A prestigious international honor for the Jameel family
At a ceremony held in Paris, the Jameel family was honored for their global leadership in supporting and promoting the arts. Mr. Fadi Mohammed Jameel, co-founder of Art Jameel and vice chairman of Abdul Latif Jameel International Operations, was awarded the title of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, one of the highest cultural honors bestowed by the French Ministry of Culture. This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant and influential cultural impact worldwide.
Historical background: Order of Arts and Letters
The Order of Arts and Letters (Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) was established in 1957 and is awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves through their artistic or literary creations, or through their significant contributions to the enrichment and dissemination of culture and the arts in France and around the world. Receiving the rank of "Knight" in this order is official recognition of the honoree's pivotal role in the global cultural landscape, placing them among a select group of creators and intellectuals who have received this high honor.
A legacy spanning eight decades of giving
This recognition is the culmination of a long history of social philanthropy, initiated by the late founder, Sheikh Abdul Latif Jameel, more than 80 years ago in Jeddah. This legacy has evolved across generations, taking on a new and impactful dimension in the cultural and artistic sector over the past two decades under the leadership of Fadi Jameel. Through the Jameel Foundation, this support has been directed towards creating sustainable cultural infrastructure and strengthening cultural ties between the Middle East, France, and the rest of the world, reflecting a deep commitment to the importance of art as a bridge between civilizations.
The global impact of Art Jameel initiatives
Founded in 2003, Art Jameel has become one of the most prominent and influential arts organizations in the Middle East. Its programs and exhibitions reach nearly two million people annually through its main centers in Jeddah and Dubai and a broad network of international partnerships. The organization manages two creative hubs: the Jameel District in Jeddah, a hub for cinema and the arts, and the Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai, a leading center for contemporary art and ideas that recently received an Art Basel Excellence Award for its pioneering vision. These initiatives go beyond simply exhibiting art; they aim to broaden the horizons of learning, knowledge exchange, and creative development through art.
In a statement, Mr. Fadi Jameel said: “This honor of being awarded the French Order of Arts and Letters is a great source of pride for us; it would not have been possible without the tremendous support of my family. It also celebrates decades of our commitment to continuing the social work that my grandfather, Abdul Latif Jameel (may God have mercy on him), began in Jeddah 80 years ago. I would like to express my gratitude to the Ministry of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its ongoing support of Art Jameel’s initiatives, and I also extend my thanks to the French Ministry of Culture… At Art Jameel, we believe in the power of art to transform lives – a conviction that is at the heart of everything we do every day.”
For his part, His Excellency Mohammed Nahhad, the French Consul General in Jeddah, explained: “This honor represents an appreciation of the Jameel family’s ongoing efforts and fruitful partnership over the years in supporting the arts around the world. We have extensive cooperation with Art Jameel on numerous cultural projects… We look forward to continuing this partnership with the Jameel family and strengthening this cooperation in the future.”
