Saleh Abdullah Kamel

Saleh Abdullah Kamel is recognized as one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent businessmen, renowned for pioneering investments in advertising, media, banking, and various commercial sectors. He established the influential conglomerate Dallah Al Baraka Group, encompassing numerous enterprises in banking, tourism, real estate development, and media. Also notable for his substantial contributions to Islamic economics and finance, Kamel gained recognition globally for advocating ethical practices and the principles of Islamic banking.

He sold ART sports channels to Al Jazeera for an impressive $2.75 billion.

At Arageek, we believe that Saleh Abdullah Kamel’s legacy offers valuable insights into the intersections of entrepreneurship, media innovation, and ethical commerce. His journey from childhood ventures to billion-dollar enterprises underscores the power of innovation, determination, and ethical conviction, serving as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders worldwide.

Born on January 1, 1941, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Saleh grew up in a family traditionally involved in Tawafa services (hosting and supporting pilgrims). His father, Abdullah, held an important government role as General Director of the Cabinet Diwan. From childhood, his entrepreneurial spirit emerged clearly: crafting simple handmade toys, selling them to his friends, and initiating small trading activities. After completing primary and intermediate education between Mecca and Taif, he moved to Jeddah to continue his secondary schooling. Eventually, he graduated from King Saud University in Riyadh with a bachelor degree in commerce in 1963.

Saleh Abdullah Kamel was married with multiple children, including his son Abdullah. He was also famously married to Egyptian actress Safaa Abu Al Saud, with whom he had a daughter named Aseel.

– As a university student, Kamel founded a modest printing press dedicated to producing lecture notes for fellow students.

– Initially a partner in MBC, he later divested fully, establishing the Arab Radio & Television Network (ART).

– Relocated ART headquarters from Rome to the Media Production City in Jordan.

– First Saudi entrepreneur to establish an integrated media production entity, known as the Arab Media Production Company.

– Owned the Islamic channel “Iqraa” and was developing plans to launch Islamic channels in multiple languages.

– Owned Saudi Arabia’s “Saher” automated traffic control system under the Ministry of Interior.

Saleh Abdullah Kamel began his business activities early, leveraging profitable opportunities even as a student. In university, he founded the Saudi Scout Office, and later secured his first major business achievement when he won a contract to distribute mail for the Ministry of Telecommunications. Buying a fleet of vehicles for postal distribution, he managed and ran this successful project for 15 years.

In 1982, Kamel established Dallah Al Baraka Group, becoming a benchmark in diversified investments across Jeddah and the region. Dallah Al Baraka incorporates several influential and prosperous enterprises, including Al Baraka Banking Group, Tawfiq Financial Group, Arab Media Company, Misk Arabic Media Company, and the acclaimed Arab Radio & Television (ART).

Kamel held various senior positions, chairing the Board of Directors of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, the Committee of Participants in Islamic banks’ portfolios, and the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions. His leadership extended into numerous educational and philanthropic initiatives globally, generously sharing his insights on Islamic economics, finance, development, and banking systems.

Recognition of his significant contributions is widespread. In 1993, Kamel earned the “Gulf Businessman of the Year” award; consecutively awarded “Banker of the Year” by the Islamic Development Bank in 1995 and 1996. Arabian Business magazine named him the seventh most influential Arab figure among the region’s fifty most powerful individuals in 2006. Additionally, he was awarded honorary doctorate recognition by New Open World University in 2011.

Besides his commitment to entrepreneurship and banking, Kamel extensively supported academic initiatives by establishing multiple Islamic economic research centers in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. A passionate believer in economic ethics and sustainable development, he frequently delivered lectures and seminars about Islamic banking and ethics-based business frameworks, enriching generations of economists and business leaders.