Bahrain: Tributes poured in last night for one of Bahrain’s pioneering businessmen Abdulaziz Jassim Kanoo who died yesterday.
Mr Kanoo died at around 6pm in Bahrain, confirmed his nephew Nabeel Kanoo.
“He was surrounded by his family and dear ones when he passed away,” Mr Nabeel Kanoo told the GDN.
“He was among the pioneers of the Kanoo family, playing a major role in the establishment of the Yusuf Bin Ahmed (YBA) Kanoo Group in Saudi Arabia.
“His wisdom and kindness will be deeply missed by family and friends.”
Mr Kanoo was chairman of the YBA Kanoo Group, Saudi Arabia and a shareholder of the YBA Kanoo Group.
His Majesty King Hamad bestowed on him the Bahrain Medal of the First Order in 2007. He was also chosen as the most prominent businessman in Saudi Arabia.
Businessman and Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) first vice-chairman Khalid Al Zayani said he was ‘heartbroken’ at losing a friend.
“I just heard the news and I am heartbroken at losing my friend and family member,” Mr Al Zayani told the GDN from India.
“He was a pioneer and a great businessman and we were partners when
we launched Investcorp together.
“A fine gentleman and extremely kind-hearted, Mr Kanoo also shares family ties with me – his son is married to my niece and my brother is married to his wife’s sister.”
BCCI chairman Khalid Almoayed described Mr Kanoo’s death as a “great loss to Bahrain”.
“The death of Mr Kanoo is a great loss to the nation,” he said.
“He was among the pioneers of Kanoo when it came to business. At the same time, his contributions to Bahrain were immeasurable. He will be greatly missed.”
Businessman and BCCI member Hamed Al Kooheji said Mr Kanoo was an iconic business leader who left his mark beyond Bahrain.
“It is unfortunate that we lost one of the great men in Bahrain, who is an iconic part of our modern history and business.
“He has left his mark not only in Bahrain but also in the Gulf; he was a visionary.
“Losing him is a loss for every Bahraini, and I pray that his soul rests in peace, as I offer my condolences to the family.”
Mr Kanoo was a giant from another era, businessman Hamad Fakhro told the GDN from the US.
“He paved the way for many people by showing it was possible to have a successful family business that can be global and thrive from a tiny desert island.
“He had the vision to adapt his company through changes from the oil boom to the age of information technology and keep it a tight ship.
“That’s something extremely impressive that requires discipline, intelligence and foresight.
“He was a kind, generous man who gave much back to his community and people quietly without asking for attention.
“He will he missed.”
Mr Kanoo will be buried in Manama Cemetery after Asr prayers today.
The family will receive condolences for the next three days, from
men at the Kanoo guest house and women at house 1319, road 3429, block 334, both in the Kanoo compound, Mahooz.
Mr Kanoo is survived by his wife and four sons – Ali Abdulaziz Kanoo, former Shura Council member Saud Abdulaziz Kanoo, Badar Abdulaziz Kanoo and Nawaf Abdulaziz Kanoo – and 14 grandchildren.
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