At a ceremony held in Paris, the Jameel family was honored for its global leadership in supporting the arts. 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. This honor, bestowed by the French Ministry of Culture, is one of France's highest cultural distinctions, recognizing individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the cultural and artistic landscape of France and around the world.

A legacy spanning from social giving to artistic leadership

This recognition is the culmination of a long journey of giving that began more than 80 years ago in Jeddah, when the late founder, Sheikh Abdul Latif Jameel, laid the foundations for social work aimed at empowering communities. This legacy has evolved through generations, embracing art and culture as essential tools for development and human connection. Under the leadership of Fadi Jameel, this vision crystallized with the establishment of Art Jameel in 2003, an organization that has dedicated itself for two decades to supporting artists and creatives and fostering cultural ties between the Middle East and the world, including France.

The importance of honoring and its impact on the cultural landscape

This honor holds particular significance on several levels. Locally, it aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places culture and the arts at the heart of its development plans to build a vibrant society and a thriving economy. Initiatives such as the Jameel District in Jeddah play a pivotal role in realizing this vision by providing a comprehensive platform for Saudi artists, filmmakers, and creatives. Regionally, the award contributes to solidifying the Middle East's position as a growing global cultural hub, where institutions like Art Jameel are building bridges of creative collaboration. Internationally, this distinction enhances the standing of Arab arts patrons and institutions on the world stage and opens new avenues for cultural and diplomatic exchange between France and Saudi Arabia.

In this context, Mr. Fadi Jameel stated: “This honor of being awarded the French Order of Arts and Letters is a source of great 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 begun by my grandfather, Abdul Latif Jameel (may God have mercy on him). I would like to express my gratitude to the Ministry of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its ongoing support, and I also thank the Ministry of Culture in France, as well as our partners in the public and private sectors. At Art Jameel, we believe in the transformative power of the arts, and we will continue our commitment to fostering a strong arts ecosystem in the Kingdom and beyond.”.

For his part, the French Consul General in Jeddah, Mr. Mohamed Nahhad, explained that “this honor represents an appreciation of the Jameel family’s ongoing efforts and fruitful partnership. France, a country of arts and culture, has always celebrated the efforts of those interested in spreading culture. We have extensive cooperation with Art Jameel on many projects, and we look forward to continuing this fruitful partnership.”.

"Art Jameel": A leading institution serving the community

Today, Art Jameel is one of the leading arts organizations in the Middle East, with its programs and exhibitions reaching approximately two million people annually. The organization manages two prominent art venues: Hay Jameel, an integrated creative community in Jeddah, and the Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai, a hub for contemporary art and ideas. Despite being privately funded by the Jameel family, Art Jameel operates with a spirit of public service, collaborating with governments and partners to expand learning, exchange, and development through the arts, based on its conviction that art is an essential element of life and accessible to all.

Tragedy strikes artist Nidal Al-Shafei again

In news that saddened the Egyptian artistic community and the public, actor Nidal El-Shafei announced the death of his mother after a recent health crisis. This tragic loss comes just months after the passing of his wife, Hind Mohamed Ali, leaving the actor to grieve the loss of two of his loved ones in such a short period.

On his official Facebook page, Nidal El Shafei shared the news with his followers, posting a touching message mourning his mother and asking everyone to pray for her mercy and forgiveness, and that God grant her paradise. The post received a wide response from his fellow artists and the public, who quickly offered their condolences and sympathy.

Funeral and burial details

Al-Shafi'i explained in his post that the funeral prayer for his late mother will be held after the noon prayer today at the Al-Bahgat Mosque in the Dreamland area. She will be laid to rest in the family cemetery located on the Oasis Road in Cairo, where family and friends will gather for a final farewell.

The context of successive sorrows

This tragedy brings to mind the profound sorrow that befell artist Nidal El Shafei in April 2024, when he lost his wife and life partner, Hind Mohamed Ali, after a long battle with kidney disease. Her death was a devastating blow to him and his family, as she had been a fundamental support in his personal and professional life. Today, he faces renewed grief with the passing of his mother, compounding his pain and prompting a great outpouring of support from his fans during this difficult time.

A rich artistic career and humanitarian stances

Nidal El-Shafei is one of the most prominent actors on the Egyptian art scene, having delivered many memorable performances in film, television, and theater throughout his career. He began his artistic journey after graduating from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts, quickly attracting attention with his powerful performances and the diversity of his roles. Among his most notable works are television series such as "Tamer and Shawqia" and "Critical Moments," and films like "The Island" and "The Dealer," where he demonstrated his ability to brilliantly portray a wide range of characters. On a personal level, he is known for his deep connection to his family, which is why his recent tragedy has garnered widespread sympathy.

Latest artworks

On the professional front, actor Nidal El Shafei's last dramatic appearance was in the series "Al-Amira Dhal Heita" (Princess, the Shadow of a Wall), which aired recently. The 15-episode series starred a number of prominent actors, including Yasmine Sabri, Nicolas Mouawad, Wafaa Amer, Hala Fakher, and Maha Nassar. It was written by Mohamed Sayed Bashir and directed by Sherine Adel. Despite his busy schedule, the difficult family circumstances he recently faced have been the subject of concern and prayers from everyone.