Prince Abdulaziz Highlights Meritocracy and Inclusion in Inspiring KAUST Commencement Address

Thuwal, The Gulf Observer: Minister of Energy and Chairman of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Board of Trustees, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, delivered a powerful and emotional message on meritocracy, inclusion and national transformation during the KAUST Commencement ceremony on Thursday.

Addressing graduates, faculty members and families, the Minister shared a deeply personal story to illustrate what he described as “the new Saudi Arabia” — a nation that rewards talent, contribution and ambition regardless of background.

Prince Abdulaziz highlighted the remarkable multigenerational journey of the Dabbousi family. He acknowledged Bashir, an Aramco employee present at the ceremony, and reflected on the legacy of his father, Professor Osama Dabbousi, whose decades of service at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals shaped hundreds of Saudi engineers.

The Minister said he had personally invited Bashir to attend, describing the family’s story as “the message I want to give to all of you.”

In a moving moment, Prince Abdulaziz called Bashir’s son, Osama — a KAUST graduate — to the stage, symbolizing how three generations of one family built their future in the Kingdom through dedication, education and service.

“The grandfather, Osama, was not a Saudi, and he became a Saudi because he educated so many Saudis,” the Minister 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 been awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, one of the world’s most competitive postgraduate awards.

“So truly, welcome to the new Saudi Arabia,” Prince Abdulaziz said, drawing strong applause from the audience.

‘The new Saudi Arabia knows only merit and talent’

Prince Abdulaziz underscored that the Kingdom today is defined by meritocracy, openness and opportunity.

“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 encouraged graduates to embody ambition, civility and global engagement as the nation 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.”

‘All of you are welcome’

Prince Abdulaziz concluded his address by reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to openness, inclusion and shared progress.

“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.”