History
ALFAHIM Group is one of the UAE’s most successful family businesses. The company was founded by the late Abdul Jalil Al Fahim in 1958, a visionary entrepreneur who led the company until his passing in 1996. Since then, ALFAHIM Group has continued to evolve and grow to become one of the region’s leading commercial groups.
With its business subsidiaries and outlets located in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, ALFAHIM Group has grown in line with the development of the UAE.
His Excellency Mohammed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, Chairman of Al Fahim Family Council & Al Fahim Supervisory Board Member, said whilst looking at the groups success over the years:
“Over the past 65 years since its establishment in 1958, the group has demonstrated exceptional growth and diversification across various industries. From its humble beginnings, Alfahim Group has transformed into a prominent conglomerate with a strong presence in numerous sectors.
The visionary leadership and strategic decision-making of the group’s management have played a crucial role in its success. By identifying and seizing opportunities, Alfahim Group has expanded its business horizons and entered diverse markets, enabling it to withstand economic fluctuations and capitalize on emerging trends.”
The Group’s pioneering spirit has a strong thread through its corporate social responsibility programmes, which are an integral part of the organization. The ALFAHIM Group constantly seeks to grow and build its status as a major contributor to the socio-economic development of the UAE in general.
Who can forget our modest beginnings at the little textile and grocery shop on Al Ain Road? It was there that our aspirant vision and foresight to expand was born. It was an adventure to move to Abu Dhabi, that far, far away place. With strong determination and just three employees, we opened a vehicle spare parts shop. As we closed one deal after another, we witnessed our vision becoming a reality. We were growing with the region.
How will we ever forget that day? After the palm hut with the Mutawah – who was also the local teacher, doctor and poet; we finally went to a properly built school, and we queued up for the first time. They asked us our ages and family names – we didn’t know! And after that we used to run away because we ‘had a stomach-ache’ and wanted ‘to take some medicine’. But those excuses didn’t work anymore. A proper academic system had started.
We’ll never forget a day that changed the history of Abu Dhabi. The tanker British Signalleft the shores of Das carrying the first load of locally produced fuel. We were honored that day to serve the industry by importing the workers, tools and spare parts, and renting the marine towers which were transformed into residences for the workers. We were happy that the world heard the name of Abu Dhabi. The Arab and European newspapers, and even Russian state radio, heralded the end of 2000 forgotten years.
We will never forget the days when Abu Dhabi had no streets and few cars. If a suspension strut broke, we’d use a tree branch. We knew each driver by the sound of his engine. We imported 13 Mercedes 600 Pullmans, and Mercedes-Benz Germany sent a committee to investigate such a big order of “kings’ car”. To drive them on sand we fitted balloon tires making them better than 4- wheel drives. It was a sight engraved in our memories even before the cars left their tracks in the sand.
Will we ever forget the day we finally had a little airport? We suggested to the late Sheikh Zayed (mercy upon him) to inaugurate it with an Arab plane, and he agreed. Everyone in Abu Dhabi was there to welcome the arriving MEA flight. Waiting to see our first jet ever, we sat on the ground with no security around. Everybody simply knew everybody. It was cold, but as soon as the Vicomte landed and we greeted the visiting Lebanese officials, the warmth of Arabic brotherhood ran in everybody’s blood.
We’ll never forget the day the first concrete building appeared on the Corniche among the palm houses. No, it wasn’t easy. And, the banks wouldn’t finance projects like this. Nevertheless, we completed construction; an all two-storey white building costing AED 21,000. It deserved a big opening event. But, as soon as the electricity was connected, the tenants hurried into the building – with and without furniture – proving we’d won our bet with the banks. We rented out the building and in the first year made exactly AED 21,000
Who remembers the days when Sheikh Zayed was a two-lane highway, with only the Dubai Trade Center, five small buildings and sand, sand, sand. Investing in the area seemed a real adventure. They called it madness to construct a luxury hotel like the Crowne Plaza. The banks refused to finance it. But, it was the vision, will and personal effort that made this project see the light – allowing the growth of a great highway that now attracts the world’s spotlight.
Housing the world’s largest Mercedes-Benz facility, we became the icon of commerce.
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