Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai (SR)

Dubai, Aug 29: One of UAE's most prominent businessmen, Saif Al Ghurair, died at 95 on Tuesday.

Saif, the founder of Al Ghurair Group was born in Deira on the shores of Dubai Creek in 1924. The billionaire's business expands into retail, manufacturing, banking and real estate. He was one of the richest Emiratis and his fortunes grew as Dubai rose from a pearl-diving city to one of the world's topmost cosmopolitan cities.

The eldest of five sons born to Ahmed Al Ghurair, Saif soon became involved in the family business which at that time was pearl diving. Even as a teenager he would spend upto four months at a time at sea, living off rice, dates and fish.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the armed forces, led tributes to the tycoon online, offering his 'sincere condolences on the death of Saif bin Ahmed Al Ghurair'.

He described him as 'a pioneer of entrepreneurs and economics' and praised him for his 'long journey filled with struggles, ambition and success'.