DUBAI: Fady Jameel, chair of Saudi Arabia’s Art Jameel and vice chairman, international, at Abdul Latif Jameel, has been awarded the title of Chevalier in the Order of Arts and Letters (Ordre des Arts et des Lettres) by the French Ministry of Culture.

The Order of Arts and Letters is one of France’s highest cultural honors and is awarded to individuals whose work has contributed to the enrichment of arts and culture in France and internationally. 

The ceremony took place in Paris last week and was led by French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, with cultural figures from the arts and cinema sectors in attendance.

Jameel’s recognition comes in acknowledgment of the Jameel family’s long-standing philanthropic engagement, including more than 80 years of charitable work and over two decades of arts-focused initiatives led by Art Jameel across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and internationally.

Art Jameel, founded by the Jameel family, supports artists, institutions and creative communities through exhibitions, grants, research, education and public programs. Its work has included projects that encourage cultural exchange and collaboration between the Middle East and Europe, including France.

In remarks following the ceremony, Jameel said the honor reflected the collective efforts of his family and partners in advancing cultural initiatives, building on a philanthropic legacy that began in Jeddah eight decades ago. 

“I would like to thank the Ministry of Culture of France and our colleagues at the French Embassy and Consulate in Saudi Arabia and wish to express my appreciation to colleagues and partners, in both the private and government sectors, for their continued support and encouragement of the cultural sector,” he said in a released statement. 

“From Islamic art, craft and artisanship through to the most contemporary and innovative of practices, at Art Jameel we really believe in the role of the arts in transforming lives — a value we place at the heart of what we do daily,” Jameel continued. “Looking ahead, Art Jameel remains committed to strengthening a robust art ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and beyond, through piloting new initiatives that support students, creatives and wider public engagement with the arts, alongside nurturing international exchange.”