Fadi Jamil receives the French Order of Arts and Letters with the rank of Knight
In a move that reflects the depth of cultural relations between the Arab world and France, and as a culmination of a long journey of artistic and social contribution, the French capital, Paris, recently witnessed a high-level honoring ceremony, where Mr. Fadi Mohammed Jameel, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Community Jameel and co-founder of the “Art Jameel” Foundation, was awarded the “Knight” medal within the system of French arts and letters decorations.
This medal is one of the highest honors bestowed by the French Ministry of Culture. It was established to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves through their creativity in the arts or literature, or who have made a tangible contribution to the advancement of arts and literature in France and worldwide. The awarding of this title to Fadi Jamil is an international recognition of the pivotal role the Jamil family plays in the global cultural landscape, and an appreciation of their efforts in building bridges of cultural understanding between East and West.
A legacy spanning eighty years of giving
This recognition is not a recent development, but rather the fruit of a noble foundation laid by the founder, Sheikh Abdul Latif Jameel (may God have mercy on him), more than 80 years ago in Jeddah, where he established the pillars of social and charitable work. The family has continued this legacy, evolving under the leadership of the current generation and expanding to include support for arts and culture as a fundamental pillar of community development. For over twenty years, Fadi Jameel has spearheaded a distinctive artistic movement through the "Art Jameel" initiatives, which have successfully created a sustainable creative environment in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and beyond.
Cultural institutions with global standards
The fruits of these efforts are evident in the pioneering institutions managed by Art Jameel, which serve nearly two million beneficiaries annually. Among the most prominent are the Jameel District in Jeddah, a hub for cinema, the arts, and community engagement, and the Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai, which focuses on contemporary art and innovative ideas. These centers have earned a prestigious international reputation, culminating recently in the Jameel Arts Centre receiving the Art Basel Award of Excellence, underscoring their significant impact on the global art scene.
Strengthening the Saudi-French partnership
Commenting on the event, Mr. Fadi Jameel expressed his pride in receiving the honor, saying, "This recognition from the French Order of Arts and Letters is a source of immense pride for us; it would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, and it celebrates decades of our commitment to social work." He thanked the Ministries of Culture in Saudi Arabia and France, affirming Art Jameel's firm belief in the transformative power of the arts and the foundation's commitment to supporting creative individuals and fostering international cultural exchange.
For his part, His Excellency Mohammed Nahhad, the French Consul General in Jeddah, affirmed that this medal represents well-deserved recognition of a fruitful and long-standing partnership. He noted the extensive cooperation between France and Art Jameel in various fields, ranging from artist commissions and film screenings to film education programs, expressing his hope for further future collaboration that will benefit the cultural landscape of both countries.
