MANAMA: A leading Bahraini businessman, philanthropist and visionary who helped shape the nation has died.

Husain bin Ali Yateem opened the country’s first cinema and its first petrol station, as well as being instrumental in the formation of national airline Gulf Air.

He died yesterday, aged 101.

He was the father of Ali, Mohammed, late Laila, Mary, Salwa and Sheherazede. 

The funeral will be held today at 9am at the Manama Cemetery.

Known as a professional, modest and humble man by his family, friends and employees, Mr Yateem lived a full and eventful life punctuated with notable moments. The quiet-spoken entrepreneur supported the BD12.5 million Shaikh Isa National Library and Conference Hall project, was a founder member and formerly deputy chairman of the National Bank of Bahrain and Gulf Hotel board, and at one time headed both the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Bahrain Red Crescent Society. 

Condolences will be received from men at Yateem Majlis at Yateem Gardens in Adliya and from women at the house of Mr Yateem’s son Mohammed Yateem in Adliya, today, tomorrow and on Monday.