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India.com
4 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Meet Saudi billionaire, sold palm dates as a child, worked as cook in Riyadh, now has net worth of Rs...; no match for Mukesh Ambani, Adani
Sheikh Sulaiman bin Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi (File) There is a widespread myth about Saudi billionaires that a majority of them are oil tycoons who made their fortune selling the liquid gold which is abundant in the desert Kingdom. However, this cannot be farther from reality as there are many self-made billionaires in Saudi Arabia, and indeed entire Middle East, who have started from modest backgrounds, and earned their riches through innovation and sheer business acumen. One such individual is Sheikh Sulaiman bin Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi, a Saudi businessman who built his business empire from scratch, and sold palm dates for a living as a 12-year-old. Let us delve into the inspiring journey of this remarkable entrepreneur: Who is Sheikh Sulaiman bin Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi? Born in a low-income household in Al Bukairiyah in Saudi Arabia's Al Qassim province, Al Rajhi's childhood was devoid of luxuries and basic education. Growing up in the harsh Nejd desert, Sulaiman and his brother earned a livelihood by ferrying Hajj pilgrims on camel caravans across the desert to reach the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. From an early age, Sulaiman Al Rajhi had developed an enterprising outlook, and worked as a a porter, carrying shopping luggage for shoppers at the Al Khadra market in Riyadh when he was just nine years of age. Later, as a 12-year-old, he began collecting palm dates for a living, a job that fetched him a paltry monthly salary of six Saudi Riyals, barely enough to eat. In an interview, Sulaiman Al Rajhi recalled how he often slept on gravel at his workplace, and wore the same clothes at work as well as afterwards, because he lacked money. From rags to riches- How Sulaiman Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi made his fortune Growing up as a teenager during the early 1940s, Al Rajhi worked several odd jobs, including as a cook at a smalltime Riyadh hotel, and wholesaler of imported kerosene, as he looked for a breakout opportunity to change his circumstances. Later, Al Rajhi worked as a waiter for a Saudi contracting company for a mere 60 Saudi Riyals, and then established his own grocery shop, which he forced to sell to spend on his marriage. Rajhi was 15 at the time. Afterwards, Sulaiman started working at a currency exchange business established by his brother Saleh Al Rajhi, and in 1956, the Al Rajhi brother expanded the enterprise by opening a second branch. However, Sulaiman's groundbreaking opportunity arrived in 1970, when he opened his own currency exchange firm after separating his business from his brother. Over the years, Sulaiman expanded his business, opening more than 30 branches across Saudi Arabia, and later took the enterprise to other nations across the Arab world, including Egypt and Lebanon, where he made massive gains. Today, Sulaiman Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi holds the largest individual stake Al Rajhi Bank, which he co-founded with his older brother Saleh Al Rajhi, and has consistently reported the most profitable operations amongst all of Saudi banking groups. Sulaiman Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi net worth At one point, Sulaiman Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi was ranked among the wealthiest individuals in the world, with Forbes estimating his net worth at around $7.7 billion in 2011. However, Al Rajhi later donated a major chunk of his vast fortune to charity, by transferring his shares in the family-owned Al Rajhi Bank, his poultry farm, and other assets to a charitable endowment that bears his name to fund anti-hunger efforts and education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to a Forbes report. Currently, Sulaiman Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi has a net worth of around $2.2 billion, as per Forbes, enough to live a life of luxury which he has undoubtedly earned.
