V&A's multi-million gift

Britain's Victoria and Albert Museum has received a bumper £5.4m from a Saudi Arabian car dealer to transform its collection of Islamic treasures.

The Jameel family, who own a property and car distribution empire, donated the gift, one of the largest in the V&A’s 152-year history.

Museum Director Mark Jones said: "This is extremely generous, and makes it possible for us to provide a showcase for the achievements of Islamic culture."

A new gallery housing 10,000 objects made in the Middle East will be created, showcasing ceramics and textiles from the 7th century onwards. Highlights will include a 1,000-year-old rock crystal jug from Egypt and the Ardabil Carpet from 16th century Iran.

Other masterpieces include carved ivories from Islamic Spain, ceramics from Ottoman Turkey and 14th century tilework from Uzbekistan.

The gallery, due to be completed in 2006, will be named after the late Abdul Latif Jameel, who made his fortune after winning exclusive rights to distribute Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia in 1955.

"Our family has a keen interest in world cultures and promoting understanding between them," said Mohammed Jameel, president and CEO of the Jeddah-based Abdul Latif Jameel Group.