A Tribute
DR. ZAINAL BAQER MOHEBI
1940-2019
The UAE has been paying homage to Dr Zainal Baqer Mohebi, Founder and Chairman of Zainal Mohebi Holdings who passed away in Dubai on 11th July 2019, at the age of 79.
ZMH traces its roots to Dr Mohebi’s father, Baqer Mohebi, who established his food outlet at the Dubai Souk in 1931. It was one of only 15 shops set up at the time in Dubai.
His son, Mohammed Mohebi, CEO of Zainal Mohebi Holdings, commented: “We mourn our beloved Chairman. His legacy lives on in his children and the values that he had instilled in us will continue to be a driving force that powers us.”
For his friends and colleagues in the industry, Dr Mohebi was regarded as a pillar in the business community, an innovative and forward-thinking pioneer.
Baqer Mohebi lit the spark of the Mohebi brand. Dr Mohebi brought it to life.
He expanded his father’s retailing operations, diversifying into food wholesaling and distribution. Many international brands on Middle East shelves today owe their position to Dr Mohebi’s visionary efforts. Today, the group has businesses in real estate, travel and tourism, freight management, food retail, and agency and distribution.
As reported in the Khaleej Times on July 14th, there was an outpouring of rich tributes from the UAE business community.
LuLu Group chairman M.A. Yusuffali said: “I offer my sincere condolences to the family of such a business tycoon who was a leader for the sector. The Lulu Group has had excellent business relationship with the Baqer Mohebi brand ever since we opened our first supermarket in 1990.”
Dr Ram Buxani, chairman of ITL Cosmos, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the demise of such a visionary, who built his reputation through his famous brand.”
“The UAE grocery industry looked up to Baqer Mohebi as a popular brand and all of it happened under the leadership of Zainal Baqer Mohebi,” said Kamal Vachani, group director of Al Maya Group.
Dr Dhananjay Datar, chairman and managing director of Al Adil Trading, said: “Baqer Mohebi has been a household name for over eight decades and it displays the brand growth across the UAE. The industry will surely miss such a popular business magnate.”
Asked once what the essence of his business success was, Dr Mohebi replied:
“You need a value system that treats customers, suppliers and employees with respect and appreciation. I learned that from my father and it’s a core belief that my children also have. Keep taking the pulse of the market, embrace change and nurture relationships. You won’t go far wrong.”
May Allah rest his soul in peace.