Daily Express
23-05-2025
- Daily Express
16kg crocodile caught in Sandakan
Published on: Friday, May 23, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 23, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: The captured crocodile. SANDAKAN: Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) captured a crocodile in an operation at Kampung Tinusa 2 early Thursday morning. According to Sandakan District Civil Defence Officer Captain (PA) Sulaiman Salama, the incident happened when a local resident spotted the crocodile. 'He was tidying up his boat behind his house when he saw a crocodile under the bridge, caught in a rope. 'Worried about his safety and the safety of the community, he immediately contacted the MERS 999 emergency hotline for help,' he said. The Sabah State Operations Control Centre (PKON) received the call at around 1:28 am, before dispatching the APM team to the location. 'Upon arrival, our team conducted a survey before proceeding with the operation to capture the reptile,' Sulaiman said. Advertisement The crocodile was estimated about 1.5 metres long, weighing 16kg. The operation took about 45 minutes to complete. 'We used ropes, a blanket and two snares to capture the crocodile. We covered its eyes with a blanket before tying it up to ensure safety during the capture,' he said. Sulaiman confirmed that no injuries or accidents were reported during the operation. The crocodile will be handed over to the Sabah Wildlife Department for further action. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Rudaw Net
19-05-2025
- Science
- Rudaw Net
The secrets of Soran: A 7,000-year-old discovery
Also in Kurdistan President Barzani pushes to boost Erbil-Tehran ties, elevate Kurdistan Region's status KDP, PUK to contest Iraq's 2025 legislative elections separately: KRG deputy PM Mosul woman diagnosed with hemorrhagic fever in Erbil Kurdistan Region governors to visit Sanandaj for economy talks A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Archaeologists have uncovered remnants of the Halaf civilization, dating back 7,000 years, in Soran, northeast of the Kurdistan Region. Abdulwahab Sulaiman, Director of the Soran Archaeology Department, shared with Rudaw that the discoveries include advanced architecture and construction remains from the Halaf period. 'We also found bear bones, symbolizing power and strength from that era,' Sulaiman explained, in addition to 'exquisite pottery items, delicate, beautifully colored, and from the Halaf civilization, dating back 7,000 years.' The site spans 500 square meters and is located in a populated area. Excavations have been ongoing for seven seasons, conducted by teams from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and Salahaddin University. Archaeologist Maryam Gomez, a member of the excavation team, explained, 'This is my third campaign here. My findings show that most of the wood discovered comes from the mountains and riverbanks, suggesting that people from the Neolithic Age used these woods at their activity sites.' Gomez also found 'seeds and burnt remains,' which indicate that agriculture and the harvesting of fruits from the mountains and forests were practiced for food. "All of this has been documented," she added. All discovered artifacts belong to the Kurdistan Regional Government, and the research is a collaborative effort between the two universities. Plans are in place to establish a local museum to preserve and display the findings. Rajab Zubair, the Soran District Commissioner, told Rudaw, "We aim to build a dedicated museum to showcase the archaeological pieces, allowing visitors to learn about the history and civilization of this area. At the same time, it will help attract archaeological tourism." In addition to the findings, human footprints dating back to the Stone Age have also been discovered in the Soran district of Erbil province. According to Sulaiman, approximately 1,200 archaeological sites are registered in Soran. The Kurdistan Region is home to a wealth of archaeological sites, ancient cities, and religious landmarks that bear witness to thousands of years of continuous civilization, including remnants from the Sumerian and Assyrian eras, as well as evidence of Neanderthal habitation.
Rudaw Net
18-05-2025
- Science
- Rudaw Net
Stone Age footprints discovered in Soran
Also in Kurdistan Kurdistan Region governors to visit Sanandaj for economy talks Duhok mother dies after alleged blood transfusion error PM Barzani arrives in Washington for energy talks Solar power on the rise in Sulaimani with private users, new plant A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Human footprints dating back to the Stone Age have been discovered in the Soran district of Erbil province, a local expert said on Friday. 'We have discovered several archaeological remains dating back to the late Old Stone Age and the beginning of the Middle Stone Age,' Abdulwahab Sulaiman, head of the Soran independent administration's archaeological department, told Rudaw. The archaeological layers, according to Sulaiman, had been lost for over half a century after being first discovered by foreign archaeologists in 1951. 'After that, no other traces were found until we discovered these layers at the foot of Plngan Mountain, and they are the footprints of humans from that era,' he said. A five-year contract signed with the Autonomous University of Barcelona has resulted in the discovery of 'several important archaeological sites,' Sulaiman said. Approximately 1,200 archaeological sites are registered in the Soran Independent Administration, according to statistics provided by Sulaiman. The Kurdistan Region is home to a wealth of archaeological sites, ancient cities, and religious landmarks that bear witness to thousands of years of continued civilization. These include remnants from the Sumerian and Assyrian eras as well as Neanderthals.
