UAE leaders pay tribute after death of pioneering businessman Hussain Khansaheb

His work and the company he led for decades helped shape the UAE

Hussain Khansaheb. Photo: Abu Dhabi Awards

President Sheikh Mohamed has led tributes following the death of pioneering UAE businessman Hussain Khansaheb.

He played a significant role in major construction and infrastructure projects, which helped shape modern-day UAE.

Mr Khansaheb was equally known for his dedication to humanitarian work, helping to improve the lives of people in the UAE and beyond.

President Sheikh Mohamed, at the time Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, presents an Abu Dhabi Award to Hussain Khansaheb in 2021. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed on Friday said Mr Khansaheb would be remembered for his “spirit of generosity and dedicated service to the UAE”.

“He contributed to our nation's advancement and worked to better our community through wide-reaching humanitarian and charitable initiatives,” the President said on X.

“My sincere condolences to his family and all those whose lives he touched.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said Mr Khansaheb was a pioneer in infrastructure projects. He praised the businessman's role in community and humanitarian projects, including efforts towards providing housing for lower-income families and setting up health centres.

“Our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late businessman Hussain Khansaheb, one of the most important entrepreneurs in the Emirates,” Sheikh Mohammed said on X.

As recognition for his service through the decades, Mr Khansaheb received numerous awards. In 2021, President Sheikh Mohamed personally presented him with an Abu Dhabi Award, under an initiative that recognises those who have dedicated themselves to supporting others and creating a better UAE.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE also paid tribute to Mr Khansaheb saying he leaves an enduring legacy.

“Our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family and loved ones,” he posted on X.

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, also extended “heartfelt condolences and sympathy” to Mr Khansaheb's family.

Mr Khansaheb played a “significant role” in the growth of the UAE and was part of a group of pioneers who built the country up, Dr Gargash said.

The company, in a statement on its website, said it was a moment of "deep sadness for us all as we reflect on the extraordinary life of a man who was dedicated to guiding Khansaheb Group and to building a better future for the UAE".

"On behalf of Khansaheb Group, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family."

Khansaheb was formed in the 1930s – decades before the UAE was formed – and it became involved in crucial early infrastructure projects.

Hussain Khansaheb took over as group chairman in 1954, after assuming the business from his uncle – the company's founder Khansaheb Hussain Bin Hassan Amad who had worked for the British administration.

Khansaheb lists the roundabout around the Dubai Clock Tower as a project it was involved with. Photo: Wam

The Bab Al Shams hotel is another project Khansaheb has worked on.

Fujairah City Centre is also one of its projects. Sarah Dea / The National

Khansaheb had been involved with major infrastructure projects such as Sharjah International Airport. Walter Rudolph / United Archives / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The company lists the Maqta causeway in Abu Dhabi (the first crossing between Abu Dhabi island and the mainland), the roundabout around Dubai's Clock Tower, Mall of the Emirates and luxury hotel retreat Bab Al Shams as some of the projects it has worked on.

It was also involved with Sharjah International Airport, Fujairah City Centre – the emirate's first large mall – and the Expo site.

The contracting group, with thousands of employees, has also been associated with countless others projects across the country such as hotels, offices, roads, schools and sports centres.

In 2017, Amer Khansaheb, managing director of Khansaheb Investments, spoke about how the business started as a trading company and provided support and maintenance to oil companies in the desert.

“It was my grandfather, Hussain Abdulrahman Khansaheb, in the 1950s who grew the company under more of a specialisation in construction.”

Today Dubai is a global metropolis and the UAE a modern country. And it was pioneering businesspeople such as Mr Khansaheb who helped transform it.