UAE: Veteran Emirati business leader Haj Hasan Ibrahim Al Fardan passes away at 94

Dubai: One of the oldest Emirati business leaders and a veteran pearl merchant in the region, Haj Hasan Ibrahim Al Fardan has passed away at the age of 94.

The passing of the Honorary Chairman of Al Fardan Group was announced by his grandson Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, CEO of Al Fardan Exchange LLC, on LinkedIn while the Group also shared the news on social media.

“With profound sorrow, I share the passing of my beloved grandfather, Haj Hasan Ibrahim Al Fardan, the visionary leader and Honorary Chairman of Al Fardan Group,” the grandson wrote in his post “in loving memory” of his grandfather.

“To the world, he was a pioneer who began his journey in 1954 with pearl trading and went on to build a diversified enterprise rooted in resilience, humility, and an enduring commitment to excellence. To me, he was far more than a grandfather. He was my guiding light, my role model, and the steady foundation of our family,” he said.

Love for the UAE

Hasan Fardan said his grandfather’s love for the UAE and its leadership ran deep. “He firmly believed in the promise of its people, and often said that his greatest hope was to see Emirati generations thrive and contribute meaningfully to the nation's story. I am grateful that he lived to witness those hopes coming true.”

For him, the veteran Emirati’s journey was never solely about building a successful business. “It was about uplifting others, and creating a legacy with purpose, heart, and humanity. His wisdom, generosity, and quiet strength left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

The grandson’s tributes continued as he said the lessons instilled by his grandfather continued to shape the way he works, leads, and lives and his blessings are the light that guided him forward.
“Though his passing leaves a space no words can fill, his spirit, values, and legacy will remain forever with us and with the generations to come. May Allah (SWT) envelop his soul in mercy and grant him eternal peace,” he added.

Mourning period announced

Meanwhile, Al Fardan Group posted that the group will observe a three-day mourning period in the honour of its “visionary leader and the last great pearl merchant of the region.”

The Group said he was revered for his wisdom, humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity, values that continue to guide them today.

“Under his remarkable leadership, Al Fardan Group transformed from its origins in pearl trading into a diversified business conglomerate. His foresight and dedication laid strong foundations for the UAE's business community and inspired generations of Emirati entrepreneurs.”

The group added that its founder “will forever be remembered as a remarkable leader and his legacy will remain etched in our hearts.”