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
The return of the dread
Sulaiman, a headload worker at Valanchery, had never missed the Workers' Day celebrations in over 20 years. But this May Day was different. Instead of joining his co-workers, Sulaiman rushed his 42-year-old wife to clinics and hospitals, her health faltering with each passing moment. By midnight, she lay critically ill in the emergency wing of the EMS Memorial Cooperative Hospital at Perinthalmanna. In the early hours of May 2, in the intensive care unit (ICU)'s sterile silence, she slipped into a coma. Her loved ones' world began shrinking to a terrifying reality as Sulaiman and their three children waited in frozen worry. Their house at Thaniyappankunnu in Valanchery municipality stood still and silent, its doors locked since that fateful day. In the portico, two plastic chairs sat dusty and abandoned. Washed clothes flapped gently on a clothesline beneath a tarpaulin while Sulaiman's Hero bike lay idle behind the house. The 15-cent compound remained untouched. The locked house and its eerie compound provided a poignant reminder of life paused. Nine wards within a three-kilometre radius of their house, encompassing areas of Valanchery municipality and the neighbouring panchayats of Marakkara, Edayur, and Athavanad, were declared containment zones on May 8, the day the woman tested positive for the deadly Nipah virus. The State Health department sprang into action with Minister for Health Veena George herself rushing to Malappuram to formally announce the confirmation of the Nipah case. Three cases in 10 months Within 10 months since July last year, Malappuram reported three Nipah cases. A 14-year-old schoolboy succumbed to Nipah at Chembrassery, near Pandikkad, in July last year, followed by the death of a 24-year-old man from Naduvath, near Wandoor, in September. The Valanchery woman, the latest Nipah patient, fights for her life in the ICU with encephalitis having plunged her into a coma. 'We are all praying for her to come back,' say her neighbours K. Balakrishna and his wife Savithri. They appeared unfazed by Nipah. So was T. Bindu, another neighbour. 'It can affect anyone; it just happened to be her,' Balakrishna and Savithri add with a shrug. They had not interacted with the woman since she fell ill with fever and headache on April 25. 'We may be close, but we don't visit like we used to. We would chat from across the tree-lined boundary of our homes,' Savithri explains. Deepening mystery The mystery surrounding the woman's Nipah infection deepens as her neighbours report that she rarely ventured out and mostly stayed indoors. 'Whenever she went out, she would be with her husband on his bike,' recounts Balakrishna. The source of her infection remains unknown. 'We know that days before falling ill, she had visited her siblings at Thiruvegapura in Palakkad district, where she exchanged fruits with them,' says Parassery Veerankutty, the municipal councillor representing Thaniyappankunnu ward. He has been at the forefront to help the health and animal husbandry officials who conducted surveys in the area, and to spread awareness about the health protocols to be followed, including the isolation, and precautions against the spread of the virus. 'Masks are a must when we are among people. Better be safe than sorry,' Veerankutty cautions a small group of youngsters at Thaniyappankunnu, reminding them of the importance of following the guidelines issued by the health workers and taking the required precautions. The Nipah-affected woman's house compound and surroundings were quintessential Malappuram with lush trees of different sizes thriving in the area. There were mango, jackfruit, papaya, guava, and bilimbi fruit trees aplenty. A small bilimbi tree laden with fruits stood sentinel at the front right corner of her house. Behind, an unused one-acre plot belonging to another joint family offered a veritable feast, overflowing with mangoes and jackfruits that likely drew fruit bats to the area. 'We strongly suspect a bat-bitten fruit as the source of her infection; but without evidence, it is hard to say for sure,' says C. Shubin, District Surveillance Officer, Malappuram. Dr. Shubin, supported by District Medical Officer R. Renuka and her team, has been instrumental in detecting the three Nipah cases in Malappuram over the past 10 months. 'We ought to be prepared for further cases,' warns Dr. Renuka. Dr. Renuka and the team had issued a pre-emptive warning against potential outbreaks of deadly diseases like Nipah before the summer peaked. They had advised the people against consuming fallen fruits, especially those bitten by birds and bats. People were also warned to maintain strict hygiene while dealing with domestic animals. Surveillance of certain ailments, particularly encephalitic cases, has been ramped up in Malappuram since 2022. Apart from government hospitals, major tertiary hospitals in the district too have been trained to deal with encephalitic cases, especially with the Nipah risk in mind. Nipah infection often progresses to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) after initial symptoms like fever, headache, and vomiting. Monitoring AES cases helps detect early warning signs of an outbreak, enabling timely treatment and interventions, according to medical experts. 