History

The Order of the Nile was instituted on April 14th, 1915, by Sultan Hussein Kamel, as the Kingdom of Egypt's highest State honour. The Order is conferred upon Egyptian Nationals and other foreigners in recognition of exceptionally valuable, distinguished, or meritorious public service to the Nation or throne. Both civilian and military service is eligible for the award. The Order was restructured into 2 classes in 1926 and was further reconstituted under the Arab Republic of Egypt on June 18, 1953. However, the Order still maintains its status as the highest state award.

Until 1926, the Order was conferred in 5 classes plus a Collar. The Grand Cordon was bestowed as the I Class to a cap of 30 members at any one time.

The Grand Cordon Breast Star features an obverse Arabic inscription which translates to "What Benefits Egypt Owes to the Nile, Her Source of Prosperity and Happiness."