07 · Awards & Honors
A record of recognition.
Governments, universities, and institutions across six continents have honoured a career spent building bridges — a corpus of more than two hundred recognitions, gathered here in selection.
As catalogued by his official office.
2022
The Order of the Polar Star
State decoration
A distinguished order conferred in recognition of international service.
2016
Commandeur, Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
France
France's highest cultural rank, conferred by President François Hollande for services to arts and culture.
2014
Grand Officer, Order of Leopold
Belgium
Belgium's senior order, presented in Riyadh by Princess Astrid on behalf of King Philippe.
2018
Medal for Respect for the People
Russia
State recognition of humanitarian engagement.
2010
Honorary Doctorate
University of Edinburgh
Conferred by the Chancellor, HRH Prince Philip — recognition of a benefactor of Islamic-studies scholarship; the university later named him among its Benefactors.
2014
Honorary Doctorate in International Business
University of Jordan
One of 27 honorary doctorates from universities across four continents.
2014
Honorary Doctorate in Social Science
Corvinus University, Hungary
European academic recognition of a lifetime of intercultural work.
2008
TIME 100 — Most Influential People
TIME Magazine
Named among the hundred most influential people in the world.
2015
Honorary Citizenship of Georgia
Republic of Georgia
One of 23 honorary citizenships extended by nations and cities worldwide.
2013–2018
The Arab World's Most Powerful
Gulf Business
Ranked the most powerful Arab in the world for six consecutive years.