His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, performs the funeral prayer on the body of the late Majid Al Futtaim.

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Gulf Today

The business community across the UAE were deeply aggrieved over the demise of Majid Al Futtaim. (May His departed soul Rest in Peace.) Dr Azad Moopen , Founder Chairman & Managing Director , Aster DM Healthcare, stated: “ Sad to hear about the demise of Majid Al Futtaim , who was a legendary businessman of the Arab world. MAF , which is the acronym of his name, is synonymous with shopping experience for over 2 decades in the Middle East.

He has created one among the most recognised brands in retailing in Middle East. May God bless his departed soul. Imran Farooq, Group CEO, Samana Group mentioned that the death of Majid Al Futtaim is a massive loss to the UAE and a shock to the country’s family-owned business conglomerates.

Majid Al Futtaim rose from a low job to the highest ranks of Middle East’s multi-sector businesses. He set standards in Dubai’s retail, real estate and leisure businesses that are contributing to the growth of Dubai. He was the finest person, a role model entrepreneur and a mentor to many young entrepreneurs, especially Emiratis. His business empires supported thousands of people with jobs across the Middle East. Samana Group remains in immense shock at the sad demise of Majid Al Futtaim.

May Allah bless the departed soul with forgiveness and bestow the highest ranks in the paradise – Ameen! Rizwan Sajan, Chairman and Founder Danube Group, said: Dubai’s most iconic and a trailblazer in thought and spirit Majid Al Futtaim passed away today, his efforts in building up the region’s private sector, retail businesses, and tourism ecosystem in the emirate will not be forgotten.

“ I hope that Allah brings your family, near and dear the much-needed peace during this sad time. “My condolences to you and your family during these testing times.” Sajid Azmi , CEO, Yegertek , commented: Majid Al Futtaim was not just a visionary businessman and proud Emirati; he made lives better, employing over 45,000 people across 13 countries, creating an iconic brand and leaving an unparalleled legacy. As recently as September, he pledged to hire 3,000 people over the next five years, as part of a national initiative. His passing away is a big loss for the whole community. May his departed soul Rest in Peace.

Roberto d’Ambrosio, CEO, Axiory Global, said: “Business entrepreneurs can be of various kind, but Majid Al Futtaim was of the kind that truly changed and shaped the economic landscape of the country, expanding the effects well beyond its borders. His personal and entrepreneurial history speaks for him. A hard working, visionary business leader, able to start and rise, from bottom to top, one of the most prominent and innovative entrepreneurial structure in UAE. “Visionaries of the kind of Majid Al Futtaim are extremely rare, and he has been a blessing for the UAE.

This is a sad moment and his personality and leadership will be deeply missed, but what he was able to create, his heritage will continue to speak volumes about him for many years to come. May his departed soul Rest in Peace.” Yousuf Fakhruddin, CEO Fakhruddin Properties, said: Majid Al Futtaim was true visionary and key business leader who has been instrumental in shaping the UAE. He was an inspiration for many entrepreneurs in the region. His business acumen to take the Majid Al Futtaim group to being one of the top business conglomerates in the world is a testament to the life he has lived and the countless people he has inspired.

Majid Al Futtaim has truly been one of the key figures for UAE, he will always been remembered for his contribution from building up the UAE from the first biggest mall with Mall of Emirates to establishing the brand in 15 countries globally. He revolutionized the entertainment landscape in the UAE with so many innovative leisure, entertainment and shopping experiences in the region making UAE a top destination for leisure and business globally. This is a sad moment for the country and he will be forever remembered for his heritage and greatness.”