Mohammad Al Gaz facts for kids

Mohammad Abdallah Al Gaz (born around 1920 – died April 12, 2016) was an important person in the early days of the United Arab Emirates. He was a financier (someone who manages money), a developer (who builds things), a diplomat (who works with other countries), a central banker (who works for the country's main bank), and a philanthropist (someone who gives money to help others).

Al Gaz became one of Dubai's first big investors and builders in the 1950s. He was famous for his partnership with Juma al Majid. He is also known for his amazing work in helping others in the UAE. Many of his achievements came from his generous gifts to set up charities. These gifts even helped create the Beit AlKheir charity, which was the first official charity in Dubai.

Sheikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid of Dubai, and Mohammad Al Gaz shortly after Unification.

Early Life and Beginnings

Mohammad Al Gaz was born in Al Dhagaya, Deira, in 1920. His family was not rich. His father, Abdulla Mohamed AlFalasi, passed away when Al Gaz was still a young teenager. Even so, his mother made sure he went to the famous Al Ahmadiya School. There, he studied with important teachers like Sheikh Mohamed Nour AlMuhairi.

During World War II, Dubai faced a severe food shortage, called a famine. Many families had to move to other areas for safety. Al Gaz and his family temporarily moved to Bahrain. He found work as a carpenter in Dammam. He used the money he earned as a carpenter to start a business trading goods as the war ended. He would send things like dried lemons, fabrics, and other general items from Bahrain and Kuwait to Dubai.

Al Gaz became a successful trader, moving goods between different markets in the Middle East. In the 1950s, he joined the historic gold trade route between Switzerland, Dubai, and India. He teamed up with his friend and grocer, Juma Al Majid. This partnership led to the famous Mohamed & Juma Al Majid company. This company had special rights to sell important home appliances, electronics, and cars.

Career and Contributions

Mohammad Al Gaz, with the young Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid on his right and Mahdi Al Tajir followed by Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid on his left.

Working in Government

Al Gaz became an important political figure. He was a trusted advisor to Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al Maktoum, who became the ruler of Dubai in 1958. At that time, the Dubai Municipal Council (now Dubai Municipality) was in charge of making big changes in Dubai.

On July 7, 1958, Al Gaz was chosen to be a member of the Dubai Municipal Council. Other important people from Dubai joined him, like Omar bin Haider and Majid AlFuttaim. While on the council, Al Gaz was picked for the budget and treasury committee. This committee was responsible for creating Dubai's yearly budget. They also checked the financial records of all government groups.

Mohammad Al Gaz also advised Sheikh Rashid on international matters. He helped connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi when they were having disagreements over land. Al Gaz played a key role in helping both sides find a peaceful solution.

Building Businesses

Mohammed Al Gaz (left), and Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (middle) visiting Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1959.

By the early 1970s, the gold trade with India became less popular. Al Gaz and his partner, Al Majid, started putting their money into projects that would bring new skills or important buildings to Dubai. Dubai was not as developed as Kuwait and Bahrain at that time.

Al Gaz and Al Majid invested a lot in getting rights to sell international brands and building real estate. They got special rights to sell brands like General Electric, Samsung, Phillips, Opel, Pepsi, Nissan, Hyundai, and Kia in Dubai.

After 11 years, Al Gaz and Al Majid decided to split their business assets. They did this in a friendly way. Al Majid later said that their company was the only big trading business in Dubai at that time to split up without fighting. Other partnerships, like Al Futtaim, had very difficult breakups.

Unlike Al Majid, Al Gaz sold most of his rights to sell international brands. For example, he sold the rights for Nissan in the 1980s. He wanted to focus on building real estate instead. He had already built Dubai's first three-story building. Later, he developed much of the land around Port Said, including the clock-tower plaza and Hamriya in Bur Deira. This area became the busy Deira market place.

Later Years and Helping Others

After the UAE was formed, Al Gaz helped create the National Council. He also served as the first Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of the UAE. He held this position from the bank's start in 1980 until the mid-1990s. Working under Chairman Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, Al Gaz was very important in the first 20 years of the UAE's economic growth.

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa presenting Abdallah Mohammad Al Gaz with the President's Merit Award on the behalf of his father, 2012.

Al Gaz was one of the first business people in Dubai who started after the difficult times of the 1930s. He wanted to move away from the pearl diving business. He encouraged private people to invest in public education by building schools. These included the Amna bint Wahb Girls School, the Gamal Abdulnasser Boys School, and the Community Schools. He also gave money to public and private organizations without telling anyone. In 1989, he worked with Juma Al Majid to create the United Arab Emirates' first charity, Beit Al Khair.

Personal Life

Mohammad Al Gaz passed away at 96 years old on April 12, 2016. He had been in Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi for a week. News of his death quickly spread across the country. Hundreds of people came to his burial site at Al Qusais Cemetery. Over the next three days, many important people visited his funeral. These included senior government leaders, ministers, and business people. The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also attended.

Awards and Honors

• UAE Pioneers Award, 2018 – Given after his death for his big help in developing charity work in the UAE.
• President's Merit Award, 2012 – For supporting the idea of the United Arab Emirates coming together.
• Dubai Appreciation Award for Community Service, 2022 – Given after his death for being an inspiring role model to the Dubai community.