Life story of Dr. Abdullah Binmahfouz

Born in a suburb of Al –Otaibi , Makkah on 28/08/1967. I lived a very simple life among the people. Staying in an urban community inspired by Al-Qurbia. My father was keen on instilling in me 3 things: having good relationship, reading the Koran and Public speaking. My early education began with the daily visits of the Mosque. Then I attended elementary school in Al-Otaibia. Moved to Alchesha for my high school. Living in the suburb broke the typical way – Manea – AKL – Bin Hamid – and the unfamiliar Almkrin and finishing secondary education in Aziziyah. I have gone through various transformations with the numerous types of social upbringing that I have experienced, influences of different personal beliefs and practices of the people that I have met and the several social interactions I made with people from different nationalities during Ramadan and Hajj. As I now lived with my family In Jeddah, typical week for me will meant visiting my father in Makkah during weekends.

College Education

A. Got a Bachelor’s Degree Major in Law from King Saud University in 1989 (Merit)

After finishing Secondary school in Aziziyah, I was thinking of what course to take in college. But since I have completed all the academic requirements, I have decided to pursue a Law degree. My father has supported me in my desire to take up Law. So, I took up Law in King Saud University. I always wanted to serve God by helping other people. And I believe that by becoming a lawyer I can help people obtain justice and preserve their rights. I am a dedicated lawyer that has shown passion in defending the rights of individuals.

B. Got a Master’s Degree in Commercial Law from Kensington University in California, USA in 1992 (Very Good)

After obtaining a Law degree from the King Abdulaziz University in 1989, my father encouraged to continue my studies in one of top reputable universities in the US. He believed that the Post Graduate Education in the US is the best as compared to any other countries in the world. So, I took my Master’s Degree in Commercial Law in one of the top Law Universities in California. Although faced with many personal pressures, the different culture and traditions of the American Society against the norms of my family’s upbringing, I focused on attaining my goals. With strong perseverance, I was able to obtain my Master’s Degree in Commercial Law in 1992.

C. Got a PhD Degree in International Law with Oxford College for PhD Studies, Ireland

Soon after I return from my studies in the US in 1992, I worked in the Head office of our group and in Joint companies – Du Pont and Ugalco (Aluminum factory) to gain more practical experiences. With this practical experiences gained, I established my very own law firm – one in Riyadh and one in Jeddah. In 2002, Again, with so much encouragement from my father, I have decided to further my studies In Ireland. I joined the Oxford College for PhD Studies in Ireland. I obtained my PhD Degree in International Law in 2004.

Professional Experiences

A. Law Firm As a lawyer, I have developed a keen fondness of the Al Otaibi, Alchh and Aziziyah communities, where there are a lot of hot discussions and social interactions among the local folks. We are not into football. But we know the different ancestral roots and social background of each individual in the community. People regarded Makkah as a rational community where people can learn lot by listening to open discussions of various issues. I prefer this methodology of open forum for discussions of important local issues - Wherein everybody has a freedom to express his own opinions. In 1994, I established a law office in Jeddah where I practiced my profession and implemented all the things that I learned in the university. I was able to work with highly professional and dedicated team like Atty. Faisal Makki (a vast experienced lawyer whom I have learned a great deal) and Atty. Naif Yamani. In 2000, I established a second law office in Riyadh under the management of Atty. Mohamed Aljunied. It is now considered as one of the biggest and renowned law office in Riyadh. Again, in 2002, I was able to establish another law office in Cairo, Egypt. It also became one of the renowned law office in Egypt. What I am looking forward in 2010 is being able to establish another law firm in London. This will be in collaboration with other well-known British legal advisers.

B. Diplomatic Office

Working in a diplomatic office is a dignified job as well as rewarding one. It give me a deal of opportunities like dealing with respected statesmen. I was able to develop good relationships with top government officials in the GCC region. I was able to develop friendships with the members of the diplomatic corps not only here in Saudi Arabia but with the region of the Middle East.

