JEDDAH: Saudi business people are mourning the death of the Kingdoms’s most famous magnate, Hussein Bakry Gazzaz, who died on Thursday morning at the age 95.
The funeral prayer for Gazzaz was performed in Makkah, his birthplace.
Gazzaz was one of the most well-known businessmen in the perfume sector in Saudi Arabia. He was born in 1925.
In his early years, he moved with his family to Egypt where he received his primary education before returning to Saudi Arabia, starting a small perfume business that became one of the largest of its kind in the region.
In a 2014 interview with Hia magazine, Gazzaz described Egypt in the late 1920s and early 1930s as the “Paris of the East.”
He said Cairo’s picturesque streets and shops left a strong impact on the mind “of the little boy who came from Makkah.”
Gazzaz told his interviewer that a child’s early dreams were the basis of any success.
“Dreams are the same, but what follows can be different. Normal people usually have the dream to succeed, but the stronger their belief in their dreams is, the more possible their dreams are likely to come true. Dream motives vary from one person to another,” he said.
“I have dreamed of bringing what I saw in Cairo in the 1920s to my beloved country. In the 1950s, I had another dream — my country would be like Paris, in its streets and beauty. I strongly believed that hard work is essential in making my dreams come true. Dreams live with us, and we should keep dreaming until we stop breathing,” he said.
According to the company’s website, the Hussein Bakry Gazzaz and Company (GAZZAZ) started in 1942, when Gazzaz became the first agent in Saudi Arabia to import fragrances.
Over 77 years, the brand name GAZZAZ has expanded to include cosmetics, watches, cufflinks, pens, gifts, antiques, hair products, makeup, accessories, leather goods and other luxury products.
Their main brands include Dior, Gucci, Versace, Cartier, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), Montblanc, Dunhill and Dupont.
In May 2001, former French president Jacques Chirac honored Gazzaz with the “Medal of Honor” for being the biggest importer of cosmetics in the Middle East in the 1990s.
The Gazzaz chain of showrooms is the strongest retail group in the luxury sector in Saudi Arabia, and in the Middle East.
Saudi perfume mogul Hussein Bakry Gazzaz dies at age 95
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Saudi perfume mogul Hussein Bakry Gazzaz dies at age 95
- Funeral prayer for the Kingdom’s most well-known magnate was performed in Makkah, his birthplace
Madinah forum to discuss Islamic finance progress
JEDDAH: Al-Baraka Islamic Economics Symposium will be held in Madinah on Wednesday under the theme “Islamic Banking in 50 Years: Achievements of the Past and Hopes for the Future.”
Hosted by Prince Muqrin University’s female campus, the event’s 45th edition will gather ministers, financial leaders, experts, and representatives from more than 15 countries.
The two-day symposium will explore six main topics and over 20 sub-themes, focusing on Islamic banking’s role in economic development, justice, and sustainability.
Scientific sessions will cover early foundations, current industry analysis across economies, and regulatory and technological shifts.
Future-focused discussions will highlight Shariah governance, financing mechanisms, Islamic windows, acquisitions, and the sector’s contribution to sustainable development.
Distinguished individuals and institutions will be honored for advancing Islamic economics in theory and practice.
Abdullah Saleh Kamel, the forum’s chairman, said that since 1981, Al-Baraka has been a key platform for dialogue on Islamic economics.
He said the 50-year milestone offers a chance to reflect and look ahead, reaffirming the commitment to innovation, financial inclusion, and Shariah-compliant progress.
Several cooperation agreements will also be signed, reinforcing the symposium’s role as a hub for intellectual exchange.
A documentary titled “Glimpses of Islamic Banking: From Inception to Contemporary Reality” will be screened, tracing the evolution of Islamic banking and its pioneers.
The symposium will also announce this year’s nomination topics for the Saleh Kamel Prize for Islamic Economics, which honors his legacy and supports excellence in research.
Saudi deputy FM urges unified action on Sudan crisis at London conference
- Al-Khereiji said that the crisis extends beyond Sudan’s borders, posing a serious threat to regional stability and both Arab and African national security
- Al-Khereiji discussed the importance of halting all external support to the conflicting parties to create the conditions for a lasting ceasefire
LONDON: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khereiji called on Tuesday for intensified international efforts to end the conflict in Sudan during his address at the London Conference on Sudan.
Al-Khereiji said that the crisis extends beyond Sudan’s borders, posing a serious threat to regional stability and both Arab and African national security, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“Our collective responsibility requires us to support the dialogue process, work toward a ceasefire, deliver urgent humanitarian aid and safeguard Sudan’s unity, institutions and territorial integrity,” he said.
