Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel is a prominent Saudi businessman known for his vision, leadership, and dedication to innovation.
He currently leads Abdul Latif Jameel Group, a family business founded by his father, the late Abdul Latif Jameel.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1955 in Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Jameel grew up in a family deeply rooted in commerce. His father,
Abdul Latif Jameel, was a well-known businessman and the founder of what would become one of the region’s most successful conglomerates.
Driven by a passion for learning, Mohammed Jameel traveled to the United States, where he enrolled at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
He studied Architecture and later Civil Engineering. He then moved to Japan to further his studies in Automotive Engineering,
before returning to Saudi Arabia to join the family business.
Career and Achievements
Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel officially joined the business in 1979, and after a comprehensive study of the automotive market in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf,
he led the company into the car trading industry.
Under his leadership, Abdul Latif Jameel Group expanded significantly beyond car distribution.
The business diversified into sectors such as transportation, engineering, manufacturing, real estate, renewable energy, financial services,
advertising, media, and consumer products.
The group also expanded its geographic reach, with branches and offices in over 30 countries across the Middle East,
North Africa, Europe, East Asia, and the Americas, employing talent from more than 40 nationalities.
Mohammed Jameel is known for his ambitious outlook and commitment to competitive industries.
In 1996, he founded the Abdul Latif Jameel Hospital in Jeddah, the first non-profit specialized hospital for physical rehabilitation, serving thousands of patients.
He is also a founding investor in Rivian, an innovative company focused on next-generation, eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
In 2003, he established the Community Jameel Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting social,
educational, and economic initiatives within and outside the Kingdom.
One of its most recognized programs is Bab Rizq Jameel, which supports small businesses and job creation.
His strong ties with MIT resulted in the establishment of several major research centers, including:
Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL): Focused on fighting global poverty through research and training.
Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab (J-WAFS): Tackles water scarcity and food security challenges.
Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Lab (J-WEL): Aims to innovate in education systems.
Abdul Latif Jameel Clinic (J-Clinic): Specializes in applying AI to healthcare advancemnts.
Additionally, in collaboration with Imperial College London, he co-founded the Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics (J-IDEA),
which focuses on chronic diseases, epidemics, and public health emergencies.
Recognition and Awards
Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel has received numerous awards for his contributions to business, philanthropy, and global development.
He was honored with the King Abdulaziz Medal – First Class, the highest civilian honor in Saudi Arabia, presented by the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
He was also awarded an Honorary Knighthood (KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to charitable work, arts, and culture in the United Kingdom.
Personal Life and Wealth
Mohammed Jameel is married and has a son named Hassan Jameel. Limited personal details are publicly available.
He owns a penthouse in the luxurious J One residential complex in Jeddah, and a yacht named Nafisa, originally built by Schweers in 1986 and extensively renovated in 1997.
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