Saudi Gazette report
THUWAL — Minister of Energy and Chairman of the KAUST Board of Trustees, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, delivered a moving message on merit, inclusivity, and national transformation during the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Commencement ceremony on Thursday.
Speaking to graduates, faculty members, and families, the Minister used a personal story to explain what he called “the new Saudi Arabia”, a country that rewards contribution, talent, and ambition regardless of background.
At KAUST’s Commencement this week, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy and Chairman of the KAUST Board of Trustees, delivered a powerful message:
— KAUST (@KAUST_News) November 28, 2025
This is the new Saudi Arabia — a nation built on meritocracy and talent, welcoming everyone who wants to live, build… pic.twitter.com/Gwznk4b7S6
Prince Abdulaziz highlighted the multigenerational journey of the Dabbousi family. He pointed to Bashir, an Aramco employee in attendance, and reflected on the legacy of his father, Professor Osama Dabbousi, whose decades of teaching at KFUPM shaped hundreds of Saudi engineers.
The Minister said he had personally asked Bashir to attend the ceremony, calling the family’s story “the message I want to give to all of you.”
He then invited Bashir’s son, Osama, a KAUST graduate, to join him on stage, creating a powerful scene that underscored how three generations of the same family built their future in the Kingdom through education and service.
“The grandfather, Osama, was not a Saudi, and he became a Saudi because he educated so many Saudis,” Prince Abdulaziz said.
“His son becomes a Saudi and works now for Aramco. His grandson is a Saudi who graduated with honors from KAUST and is going to Oxford.”
Osama has received the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, one of the world’s most competitive fully-funded postgraduate awards.
“So truly, welcome to the new Saudi Arabia,” he said to strong applause.
Prince Abdulaziz emphasized that modern Saudi Arabia is driven by meritocracy and openness.
“This is the new Saudi Arabia that knows nothing but meritocracy and talent,” he said.
“Whoever wants to live with us is welcome. Whoever wants to share their dream is welcome. Whoever wants to be an accomplished person in Saudi Arabia is welcome.”
He urged the graduates to uphold values of ambition, civility, and global engagement as the Kingdom continues its transformation under Vision 2030.
“We should never let go of the idea that we should become the model of civility,” he said. “We will continue rising to be acquainted with the who’s who in this global endeavor to modernity, civility, growth, and prosperity.”
The Minister closed his address by reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to openness and opportunity.
“All of you are welcome,” he told the graduates. “I want all of you to be part of us and of our fabric and society.”
