Dubai-based philanthropist BS Abdur Rahman dies

Dubai: BS Abdur Rahman, the well-known Dubai-based Indian entrepreneur and philanthropist who died on January 7 aged 88, is remembered for his philanthropy and monumental work in the field of education.

The dynamic businessman who came to Dubai in 1974, following in the footsteps of his father who was a pearl trader, was the vice-chairman of ETA Ascon, a diversified group in partnership with Abdullah Al Ghurair. He died after a protracted illness at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai, India.

The bereaved staff and extended family of ETA Ascon expressed sadness at death of the man known for his uncanny instinct for business and also his humility.

MM Mohiuddin, former group executive director of ETA Ascon has very fond memories of working closely with Rahman.

“While Rahman had tremendous business acumen, he was first and foremost a humane person who sometimes ran businesses only to keep people employed. There were times when some of the business interests were incurring losses and yet he wouldn’t hear of closing them down. Thankfully his perseverance paid off and today those very branches of the company have become money-spinners. Under him the organisation grew from strength to strength.”

Another employee of the ETA group, who declined to be named, said that Rahman was a diligent worker and a visionary who saw opportunities in places that others missed. He was a pillar of strength in the company and powered it to prosperity, taking courageous decisions even in times when people were sceptical about a project.

Rahman’s business interests in the UAE and India included maritime shipping, real estate and insurance. He founded numerous schools, colleges, hospitals and universities. He was the founder of B.S. Abdur Rahman University (Crescent Engineering College), in Chennai and also founded the Islamic Studies and Cultural Centre and the B S Abdur Rahman Zakat Foundation Trust to undertake philanthropic activities.

Rahman is survived by four daughters and two sons.