Prince Rahim becomes 50th Aga Khan imam after passing of father
His father, known for his dazzling wealth and development work around the world, died in Lisbon, the seat of the Ismaili Imamat, at age 88 on Tuesday. The funeral is expected to take place in Portugal's capital "in the coming days", as soon as arrangements are finalised, the Imamat said on its website.
The world's Ismaili community, a branch of Shi'ite Islam, comprises around 15 million people who live in Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and North America.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Born on Oct. 12, 1971, the U.S.-educated, Swiss-based Rahim is the eldest son of the Aga Khan IV and his first wife, Princess Salimah - née Sarah Croker Poole, a British ex-model. The couple had a daughter and two sons together.
Rahim has two sons through his marriage with former American fashion model Kendra Spears.
He has served on the boards of many agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network and chairs its Environment and Climate Committee, according to the website.
"Prince Rahim has been particularly concerned with the AKDN's drive to protect the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change," it said, also highlighting his attention to the institution's work "addressing the needs of those living in the greatest poverty".
As Aga Khan — derived from Turkish and Persian words to mean commanding chief — he is believed by Ismailis to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammad through the prophet's cousin and son-in-law, Ali, the first Imam, and his wife Fatima, the Prophet's daughter.
The title was originally granted in the 1830s by the emperor of Persia to Karim's great-great-grandfather when the latter married the emperor's daughter.
Set up in 1967, the AKDN group of international development agencies employs 80,000 people helping to build schools and hospitals and providing electricity for millions of people in the poorest parts of Africa and Asia.
Aga Khan IV mixed his development work with private business, owning for example in Uganda a pharmaceutical company, a bank and a fishnet factory.
Aga Khan IV also kept up his family's long tradition of thoroughbred racing and breeding. His stables and riders, wearing his emerald-green silk livery, enjoyed great successes at the top international derbies.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Dubai Eye
32 minutes ago
- Dubai Eye
Britain, India to sign landmark free trade pact during Modi visit
Britain and India will sign a landmark free trade agreement on Thursday during a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sealing a deal to cut tariffs on goods from textiles to cars and allow more market access for businesses. The two countries concluded talks on the long-coveted free trade pact in May after three years of stop-start negotiations, with both sides hastening efforts to clinch a deal in the shadow of tariff turmoil sparked by US President Donald Trump. The agreement between the world's fifth and sixth largest economies aims to increase bilateral trade by 25.5 billion pounds by 2040. It will take effect after the British parliament and India's federal cabinet approve it, likely within a year. "Our landmark trade deal with India is a major win for Britain. It will create thousands of British jobs across the UK, unlock new opportunities for businesses and drive growth," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. The agreement will be signed during Modi's fourth visit to the UK since he took office in 2014. The leaders will also sign a strategic partnership covering areas such as defence and climate and strengthen co-operation on tackling crime. Under the trade agreement, tariffs on Scotch whisky will drop to 75 per cent from 150 per cent immediately, and then slide to 40 per cent over the next decade, according to the British government. On cars, India will cut duties to 10 per cent from over 100 per cent under a quota system that will be gradually liberalised. In return, Indian manufacturers are expected to gain access to the UK market for electric and hybrid vehicles, also under a quota system, Indian commerce ministry officials said. The ministry has said 99 per cent of Indian exports to Britain would benefit from zero duties under the deal, including textiles, while Britain will see reductions on 90 per cent of its tariff lines. The agreement represents Britain's most significant trade deal since it left the EU in 2020, though the projected boost to British economic output, of 4.8 billion pounds a year by 2040, is small compared to the country's gross domestic product of 2.6 trillion pounds in 2024.