In 1996, I was appointed as the Honorary Consul for the honorary Consulate of Kyrgyz Republic. I was really surprising as I do not know much of the country – its history, commercial and political standing. I met the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic in 1995. We were discussing about the opportunities in the gold mining and the possibility of establishing an import-export business. These discussions led further to my appointment as the Honorary Consul. As the Honorary Consul of the Kyrgyz Republic, I was given the task to foster greater friendship and mutual cooperation between the Saudi Arabia and the Kyrgyz Republic. Thus, I concentrated in the following areas:

a. Public Diplomacy – I worked on the broad recognition of the Honorary Consulate among the accredited Consular Missions and International Organizations in Saudi Arabia. I represented the Kyrgyz Republic in different official ceremonies and promoted development of diplomatic and other relations with the majority of the Embassies and Consulates present in the area.
b. Economic and Commercial Services – I dedicated efforts to open new horizons for the Kyrgyz Republic with the Islamic Development bank in the area of export financing in order to promote the agro-livestock products. I assisted and arranged for the reception of the delegation of the Top 20 Kyrgyz Businessmen during their visit to Saudi Arabia. This is thought to be a vital assistance to foster development of commercial and economic cooperation between the 2 countries.

C. Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry – My role as the Managing Director of the Council of Saudi Chambers:

My desire to be involved in the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce came after my father became the Deputy chairman of the Executive Board of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce for 2 consecutive years and with my brother Dr. Mohamed Mahfouz’ active membership with the Makkah Chamber of Commerce. I was inspired by this and with the support from my family, I was convinced to become active member of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce.

My intention in becoming an active member is to continue the efforts and dedication shown by my father and brother. Also, to strengthen the support to small entrepreneurs in Jeddah and to intensify the business activities in the areas of finance and marketing. With this in mind, I envisioned establishing a forum for international conferences and exhibitions that will cater to the International communities present in the area. With the support from the government and the community, we will be able to enhance the role of Islamic economy and attracting more investments for the area.

D - Acting as Deputy Chairman and Delegated Board Member of the Marei Bin Mahfouz Group Marei Bin Mahfouz Group

In the beginning, my father, due to some illness, has asked to take the position of Deputy chairman of the group. As he needed to rest in order to regain his strength, I took the responsibility. Although, my father is always behind all the way ready to give support. My father has installed in me the business opportunities for partnership and cooperation. We are open to negotiations for joint venture projects. Although, we are very particular in choosing the people/company we intend to do business with to make sure that we have the same ideals and principles of business management.

Jotun Paints

Worked to establish a paint factory in Saudi Arabia with the Goethe Norway Thus, Jotun Paints was introduced in Saudi Arabia. Jotun Paints is one of the biggest paint factory in the Middle East. Its sales in 2007 reached 350 Million Saudi Riyals.

Saudi Carbonate Co. Ltd

Contributed in establishing a joint venture partnership with a leading European company specializing in the manufacturing large industrial minerals, especially Calcium Carbonate. Now, Saudi Carbonate Co. Ltd. is the major supplier for our paint factories.

Ugalco Aluminum Factory

Has played an important role in the persuading a Greek company which has a vast experience in the Aluminum industry to be part of the group. Thus, Ugalco was born and today, it is considered as one of the top aluminum factories in the Middle East.

DuPont Saudi Co. Ltd

I also played an important role in the establishment of DuPont Saudia Co. Ltd. It is a joint venture with a French-German Powder coatings factory.

Mohamed Nossier (Alkan Networks)

I was also instrumental in the establishment of a partnership with a globally renowned Mohamed Nossier Networks ( Alkan Networks). A top telecommunication giant which has tie-ups with Mobily ,Saudi Telecom Company and MTC Kuwait in putting up network communication towers in the region.

Makkah World Trade Center

With the support of my family, we were able to establish a World Trade Center branch in Makkah. It has been the center of international business and trading activities in the area.

Bin Mahfouz Real Estate Development Group

We already have 5 hotels in the Makkah region. And recently, founded a four-star Dar Al Hadi Hotel considered as one of the best in the Aziziyah area.

Matajer Al Saudia

We have also Matajer Al Saudia which specializes in the wholesale distribution and marketing of food items in the region. The company sales has reached to 100 Million Saudi Riyals annually. On top of this, we also has couple of retail outlets ( Al Fatah Marketing Centers) in Jeddah and Makkah that sells grocery products.

Bin Mahfouz Gold and Jewelry

We also have several gold and jewelry showrooms in Makkah and Jeddah.

