Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of the iconic London department store Harrods and father of Dodi Al Fayed, who tragically died alongside Princess Diana in a car crash, has passed away at the age of 94.
Born in Egypt, Al Fayed rose to prominence as a successful businessman in the Middle East before relocating to the United Kingdom in the 1970s. Despite his years spent in the UK, he was never able to achieve his aspiration of gaining British citizenship.
In recent years, he focused on questioning the circumstances surrounding the deaths of his son Dodi and Princess Diana.
During the past decade, Mohamed Al Fayed lived a relatively private life at his Surrey mansion with his wife, Heini. In a statement released by his family, they confirmed his peaceful passing on August 30, 2023, due to old age, surrounded by his loved ones.
Fulham Football Club, which Al Fayed owned for an extended period, expressed deep sadness over his passing, recognizing his contributions to the club’s success. Shahid Khan, his successor at the club, paid tribute to Al Fayed’s positive impact.
Renowned journalist Piers Morgan described Mohamed Al Fayed as an “extraordinary tour de force” who never recovered from the loss of his son Dodi. He acknowledged Al Fayed as a complex character but expressed his liking for him.
Al Fayed’s journey from selling fizzy drinks in the streets of Alexandria, Egypt, to becoming a business magnate with influential connections is remarkable. He built a shipping business after initially working for Saudi millionaire arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, thanks to his first wife, Samira Khashoggi.
In 1985, Al Fayed and his brother Ali acquired Harrods in a high-stakes bidding war, marking a significant chapter in his business endeavors. Under his ownership, Fulham FC achieved notable success, rising from the third tier to the Premier League.
Throughout his life, Al Fayed generously supported charities, notably Great Ormond Street Hospital, with a particular focus on improving the lives of underprivileged and sick children through the Al Fayed Charitable Foundation, established in 1987.
The tragic car crash in 1997 involving his son Dodi and Princess Diana profoundly affected Al Fayed, leading to his relentless pursuit of answers and conspiracy theories surrounding their deaths. His claims at the inquest in 2008, implicating Prince Philip and MI6, were rejected by the jury.
Notably, Mohamed Al Fayed twice attempted to obtain British citizenship but faced controversy and scandal, including allegations of bribing politicians.
In 2010, he sold Harrods to the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, a deal that significantly cleared the company’s debts.
Mohamed Al Fayed’s passing marks the end of an era for a man who left an indelible mark on the business world and whose life was marked by triumphs, controversies, and a deep personal tragedy. His legacy encompasses both his business successes and his unwavering pursuit of the truth surrounding the tragic loss of his son and Princess Diana.
