Dubai leaders on Friday paid tribute to Emirati billionaire Majid Al Futtaim, who founded his eponymous business empire which includes a massive Dubai mall with an indoor ski slope.
Al Futtaim’s death was announced by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Twitter.
He described Al Futtaim as “one of Dubai’s most important merchants and senior men”, adding that his last decision was to hire 3,000 citizens as part of a drive to encourage more Emiratis to work in the private sector.
A cause for his death and his age wasn’t immediately announced.
Al Futtaim founded Majid Al Futtaim Holding in 1992. Its business interests include the Mall of the Emirates, which features Ski Dubai, VOX Cinemas, the City Centre shopping malls brand. It also runs over 300 Carrefour supermarkets and hypermarkets across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed, Dubai’s Deputy Ruler, also paid tribute on Twitter, saying future generations will remember him for “the economic and societal achievements he left over these years”.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan added that Al Futtaim was “a man who spent his life serving his country and his family”.
A statement released by Majid Al Futtaim Holding said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved founder, Mr Majid Al Futtaim, passed away on the 17 December 2021.
“Mr Majid Al Futtaim was a visionary entrepreneur who transformed the face of business in the entire region and his lifetime achievements have been an inspiration for many, and particularly for us at the Majid Al Futtaim group of companies, which was built around his clear sense of purpose and an unwavering vision. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with Mr Majid’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
“Mr Majid Al Futtaim believed wholeheartedly in robust, world-class private sector institutions and the role they should play in driving sustainable economic growth and human development. He worked tirelessly on turning this purpose and vision into a reality that acts as a role model for others.
“His legacy lives on in Majid Al Futtaim’s business and culture, which shall continue to create outstanding businesses, innovative brands, and exceptional destinations and spaces that incubate happiness for our people and our customers.”
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