One of Bahrain’s pioneering businessmen, Jasim Abdul Rahman Al Zayani, died yesterday.
He was aged 97.
Mr Al Zayani, the founder chairman of J A Zayani and Sons Group of companies, died while undergoing treatment for an illness for more than two months at the King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH).
Mr Al Zayani entered the family business of automobile distribution and trading in consumer and industrial products soon after he completed his studies.
In 1953, he diversified the business by setting up Kuwait Automobile and Trading Company and Al Zayani Trading Company in Kuwait.
With a view to expanding the business, he bought Sands Harbor Hotel and Marina in Pompano Beach, Florida together with his son Mohammad in 1977 and became the first Arab investors in the US state.
Having realised the potential in the tourism industry, he also ventured into establishing the Zallaq Resort Company or the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa.
He served as a member of the board of directors of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and has also represented the Bahrain business community on several delegations overseas.
“I was close to him during my childhood as he was very compassionate and gentle with the children,” businessman and BCCI board member Khalid Al Zayani reminisced about his uncle.
“The memories of him that I relate with from my younger days are cherished and he is grandfather to my children as well, who is equally fond of him.
“He had a vision and was a big part of the family and will be missed.”
Mr Al Zayani, who was buried at Muharaq cemetery yesterday, was the youngest and the only surviving son of late Shaikh Abdulrahman Al Zayani.
His older brothers were Rashid Al Zayani and Ahmed Al Zayani.
He is survived by four daughters – Sana, Majda, Rakhiya and Haifa – and two sons, Mohammed and Nael.
The family will receive condolences at Jasim Zayani Majlis in Arad (for men) and at their Riffa Residence (Villa 2, Gate 1522, Shaikh Salman road 419, West Riffa, Block 906) (for women) from today until Thursday.
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