PUIC Bulletin No.9 Spring 2011
Early Sunday morning 17th April 2011, the outstanding Kuwaiti Businessman Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Abdul Mohsen Al Khorafi, passed away at Al Salam International Hospital in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, due to a massive heart attack. He was 67.
Sheikh Nasser is the brother of His Excellency the Speaker of the National Assembly of Kuwait Sheikh Jassem Al Khorafi.
Sheikh Nasser was visiting Cairo on his way to Kuwait following a business tour that included Italy and Lebanon. He was President of “Al khorafi Group” which has interests in 15 Arab States, including Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Morocco, Libya, etc. Other states include South Africa.
“Forbes” magazine placed him second in the list of the richest Arab businessmen and 77 in the international list for the year 2010. His wealth is established as between 10.4 billion dollar and 15 billion dollars. The investments of the Group in Arab countries exceed $20b. The investments of Al Khorafi Group cover a wide range of business activity that includes tourism, hotels, aviation, airports and various industries such as food, paper and engineering.
The Group is also active in areas of Information Technology, gas, petrochemicals, fertilizers, glass, etc. The Group has large investments in the service sector, particularly communication and in the financial sector such as banks.
Medal and honours:
Sheikh Nasser was awarded several honours in appreciation of his role in economic development outside Kuwait. These include:
-2004: Independence Medal from King Abdullah II of Jordan.
-2003: Honorary Degree from Dr. Yahiya Jamaa, President of Gambia.
-2006: Honorary Degree in Arts from the American University in Beirut.
-In 2003 he was called “Businessman of the year” By the “Middle East Economic Digest” for his personal achievements and sagacious management of “Al Khorafi Group”.
-King Abdullah II of Jordan bestowed on him the Achievement Award for Life during the Second Jordan Economic Forum.
His charitable activities include constant contributions to a number of philanthropic organizations such as the Royal Marsden Campaign to Combat Cancer. He built orphanages and supported orphaned children and old people. Hel also sponsored Quran Contests in several countries.
Tasks:
- President of “Al-Khorafi Group”
-Chairman of the Board of the Kuwaiti- Egyptian Holding Company
-Member of the Board of Directors of the Aluminum Industries Company
-Owner and Member of the Board of Directors of Al Qabas Newspaper for Publication.
-Member of the Board of Directors of the Kuwaiti National Bank
-Member of the Board of Directors of the Kuwaiti Food Company (Americana)
-Member of the Board of Directors of the Commercial Soft Drinks Company
-Member of the Board of Sheikh Sabah Al Salim Al Mubarak Al Sabah Corporation
-President of Developing Benefits Company
-Member of the Kuwaiti-Iranian Commission for Projects Development
Sheikh Nasser was an advocate and supporter of resistance against the Israeli occupation. His last active titled “Live in dignity or die in honour” was published by a number of newspapers. In this article he hailed the heroic Lebanese resistance.
Thousands of Kuwaiti citizens, foreigners, resident diplomats and visitors took part in the burial ceremony. The mourners were headed by the Emir of Kuwait, H.H. Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed AL Jabir AL Sabah. Those who came to Kuwait to offer their condolences include the Vice-President of Iraq; Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt; Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain; Speaker of the Senate of Jordan; Speaker of the National Assembly of Lebanon, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia; former Prime Minister of Britain John Major.
Condolence messages were received in Kuwait from many parts of the world. These include messages from Presidents of Iraq, Yemen, Prime Minister of Egypt, etc.
Mr. Jassem Al khorafi received a telephone call from the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Dr. Ali Larijani who expressed sorrow for the passing away of Sheikh Nasser and informed that he would send a delegation from the Iranian Parliament to convey condolences.
Condolences were also received from the Secretary General of Hizbullah in Lebanon Sayed Hassan Naserullah who issued a statement stressing the role played by Sheikh Nasser in confronting the Israeli enemy.
The PUIC Secretary General Professor Mahmud Erol KILIC sent a condolences and consolation message to His Excellency Shiekh Jassem AL Khorafi, Speaker of the National Assembly of Kuwait. In the message Professor KILIC mentioned that he received the news of the deep sadness and anguish. He prayed to Almighty God to shower his grave with mercy.