Manama: A large number of people have paid tribute to Abdullah Kanoo, one of Bahrain's leading businessmen, and the chairman and chief executive officer of the Yousuf Bin Ahmad (YBA) Kanoo Group, who died on Sunday.
Born in Bahrain in 1927, Kanoo died at his home in Manama. He was buried on Sunday morning at the Manama cemetery, in a funeral that attracted thousands, including relatives, friends, diplomats and businessmen. People came from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and further a field.
Kanoo's acute entrepreneurial achievements and his devotion to philanthropic activities in particular marked him out. Considered a high achiever and a deeply compassionate man, he was much loved and admired by all who knew him.
Closely connected with Bahrain's business and social development in the 21st century, Abdullah Kanoo played an instrumental role in the progress of the country.
His business activities spanned a wide spectrum that included travel, aircraft handling, machinery sales and services, shipping, general trade, oilfield supplies and services, manufacturing, chemicals, cargo services, insurance and investments. He was the head of several companies in Bahrain and in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
On the charity front, he built health centres, medical facilities, homes for the elderly and mosques. Three health centres and several mosques in Bahrain were built through his generous donations.
In a tribute to him, Dr Faisal Al Hamer, said Bahrain would always be grateful to Abdullah Kanoo for his generous contributions in the field of medicine. He cited the 52-bed Kidney Dialysis Centre in Muharraq, as one of his most generous contributions to people's welfare.
A number of prominent members of the business community said that Abdullah Kanoo would be missed.
"We were saddened by the tragic news," Isam Abdullah Fakroo, the chairman of Bahrain Chamber for Commerce and Industry (BCCI), said. "He was one of the most prominent people in Bahrain, who had an outstanding role in leading several business and industrial companies, not only in Bahrain, but well beyond. He also had a great role in humanitarian, social and philanthropic action."
Businessman Jawad Al Hawwaj said Abdullah Kanoo was "an iconic figure whose business prowess and love for others will always be recalled with fondness".
"He had an impressive local, regional and international presence that has endeared him to all."
Farook Al Moayyad, chairman of Y.K. Al Moayyad, said he was a great man and that "his death is a big loss to the business community".
"He was a humble and generous man. Even in the twilight of his life, when it was physically tough for him to move around, he made it a point to attend all social functions," he commented shortly after the announcement of Kanoo's death.
Afnan Al Zayani, a leading businesswoman, described Kanoo as "one of the great architects of Bahrain".
"He left behind a great vacuum that is difficult to fill up," she said.
Yousuf Al Saleh, a businessman, said the legendary businessman would be missed, even though he "will live forever in the hearts of the people".