MBG-Hagen Company

We have established a Real Estate Development Company – MBG-Hagen Company – a joint venture with one of the top construction firm in Portugal in the real estate development sector.

Saudi Health Investment Co. / Elaj Medical Center

We also entered a partnership agreement with a top medical investment company Elaj Medical Centers/ Saudi Health Investment Company to establish more medical facilities in Saudi Arabia and the whole GCC region with the aim to expand in Europe. Initial capital was set up at 200 Million Saudi Riyals.

Kindah Foundation

Our group has also set up a charitable institution (Kindah Foundation)to extend help and assistance to the less fortunate brothers. The foundation offers college scholarships to young people. It also provides small business loans to small business entrepreneurs. It also working on the creating a comprehensive medical insurance of the needy. At present, Kindah Foundation is developing programmes to help Saudi women to be prepared with their future and uplift their living conditions.

E – As a sole proprietor, I have established the following companies

Al Hejaz International School

An international school in Jeddah that adopts the British standards curriculum. I am proud to say that it was able to produce around 3000 highly qualified graduates, some of which are currently studying in top universities in UK. There are around 600 students presently enrolled in Al Hejaz from Kindergarten to High School. Also, Al Hejaz is one of the pioneer schools in Jeddah that offers e-learning program.

Bin Mahfouz International Law Firm

Established in Jeddah in 1992, has enjoyed continuous growth and over the past six years of existence. Ten Lawyers with over 20 years of experience have joined me in our office in Jeddah. Our commitment to excellence in client service is reflected in our investment in the first rate resources of an extensive collection of legal and reference texts in English and Arabic, ongoing training for legal and secretarial staff, a full range of modern office equipment plus the latest in computer hardware and software for clients records, including an English and Arabic language CD-ROM packages of the laws of Saudi Arabia. We have a highly qualified and experienced bilingual staff and we serve the best needs of our business clients in today’s increasingly global marketplace. Our mission is a unified commitment to protect and serve our community with integrity, pride and professionalism. Our company guarantee full secrecy while providing the highest quality of services in our fields of expertise and specialties which are as follows: Attorneys and Legal Consultants; Contracts & Registration of Companies and Establishments; Arbitration & Negotiable Instrument Disputes; Trademarks; Commercial Agents; Services Agencies Registration; Franchise and Transfer of Technology; Commercial Law, and Labor Law. The office also provides first-class translation services from Arabic to English and vice versa for it’s clients locally and internationally. Beside the authorized translation services, we also offer translations in other foreign languages.

Jeddah International Exhibition Center

Has been converted into a closed joint stock company. It was founded in 1998 backed by a team of professionals in the exhibition industry. It is conducting several projects to promote and encourage Saudi businesses to participate in various exhibitions internationally. It also participated in various exhibitions in Iran, Yemen, Jordan and other countries in the GCC region. It is also a member of the Arab Union for International Exhibitions and Conferences and also the Federation of International Exhibitions.

Kinda Decoration Company

Company specializes in interior decoration and other constructions and renovation services.

Saudi-Yemen Free Economic Zone

Being the chairman of the Saudi-Yemen Business Council since 2005. I was elected as the head of the Saudi delegation. I conducted periodic meetings, chaired the Joint council of Saudi-Yemen Businessmen. This Joint Council has arranged a Coordination Meeting that was held in the city of Mukalla in Yemen. In this meeting, the proposal for the Saudi-Yemen Free Economic Zone was undertaken. Both countries have agreed to allocate a total 40 Million sq.m. to this project which is to start in 2010. An initial USD100 million was allocated for the 1st phase of the project and the estimated total cost of the project will be USD500 million.

National Council of Saudi Chambers

I chaired the National Commission of Saudi Chambers for 2 years. The group organizes exhibitions in cooperation with the International federation and the Arab Union for Exhibitions. We arranged for venues for regional and international exhibitions and assists participants with the visa problems and customs procedures.

Arab Union for International Exhibitions and League of Arab States Exhibitions

I am appointed as a Deputy Head for the Arab Union for International Exhibitions and the League of Arab States Exhibitions. In 2000, I was elected as Vice-President of the Arab Union for International Exhibitions and the League of Arab States Exhibitions has joined the Russian President – H.E. Pres. Sheik Yusuf Bin Jabr Al Thani has initiated in bringing more international exhibitions and conferences in the GCC region. Enhance the international Trade between the Pan-Arab region and develop the tourism and trade in the region.

