Sept. 2 (UPI) — It has been announced that Mohamed Al-Fayed, the Egyptian billionaire and former owner of Harrods store, passed away at the age of 94. Al-Fayed rose to prominence after acquiring London’s Harrods Department Store in the 1980s. His legacy extended to various sectors, including sports and entertainment, leaving a lasting impact in Britain. According to a statement issued by the Fulham FC Premier League soccer team, Al-Fayed peacefully passed away earlier this week due to old age, surrounded by his loved ones. The family has requested privacy during this time, emphasizing that Al-Fayed enjoyed a fulfilling retirement.
The funeral took place in London, where Al-Fayed was laid to rest next to his son, Dodi, who tragically died in a car crash along with his girlfriend, Princess Diana, 26 years ago.
Mohamed Al-Fayed’s notable achievements also include the acquisition of the Fulham club in 1997. After taking over the club, he expressed his intention to reach the Premier League within five years, and Fulham successfully achieved this goal in four years. The impact of Al-Fayed’s leadership on Fulham cannot be overstated. His legacy includes the team’s promotion to the Premier League, a Europa League Final appearance, and countless memorable moments in the world of football.
Prior to his rise in business, Al-Fayed built a significant shipping empire in the Middle East. He started his career as a street hawker in Alexandria, Egypt, eventually becoming a personal advisor to influential figures such as the Sultan of Brunei and Rashid bin Saeed, the former prime minister of the United Arab Emirates.
Despite his accomplishments, Al-Fayed’s later years were overshadowed by the tragic deaths of his son and Princess Diana. The billionaire firmly believed that their deaths were the result of a conspiracy orchestrated by Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth. According to Al-Fayed, Diana was pregnant and planning to marry Dodi, which the royal family allegedly opposed due to religious differences.