H. H. Sheikh Mohammed, royals pay tribute as Majid Al Futtaim passes away

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, honoured the death of UAE businessman, Majid Al Futtaim, who passed away on Friday.

The Dubai Ruler called the businessman one of Dubai's "most important merchants and senior...," in a Twitter post.

One of Majid Al Futtaim's final decisions to hire 3,000 UAE nationals as part of the 'Projects of the 50' was highlighted in the UAE Vice President's social media post.

Sheikh Mohammed also offered his wishes to his family and relatives.

رحم الله أخونا ماجد الفطيم، رجل الأعمال المبدع ، وأحد أهم تجار دبي وكبار رجالاتها …
وصاحب عطاء للوطن وخير لا ينقطع .. آخر قراراته كان توظيف ٣٠٠٠ مواطن … رحمه الله وأسكنه فسيح جناته وألهم أهله وذويه الصبر والسلوان .. آمين pic.twitter.com/BZKtRrdRds

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) December 17, 2021

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, also took to Twitter to offer his condolences and remember the visionary UAE national.

The Dubai Crown Prince praised Majid Al Futtaim by saying he was a "man who spent his life serving his country and his family."

ودعنا اليوم قامة إماراتية غالية.. ورجلاً أمضى حياته في خدمة وطنه وأهله.. رَحِم الله ماجد الفطيم وأسكنه فسيح جناته. pic.twitter.com/rDzcF5bv8y

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) December 17, 2021

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, said that the "future generations will remember him for the economic and societal achievements he left over these years," also in a social media post.

The post was supported by an old photo showing a young Majid Al Futtaim discussing development plans with former Dubai Ruler, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

تعازينا لأسرة الفطيم في وفاة ماجد الفطيم. نسأل الله أن يتغمده بواسع رحمته ويسكنه فسيح جناته. الراحل رافقت أعماله وإنجازاته مسيرة نمو اقتصاد الإمارات ودبي خلال العقود الماضية وستتذكره الأجيال القادمة بما تركه من إنجازات اقتصادية ومجتمعية على مدى هذه السنين. pic.twitter.com/EAxESNBJYR

— Maktoum Bin Mohammed (@MaktoumMohammed) December 17, 2021

Various UAE citizens and nationals took to social media to remember Majid Al Futtaim for his contributions to the country, with various globally-recognised establishments like the Mall of the Emirates and other commercial interests across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

He reportedly owns 13 hotels, 26 malls, and a range of hypermarkets according to a Forbes report.

The UAE businessman is best known as the founder and owner of the Majid Al Futtaim group, which has exclusive rights to operate Carrefour across the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Forbes reported Majid Al Futtaim to have a net worth of approximately $3.6 billion.

Majid Al Futtaim group, in a statement on social media, called the entrepreneur an "inspiration" and offered thoughts and prayers to the group founder's family.

"He worked tirelessly on turning this purpose and vision into a reality that acts as a role model for others. His legacy lives on in Majid Al Futtaim’s business and culture, which shall continue to create outstanding businesses, innovative brands, and exceptional destinations and spaces that incubate happiness for our people and our customers," said the statement.

We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved founder, Mr Majid Al Futtaim, passed away on the 17 December 2021. (1/6) pic.twitter.com/3UWnNFIdYe

— Majid Al Futtaim (@MajidAlFuttaim) December 17, 2021

More to follow.