Documentary film on the Migration of Civilization

I did a documentary film on the Immigrant civilization with the help of an Arab broadcasting company – MBC. The documentary has 3 parts which was aired over the arabic channel last 16-19 March 2008. This idea was a collaboration with my friends to come up with a documentary film about the mix of social and historical union of various cultures in the region. My friends and family are worried with what will be the outcome of this project. They were afraid of the negative reactions of the people towards it. Inspite of this, I still received some encouragement and support from some relatives like my uncle – Mohamed Aboud Amoudi who sent me US$50,000. However, the entire film project has cost around US$800,000. I dedicated this documentary film to my father – Sheik Marei Bin Mahfouz and to Sheik Salem Bin Mahfouz and to all Arab people from both inside and outside Hadramawt.

From my personal life

The secret in my success lies in my determination and perseverance. I take risks but with caution. I have learned to analyze things and place things in their proper prospective in reaching my goals. I tried to develop deeper my social interactions with he people and improve myself by reading. My brothers and myself are active in the management of our group. I handle the legal matters as well as the investments and business development. Dr. Mahouz is in-charge of the financial aspect of our business. Engr.Mohamed is handling the constructions and the real estate business. Omar is in economic research and development projects. And my youngest brother will join us in the management as soon as he finished his degree in Economics. We hope that our sons will continue my father’s legacy and will also be part of the company.

My wife and my children dear

I know that Isa is sometimes get tired accompanying me in the office. I appreciate his patience to learn the things in business and in practical life that I tried to show him but most of all the love and respect that he gives in return. I am very happy with my children – 3 boys and 2 girls namely - Eissa (17 y.o.), Yousif (14 y.o.), Kinda (11 y.o.) and Mohamed (5 y.o.) who has a twin Khadija.I raise them the way my father raised us. I gave them the freedom of choice but with proper guidance.

Dearest friends

I would like to acknowledge the following people who have some way to the other has touched my life and the made the difference - from the bottom of my heart my deepest gratitude. Mr. Asedkaiasedkai Ktrmen , Mr. Hussein Bin Ali Al Harith and Dr. Attiya Mohamed Amin) and Dr. Majed Abdullah from Saudi Arabia. Professor Hassan Abdullah Abdullah and Mr Lebed Nahdi from Qatar - Sheikh Yussef bin Jabr Al Thani (a professor int the Emirates ) Obeid bin Hatim Ahmed, Professor Faisal Ben Brik ,Uncle Mohamed Sheta from Egypt Engineer Omar and Mr, Ihab and Mr Mansour Amer from Yemen Sheikh Humaid Cross and Sheikh Mohammed Saeed HSA from Syria Engineer Adnan Makhlouf Khaldun and Professor Imad Zoubi.

Hobbies

Enjoys reading books on History and family lineage as well as politics and Law.

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My favorites

I love Saudi Arabia my country and I pray for god to always protect our country and our leader his highness Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his crown, and may god always bless this country with piece and prosperity in the under the rule of the king if humanity who always concern about his people and citizens and works to provide this with better life, and working to fulfill the goal of developing this country which became one of the leading nations in the world with the cooperation and cohesion of leadership with the people under the ruling of his highness Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his crown may god always protect them.

I enjoy learning about the old civilization especially about the Kinda tribes especially its people . I also take pride with my relative Salem Bin Ahmed Bin Mahfouz and to dear old family friends Sheikh Ahmed and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Awad Bin laden, Sheikh Ahmed Saeed Bakhan. May Allah showers them with more strength in their intention of social development and economic progress for our land.

Finally , to the future of our region

To the youth who are relying on their parents and society. The youth who will be responsible for the future growth of the country. The young people of today who are so affected by the Western culture. They who are embracing it and forgetting the legacy of our beautiful past. We as parents should always remind them of their rich cultural background and tried to install in them the love for our own country and history

Contact Details of Dr. Abdullah Marei Bin Mahfouz

Email Address – abdullah@binmahfouz.net / abdullahbinmahfouz@gmail.com

Mailing Address – P.O. Box 4100 Jeddah 21491 Saudi Arabia

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