Abdullah Mohammed Saleh Bashraheell is one of the most prominent cultural and economic figures in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab world.
He is a successful entrepreneur and a distinguished literary figure who has made a lasting impact across various fields.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 8, 1951, in Makkah, Abdullah Bashraheel was raised in a rich cultural environment.
His father, Sheikh Mohammed Saleh Bashraheel, was one of the pioneers of cultural life in Makkah.
Abdullah completed his primary education in Makkah before moving to Cairo to earn a Bachelor of Law from Cairo University.
He later pursued graduate studies, earning a master’s degree in International Studies and a Ph.D. in Educational Philosophy from East University in the Philippines.
Biography
Abdullah Bashraheel is considered one of the leading modern poets in the Kingdom.
In addition to being a poet, he is also a businessman and a legal advisor.
He established several institutions and companies in and outside Saudi Arabia, including the Bashraheel Development Group and the Sheikh Mohammed Saleh Bashraheel Hospital.
He also holds leadership roles in various cultural and charitable organizations such as the Makkah Literary and Cultural Club and King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity.
Achievements
Dr. Abdullah Bashraheel stands out as a multifaceted figure whose accomplishments span poetry, cultural leadership, institutional development, and community service.
In the literary field, he is renowned for publishing over 27 poetry collections tackling emotional, national,
and humanitarian themes with artistic elegance and depth, earning him the title “Poet of the Arabs.”
His notable works include “Mu’athibati” (My Tormentor), “Al-Hawa Qadari” (Love is My Fate),
and “Qarabeen Al-Wada’” (Farewell Offerings). Many of his poems have been translated into global languages such as English,
French, and Italian, contributing to the international recognition of Saudi literature.
He went further by founding cultural awards and initiatives, notably the Abdullah BBashraheel Award for Cultural Creativity,
which honors writers and intellectuals from across the Arab world.
In memory of his father, he also established the Sheikh Mohammed Saleh Bashraheel Hospital in Makkah,
as part of a broader development vision that supports healthcare, education, and social welfare.
He held key positions in several institutions, including membership in the Makkah Literary Club,
active involvement in King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness, and contributions to the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and others.
Bashraheel has also mentored emerging talents, whether directly or by founding cultural forums that foster young creative voices.
On the media front, he represented Saudi culture at numerous regional and international conferences and poetry festivals,
helping to elevate the Kingdom’s cultural presence globally.
Beyond the arts, he excelled in business as the chairman of the Bashraheel Development Group,
successfully managing its operations and offering a rare example of how intellectual achievement and entrepreneurial success can harmoniously coexist.
Awards and Honors
National Order of the Cedar – Knight Rank, Lebanon (2004), for his literary and cultural contributions to the Arab world.
Golden Medal of Science, Arts, and Literature, Sudan (2011), recognizing his leadership in cultural advocacy and fostering Arab unity.
Recognition from Cairo University, for his support of Arabic literature and cultural life in Egypt and the Arab world.
Honor from Al-Azhar University, for promoting moderate Islamic thought and enriching the Arab literary scene.
Shield of the Makkah Literary Club, for his role in establishing and supporting the club’s activities and nurturing young literary talents.
Awards from Ministries of Culture in Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, and Algeria, for his distinguished participation in Arab poetry forums.
Honor from the Hellenic Studies Center in Greece, for his role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue through poetry and thought.
Special honors during major poetry evenings in Cairo, Damascus, Rabat, and Beirut, attended by elite Arab intellectuals and critics.
Recognition from King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness, for supporting creativity and national culture.
Founding of the Abdullah Bashrahil Award for Cultural Creativity, which is awarded annually and stands as a lasting legacy of his cultural journey.
Personal Life
Abdullah Bashraheel takes great pride in his diverse cultural roots. His mother hails from Zagazig, Egypt,
and he often describes himself as having a deep affection for Egyptian culture.
He also proudly traces his lineage to the Kindah tribe,
which includes the famed pre-Islamic poet Imru’ al-Qais, further reinforcing his deep connection to classical Arab heritage.
See More: Former Mayor of Jeddah and Saudi Politician & Engineer – Adel Fakeih
