Crown Prince receives Omar Yaghi, winner of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
In a generous gesture that embodies the wise leadership's interest in science and scientists, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received Professor Omar bin Munis Yaghi, on the occasion of his winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2025. His Highness congratulated Professor Yaghi on this unprecedented global achievement, stressing that this prize reflects well-deserved international recognition of his pioneering scientific efforts and what he has offered to serve humanity in the field of chemistry.
A pioneer in network chemistry and a global scientific achievement
Professor Omar Yaghi's Nobel Prize win is the culmination of a distinguished scientific career spanning decades. Yaghi is considered the true founder of reticular chemistry. His pioneering research contributed to the development of new materials known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). These materials are characterized by their high porosity and exceptional gas storage capacity, opening up vast possibilities for practical applications that benefit humanity, such as carbon capture to mitigate climate change, hydrogen storage as a clean fuel, and, most importantly, technologies for extracting water from the air in arid and desert regions.
Significance of the reception and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The Crown Prince's reception of Professor Yaghi carries profound significance, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes innovation and scientific research. Celebrating this achievement is not merely a tribute to the professor; it is a clear message affirming the Kingdom's commitment to supporting creative minds and fostering a knowledge-based environment. It is worth noting that Professor Yaghi maintains close research ties with Saudi academic institutions, including King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, where he has contributed to the establishment of advanced research centers within the Kingdom.
The achievement had a local and regional impact
This victory represents a historic moment for the Arab region and the scientific community in the Kingdom, inspiring thousands of Saudi and Arab researchers and students to strive for global excellence. The leadership's recognition of one of the most prominent chemists of the modern era reinforces the Kingdom's position as a hub for science and scientists, and underscores the pivotal role that Saudi-affiliated talent plays in shaping the future of science globally.
