Miscellaneous

Top Bahraini businessman Mubarak Jassim Kanoo dies

Leading Bahraini businessman Mubarak Jassim Kanoo, the chairman of Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo Group, died today. 

Born in 1930, Kanoo was a visionary and a pillar of the community in Bahrain.

In 1951, he took over the family’s travel business, which was made up of three employees at the time and in the same year, Kanoo Travel achieved IATA (International Air Transport Association) status.

Kanoo Travel is one division in the YBA Kanoo Group, a conglomerate which also includes industrial and energy, shipping and logistics, real estate and Kanoo Capital.

He also established trading licences in Dubai in 1961 and Abu Dhabi in 1963.

In 1984, Kanoo’s role in strengthening commercial relations with Britain was recognised by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and received the Honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire.

In addition to his responsibilities in YBA Kanoo Group, Kanoo was also chairman of AXA Insurance (Gulf), Aeradio Technical Services, Bahrain Ship Repairing and Engineering Company and Bahrain Philanthropic Society, as well as the president of Bahrain Japan Business and Friendship Society.

Kanoo is survived by his wife and his daughter, Mona, and his siblings Dr Adbullatif Kanoo and Lulwa Kanoo.