Representing Saudi Arabia at the conference, Al-Khereiji was attending on behalf of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s sustained diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, particularly through hosting the first and second talks. These negotiations resulted in the Jeddah Declaration on protecting civilians, a short-term ceasefire agreement that contained crucial humanitarian arrangements.
The second round also led to the creation of a humanitarian coordination platform under OCHA, the adoption of four confidence-building measures and a proposed resolution formula on military base issues.
In his address, Al-Khereiji discussed the importance of halting all external support to the conflicting parties to create the conditions for a lasting ceasefire and comprehensive political solution. He added that neutralizing foreign interference would facilitate humanitarian operations — particularly the opening of safe corridors and the delivery of aid.
He warned against the formation of any parallel government or alternative political entity, calling such attempts illegitimate and damaging to Sudan’s unity and sovereignty.
“These actions undermine the political process and deepen national divisions,” he said.
The deputy foreign minister reiterated the Kingdom’s belief that a solution to the war must be Sudanese-led and based on respect for the country’s sovereignty, unity and the preservation of its state institutions.
Saudi citizen sentenced to five years in prison for electronic financial fraud
- The accused committed several fraudulent operations, including offering fake products for sale online
RIYADH: A Saudi citizen has been sentenced to five years in prison for financial fraud that defrauded 41 victims, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
An investigation carried out by the Financial Fraud Prosecution revealed that the accused had committed several fraudulent operations, including offering fake products through online sales outlets, deceiving victims into believing that goods were for sale, and then immediately blocking them after they transferred the required amounts to his bank account.
The Public Prosecution affirmed its commitment to protecting society from all financial fraud crimes and anyone who attempts to seize the money of others through fraud.
Saudi program supports farmers for rose sector growth
- Saudi Reef is showcasing its achievements in developing the rose and aromatic plant sector during the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum in Taif
- Goal is to reach 2 billion roses annually by 2026, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global rose producer
RIYADH: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, is showcasing its achievements in developing the rose and aromatic plant sector during the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum in Taif.
The program highlights its efforts to grow this vital sector in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, focusing on food security, rural development, and improved agricultural efficiency, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Majed Al-Buraikan, Saudi Reef assistant secretary-general for media and communication, emphasized that the program’s participation supports national efforts to empower rose and aromatic plant farmers and promote its initiatives in the field.
He noted that Saudi Reef is a strategic partner in driving sustainable agricultural transformation, particularly in regions like Taif, Jazan, and Asir, known for their rose and aromatic plant production.
Al-Buraikan added that the program supports more than 400 farmers and has achieved a 34 percent rise in rose production over the past four years, reaching 960 million roses annually.
The goal is to reach 2 billion roses annually by 2026, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global rose producer, the SPA reported.
Meanwhile, the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture launched an initiative at the forum, distributing 15,000 tissue-cultured seedlings to promote sustainability and boost production.
The forum featured sessions on “Challenges of Taif rose cultivation” and “The future and challenges of medical tourism in the Kingdom.”
Scientific lectures covered topics such as sustainable development in rose use, carbon neutrality in the aromatic journey of the Taif rose, livelihood development for farmers, and the role of AI in enhancing product quality.
Arruddaf Park in Taif opens daily at 4 p.m. for visitors to explore the exhibition and enjoy the rose displays. The forum runs until April 26.
Madinah forum focuses on elevating pilgrim experience
- Governor highlights leadership’s commitment to enhancing spiritual journeys through innovation, development
MADINAH: Prince Salman bin Sultan, the governor of Madinah, attended the opening of the second Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
In his speech, Prince Salman emphasized the special attention given by the Saudi leadership to Makkah and Madinah, highlighting the ongoing development and construction efforts that reflect their religious, cultural and historical significance.
The three-day event, themed “Enriching the Experience of Umrah Performers and Visitors,” is held in partnership with the Pilgrim Experience Program, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Salman reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to serving Islam by ensuring the comfort, safety and security of pilgrims.
He also discussed upgrades to the Prophet’s Mosque and nearby historic sites to deepen visitors’ spiritual connection and enhance their experience.
The forum, held at the King Salman International Convention Center until April 16, features more than 150 exhibitors from more than 100 countries.
Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said that serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors remains a top priority for the leadership, and pointed out that more than 122 million visitors performed Umrah during Ramadan with ease.
The forum features more than 50 workshops and dialogue sessions led by 100 speakers, alongside the signing of numerous agreements between relevant service providers — all aimed at enriching the overall experience of Umrah performers and visitors.
It aims to establish new standards for Umrah and visitor services through technological advances, digital transformation and sustainable sector investments.
An interactive exhibition displays innovative technical solutions and services, while workshops bring together decision-makers and experts to discuss development opportunities, present cutting-edge solutions aimed at improving the pilgrim experience and enhancing the sector’s overall efficiency.
