Monday, October 13, 2025
Saudi Arabia Grants Citizenship to Uber Co-Founder Travis Kalanick and Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano
Saudi Arabia has officially granted citizenship to American businessman Travis Kalanick, the co-founder and former CEO of Uber, as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing effort to attract top global talent and expertise.
This move is part of a royal initiative that supports Saudi Vision 2030, a national plan focused on innovation, investment, and human capital development. The program aims to bring in scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and experts in rare fields to help strengthen the Saudi economy. Trending: Saudi Arabia and Qatar mediate after deadly Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes
Officials said this reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to attracting exceptional individuals whose knowledge and experience can help develop promising sectors and support the country’s economic growth.
Travis Kalanick’s Global Career and Achievements
Travis Kalanick is known as one of the world’s leading technology entrepreneurs, with over 26 years of experience in building and growing startups.
He co-founded Uber, which reached a market value of $150 billion between its founding and 2017.
Kalanick now serves as CEO of CloudKitchens, a company that operates delivery-focused commercial kitchens in more than 400 locations worldwide.
In the Middle East, CloudKitchens operates under the brand KitchenPark, with branches in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE.
Kalanick also led a major $1.25 billion investment deal to speed up CloudKitchens’ expansion in the region.
In addition, he founded the 10100 Fund, an investment firm that focuses on real estate, e-commerce, and emerging innovations in China and India. Most Viewed: Air India Express launches direct flights between Bengaluru and Riyadh, Jeddah and Kuwait
John Pagano Also Receives Saudi Citizenship
John Pagano, the CEO of Red Sea Global (RSG), has also been granted Saudi citizenship. Pagano expressed deep gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for what he called a great honor and privilege.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Pagano wrote:
“It is a great honor to share that I have been granted Saudi citizenship. My sincerest gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for this immense privilege and trust.”
Pagano added that after living in Saudi Arabia for several years, he has embraced its culture, built strong relationships with its people, and witnessed the Kingdom’s inspiring transformation. He said:
“Saudi Arabia has become a place I proudly call home, and I’m excited to be part of the remarkable journey ahead with Red Sea Global.”
Pagano’s Role in Red Sea Global and Vision 2030
Originally a British national, Pagano has led Red Sea Global (RSG) since its founding. The company is one of the flagship tourism projects of the Public Investment Fund, overseeing the development of The Red Sea and Amaala destinations along Saudi Arabia’s western coast.
Under Pagano’s leadership, RSG has become a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s sustainable tourism vision. The company plays a key role in Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil and highlight the Kingdom’s natural and cultural treasures to the world. See Also: Saudi Transport General Authority cracks down on illegal taxis and caught 606 violators
Summary
The granting of Saudi citizenship to both Travis Kalanick and John Pagano highlights the Kingdom’s growing appeal as a destination for global business leaders and innovators. It also reinforces Saudi Vision 2030’s mission to make the country a hub for talent, investment, and sustainable development across multiple industries.
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| Saudi Arabia Grants Citizenship to Uber Co-Founder and Red Sea Global CEO |