Campaign ME
2 hours ago
- Campaign ME
CEO Agency unveils refreshed identity
Dubai-based CEO Agency, a boutique experiential marketing and premium staffing agency, has revealed a refreshed brand identity to mark its next phase of growth across the Middle East and beyond. The rebrand reflects CEO's evolution into an integrated agency that delivers immersive brand activations, premium hospitality, and world-class staffing solutions. Their offerings will include designing immersive activations, hospitality, or bringing brands to life in new and engaging ways; delivering experiences that captivate audiences and drive meaningful engagement. This combination allows CEO Agency to provide a seamless experience for both clients and end consumers. Charlotte Oliver, Managing Director of CEO Agency, said, 'This isn't just a new look, it's a renewed commitment to our clients. We're building an agency that delivers stand-out creative work and also provides the care, detail and premium service our clients expect.' As part of this vision, the agency has made strategic senior hires to drive the growth of its events division, with further appointments planned in the months ahead. With recent projects at Shangri La, Royal Ascot, and Silverstone, CEO Agency continues to strengthen it's reputation as a boutique agency with global standards. The refreshed identity includes updated visuals, a renewed focus on experiential and staffing services, and a mission to craft considered, memorable experiences that raise the bar for the industry.
Al Etihad
2 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Aldar sells mansion for Dh400 million, sets new record in Abu Dhabi
24 July 2025 11:02 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Aldar has announced the record-breaking sale of an eight-bedroom ultra-luxury mansion in its Faya Al Saadiyat development for Dh400 million, making it the most expensive home ever sold in Abu directly on Saadiyat Island's pristine beach and within the award-winning Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, the mansion is part of one of the last remaining villa plots on the island. The sale underscores the strength of Abu Dhabi's luxury real estate market, following the earlier Dh137 million sale of a penthouse at Aldar's Nobu Residences Abu 6,561sqm beachfront home offers expansive living spaces and uninterrupted 360-degree views of water and greenery. It features a private car gallery, a golf simulator, an in-house cinema, and sophisticated wellness and fitness Executive Officer at Aldar Development, Jonathan Emery, said, 'This record transaction at Faya Al Saadiyat sets a new benchmark for luxury real estate in Abu Dhabi and underscores the strong demand for ultra-premium, beachfront homes in the emirate. Recognised as the crown jewel of Abu Dhabi's luxury real estate, Saadiyat Island continues to attract homebuyers and investors from around the world. This sustained momentum reflects the success of Abu Dhabi's long-term vision, enabled by progressive government policies, long-term residency initiatives, and strategic investment in infrastructure, culture, and entertainment.'The sale comes as Aldar reported Dh5 billion in sales on Saadiyat Island in the first half of 2025, with expatriates accounting for 86% of buyers—46% residents and 40% non-residents. The top nationalities include Russia, France, the United Kingdom, China, and the United Director of the Real Estate Transactions Sector at the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), Ghazi Saeed Al Ateibi, said, 'Abu Dhabi is recognised as a world-leading destination for global real estate investments, driven by growing trust in a market that is well-regulated, transparent, and investor-friendly. At ADREC, our role is to safeguard this ecosystem by upholding strong governance, regulatory oversight, and seamless processes across the sector. Transactions of this scale reflect the strength of a maturing market and the effectiveness of a regulatory framework we've put in place designed to support and attract responsible, high-value investment.'The architectural design of the mansion is a collaboration between the globally renowned 1508 London Interior Design Studio—known for The OWO Residences by Raffles in London—and the UAE-based Nordic Office Architects. The design blends Saadiyat Island's natural beauty with minimalist aesthetics, indigenous materials, Italian-made kitchens and wardrobes, and expansive open-plan layouts. A private beachfront pool enhances the property's recreational Al Saadiyat is a gated community of 21 super-luxury homes, including two eight-bedroom mansions and 19 six- to seven-bedroom villas. It is scheduled for completion in 2028 and is targeting Estidama 3 Pearl rating and Fitwel certification, with sustainability features promoting energy efficiency, water conservation, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced resident well-being. Saadiyat Island is also home to world-class cultural institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena, and the future Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, in addition to the upcoming Saadiyat Grove retail and hospitality destination.
