London Business School Awards Honorary Fellowship To Badr Jafar
Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and UAE Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy, has been honoured with the London Business School (LBS) Honorary Fellowship. This accolade recognises his significant contributions to global business, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurship. The award was presented during LBS's annual congregation ceremony in London, which celebrated 1,600 graduates from various programmes.
In his commencement speech to over 3,000 attendees, including graduates, faculty, and family members, Badr Jafar expressed his gratitude for the opportunities provided by the UAE. He stated, "As a deeply proud Emirati, I am constantly guided by the spirit of our young, yet formidable nation, which espouses an unwavering belief that nothing is impossible to those determined to make their dreams a reality."

François Ortalo-Magné, Dean of the London Business School, remarked on the significance of this recognition. "Today, at the congregation of London Business School’s Class of 2024, we were privileged to recognise Badr Jafar with an Honorary Fellowship. We celebrate his success and his generosity. What an outstanding role model and inspiration for us all," he said.
Previous recipients of this prestigious fellowship include influential figures such as Bill Gates, Co-founder of Microsoft; Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor of New York City and founder of Bloomberg L.P.; and Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Crescent Enterprises actively supports education through various initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes and fostering innovation in the UAE. By partnering with educational institutions and investing in their programmes, the company aids in developing future leaders and promoting essential knowledge and skills for socio-economic growth.
Since its inception in 1964, London Business School has built a reputation for its rigorous academic programmes. It consistently ranks among the top business schools globally. The institution also boasts a strong alumni network comprising over 50,000 professionals across 156 countries.
LBS's Global Reach
In 2007, LBS expanded its reach by opening its first campus outside London in the UAE. This move aimed to promote academic excellence and bridge research gaps between Europe and the Middle East. The Dubai campus has since seen more than 5,000 alumni graduate from its programmes.
The LBS campus in Dubai supports advanced research and facilitates meaningful collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries. This initiative underscores LBS's commitment to fostering global academic partnerships.
The recognition of Badr Jafar with an Honorary Fellowship highlights his impactful contributions to various sectors. His achievements serve as an inspiration for many aspiring leaders worldwide.
With inputs from WAM