaires at the US Embassy in Jerusalem and the US special envoy for Syria.

Ratney, whose official biography says he speaks Arabic and French, has previously been deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Doha and has had tours in Mexico City, Baghdad, Beirut, Casablanca, Bridgetown, and Washington.



Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Appointed Chairman of KAUST Board of Trustees

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
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Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Appointed Chairman of KAUST Board of Trustees

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

A Royal Order has been issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud based on the recommendation of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, appointing Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

The appointment reflects KAUST’s strategic role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s research, development, and innovation agenda, particularly in areas critical to the Kingdom’s future, such as energy, sustainability, and technological advancement. Under Prince Abdulaziz’s leadership, KAUST is poised to further its mission as a global hub for scientific excellence and transformative innovation.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman brings extensive expertise in the energy and sustainability sector, having played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing policies that drive the transition towards clean energy and foster innovation in this field. His appointment represents a strategic step in advancing KAUST's "Accelerating Impact" strategy, which aims to fast-track scientific research and bridge its outcomes with industrial and technological applications in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

The appointment also underscores the Kingdom's commitment to advancing research efforts aimed at addressing environmental and climate challenges, enhancing the adoption of renewable energy, and achieving net-zero emissions through the university's pioneering research initiatives.

Commenting on the appointment, KAUST President Sir Edward Byrne AC stated: “We are honored to have Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman as the Chairman of KAUST Board of Trustees. His appointment marks a significant milestone in the university's journey.”

“His vision and deep expertise in energy and sustainability will accelerate KAUST's impact and strengthen its role in linking scientific research with economic and technological development. We look forward to achieving further milestones, expanding strategic partnerships, and supporting the next generation of scientists and innovators,” he added.