'We identified all the three Nipah cases reported in Malappuram since last year through this surveillance. No AES or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) cases can go unreported under the current surveillance system, whether in private or government hospitals,' says Dr. Shubin. 'Our private hospitals are cooperative in promptly reporting the cases,' he adds. Malappuram's major tertiary private hospitals are equipped with ICU isolation facilities, enabling them to effectively manage viral outbreaks like Nipah. 'Handling a Nipah suspect is no longer a cause for concern,' asserts Shubin. Enhanced surveillance Experts caution that eliminating Nipah may be impossible due to the complexity of factors leading to outbreaks. However, enhanced surveillance of AES cases can facilitate early detection and swift isolation of contacts, potentially preventing transmission, they say. Research has identified fruit bats, specifically Pteropus species or flying foxes, as the natural reservoirs of Nipah virus. While the exact transmission route to humans remains unclear, it is suspected that contaminated fruits, bitten or licked by bats, may play a role in spreading the virus. The possibility of an intermediary host facilitating transmission is still being investigated. Bat researcher Sreehari Raman, assistant professor at Kerala Agricultural University, who identified six fruit-eating bats among the 48 bat varieties found in Kerala, says that ectoparasites living on the body of bats may work like vectors. 'It is also a possibility apart from the transmission through fruits bitten by bats,' says Sreehari. Another potential transmission route is through the consumption of bats, a practice still observed among some indigenous tribes in Kerala. 'I encountered several individuals who ate bats during my research, but the practice appears to have decreased following the Nipah outbreak and awareness campaigns,' he says. Some unusual observations His encounters with bats have led to unusual observations such as bats eating fruits stored in shops. 'I captured footage of bats feeding on bananas in a fruit shop. After showing the video to the shop owner, he promptly covered the potential entry points with a large net to prevent further access for the flying foxes,' he says. Human activities such as urbanisation and deforestation are suspected to be a leading cause of virus spillover. According to studies, driving away bats by destroying roosting trees can cause changes in their habits. 'The viral load seems to be the highest during the breeding season. But this has to be studied to say for certain,' says Sreehari. According to health officials, preventing bat virus spread requires a two-pronged approach: swift outbreak response and vigilant bat population monitoring. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has endorsed the One Health approach to integrate human, animal and environmental health as part of controlling zoonotic diseases like Nipah. 'It promotes a balanced relationship between humans, animals, and nature,' says Health Minister Veena George. Deaths of cats, fowls In Valanchery, animal husbandry officials joined the anti-Nipah drive by surveying within a 500-metre radius of the Nipah patient's house. They collected animal samples for antibody detection. The recent deaths of cats and fowls in the area are still a cause for concern amid intensified fever surveillance by health officials. 'We are doing a combined field investigation as part of the One Health concept. If the virus is traced early in animals, the spread can be contained easily,' says T.N. Anoop, district programme manager of the National Health Mission. Research by the Indian Council for Medical Research's National Institute of Virology, Pune, found Nipah antibodies in bats across 10 States, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. However, Kerala, particularly Malabar, frequently reports Nipah outbreaks, sparking curiosity about the underlying reasons for this regional concentration. According to A.S. Anoop Kumar, the critical care specialist who identified the deadly virus when Nipah broke out for the first time in Kerala in 2018, Nipah cases might be going undetected in other States due to limited testing. Kerala's frequent Nipah cases could be due to the State's enhanced vigil and routine screening, he feels. Extent of virulence The high mortality rate (70% and above) of Nipah virus makes it a matter of significant concern. Investigating whether the current strain retains the same virulence as the 2018 outbreak is crucial for understanding the outbreak's potential severity and guiding public health responses. 'I think it is less virulent now. That's why the rate of secondary infection went down in the latest incidence,' says Mohammed Ismail, former deputy district medical officer. But Dr. Anoop disagrees. 'We have a solid surveillance system and a clear action plan. Unless studies prove it, we can't say the virus has lost its virulence,' he says. As Sulaiman and his children are taking turns outside the ICU of the hospital all through the day hoping for her early return to normal life, medical experts are working overtime to help her battle the crisis. The villagers are also keeping her in their prayers to see her come back to a healthy life.
