Abdullah Al-Othaim
Abdullah Saleh Ali Al-Othaim | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1960 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, businessman |
| Known for | Founder and chairman of Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets; chairman of Al Othaim Holding Company |
Abdullah Saleh Ali Al-Othaim () is a prominent Saudi entrepreneur, serving as the chairman and founder of Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets, which ranks among the largest retail enterprises in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, he holds the position of chairman at Al Othaim Holding Company.
In 2015, Forbes placed him as the 61st wealthiest individual in the Arab region, estimating his net worth at approximately US$445.47 million.
Family and early life
His grandfather, Ali Mohammed Ahmed Al Othaim (1882–1966), was a religious scholar originating from Buraidah, Al-Qassim Province, who pursued his studies in Iraq before returning to his hometown. Saleh Ali Al Othaim, Abdullah’s father, established a retail venture during the mid-1950s located in Hillat al-Qasman, east of Al Batha in Riyadh.
Abdullah was born in Riyadh in 1960 and attended Qadisiyah Primary School. He briefly enrolled in higher education but left to join the family business.
Career
Following the passing of his father, Abdullah and his brothers inherited 17 million Saudi riyals. While his siblings diversified into different fields, Abdullah dedicated himself to expanding the family’s retail operations by founding Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets in 1980. The company experienced consistent growth and was converted into a limited liability company by 2000. Subsequently, it was divided into three separate entities: Abdullah Al Othaim Markets, which went public on Tadawul in 2008; Al Othaim Real Estate Investment and Development Company; and Al Othaim Holding Company.
Currently, Al Othaim Holding stands as one of the most prosperous and diversified business conglomerates in the Arab world and is acknowledged as a key investment entity within the Persian Gulf region.
Al-Othaim has also held significant roles such as chairman of the General Council for Qassim Chamber of Commerce, membership on the board of the Saudi Industrial Property Authority, and in 2015, a board position at Saudi Credit and Saving Bank.
He was additionally recognized among the 500 Most Powerful Muslims by Islamica Magazine.
Personal life
Abdullah Al-Othaim has six brothers—Mohammed (who passed away in 1987), Abdulaziz, Ahmed, Suliman, Ali, and Khaled—as well as three sisters named Nora, Johara, and Minera.