Saudi Arabia grants citizenship to Uber founder, Red Sea Global CEO in Vision 2030 drive

Saudi Arabia has granted citizenship to American entrepreneur and Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick, as well as Red Sea Global Chief Executive John Pagano, as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 agenda to diversify the economy and attract global talent.

The royal decree, announced this week, extends citizenship to "distinguished scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs in rare and vital specialisations" whose expertise aligns with the kingdom’s long-term diversification agenda.

Officials said the initiative aims to "enhance an environment that invests in human capabilities and attracts exceptional talent", helping to advance sectors from tourism to technology in line with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic transformation plan.

Kalanick, one of Silicon Valley’s most recognisable figures, co-founded Uber in 2009 and served as its chief executive until 2017, overseeing its rapid global expansion to a valuation of roughly $150 billion.

He now leads CloudKitchens, a company specialising in delivery-only kitchen infrastructure with more than 400 locations worldwide, including operations in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE under the name KitchenPark.

Kalanick has played an active role in the company’s Middle East expansion, securing roughly $1.25 billion in investment to accelerate its regional growth. He also oversees the 10100 Fund, which invests in real estate, e-commerce, and emerging technologies across Asia.

Pagano, who has more than four decades of experience in large-scale real estate and tourism development, has served as CEO of Red Sea Global since 2018. He currently oversees both the Red Sea and AMAALA luxury tourism projects, following their merger in 2022.

Previously, Pagano held senior roles at the Baha Mar resort in the Bahamas, where he managed a $3.6 billion luxury development.

Forbes Middle East recently named him among its "Travel and Tourism Leaders" for 2024 in recognition of his role in shaping Saudi Arabia's emerging international tourism market.

The decision comes amid Riyadh’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a regional hub for global business talent, mirroring similar moves across the Gulf.

Alongside Saudi Arabia's new "exceptional citizenship" pathway, the UAE and Qatar have rolled out long-term residence and citizenship schemes targeting investors and founders.

In recent months, high-profile billionaires have relocated to the Gulf, including Revolut co-founder Nik Storonsky and Telegram owner and CEO Pavel Durov, who recently moved to the UAE.

Tech leaders and firms are seeking stable regulation, lower taxes, and proximity to fast-growing regional markets.