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Saudi Arabia
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1953 - Invalid Date
Saleh Abdullah Kamel
Jobs
Date of birth
May 5, 1941
Nationality
Place of birth
Mecca
Constellation
Biography
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.
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Early Life
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.
The Personal Life
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.
Quick Facts
- 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.
Famous Quotes صالح عبدلله كامل
“My investment in sports media was a mistake that cost me dearly.”
“Our economy must stand on the foundation of fearing God.”
“The absence of fairness in dealings is a dangerous sign; unfortunately, ethics have deteriorated.”
“Unfortunately, Saudis have wasted too much in recent years.”
Achievements
Saleh Abdullah Kamel: The Visionary Behind Dallah Al Baraka and a Pioneer of Islamic Finance
Saleh Abdullah Kamel was a trailblazing Saudi entrepreneur whose business acumen revealed itself early on. Even as a university student, he showed a keen eye for opportunity, founding the Saudi Scout Office and later securing his first major contract with the Ministry of Telecommunications. Tasked with managing the distribution of government mail, he invested in a dedicated fleet of vehicles and successfully operated the service for 15 years, marking his formal entry into the business world.
The Rise of Dallah Al Baraka
In 1982, Kamel founded the Dallah Al Baraka Group, which would become one of the region’s most influential and diversified conglomerates. Headquartered in Jeddah, the group grew to encompass a wide array of enterprises across banking, media, finance, and investment. Its flagship entities include:
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Al Baraka Banking Group
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Tawfiq Financial Group
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Arab Media Company
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Misk Arabic Media Company
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Arab Radio & Television (ART), one of the Arab world’s most successful satellite broadcasters.
Under his leadership, Dallah Al Baraka set the standard for integrated business models that blended commercial growth with cultural impact.
Championing Islamic Finance and Development
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Kamel became a global ambassador for Islamic economics and banking. He held several prestigious positions, including:
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Chairman of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce
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Head of the Committee of Participants in Islamic Banks’ Portfolios
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Chairman of the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions
Through these roles, he advocated for sustainable development models rooted in Islamic financial principles, influencing policy, scholarship, and global economic thinking.
Awards, Recognition, and Legacy
Kamel’s contributions earned him accolades from across the business and banking world. His honors include:
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Gulf Businessman of the Year (1993)
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Banker of the Year by the Islamic Development Bank (1995 and 1996)
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Named the 7th most influential Arab by Arabian Business in its 2006 ranking of the region’s 50 most powerful individuals
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Honorary doctorate from New Open World University in 2011
Beyond titles and awards, Saleh Abdullah Kamel is remembered for bridging commerce with conscience, using his success to drive philanthropic, educational, and social initiatives across the Muslim world. His legacy continues to shape the landscape of ethical finance and responsible entrepreneurship in the region and beyond.
Other
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.
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