Saleh Kamel

Billionaire Saleh Kamel was among the major businessmen detained during Saudi Arabia's 2017 anti-corruption campaign. Subsequent sources reported a temporary release under unclear circumstances, without publication of a clear individual judgment establishing guilt.

State of the evidence

Documented

In 2016, the Saudi Ministry of Municipal Affairs said it had investigated a complaint concerning occupation of a public park near Saleh Kamel's property in Jeddah and was working to rectify the situation under applicable rules. In 2017, Jeddah municipality demanded approximately 226.6 million riyals from him for use of residual development land and a road, triggering a financial dispute.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

In May 2016, Saleh Kamel sparked strong controversy on social media after criticising the attitude of some young Saudi employees, describing them, among other things, as too spoiled and arrogant in their approach to work. The hashtag "دلع الشباب بهدلنا" became a focal point for reactions.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Personally implicated

Saudi Arabia's Saher automated traffic enforcement system attracted strong hostility from motorists, and Saleh Kamel was repeatedly associated in public debate with companies involved in its operation. His statements defending the system — particularly when he described warning drivers about speed cameras as a form of deception — reignited controversy.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Saleh Kamel and Dallah Al-Baraka entities were targeted in major civil actions brought after the 9/11 attacks, with claimants alleging that investments or financial channels had indirectly supported extremist organisations. Claims against Kamel and Al-Baraka were dismissed, the court finding the evidence cited insufficient to establish liability.

Attribution

Accused