Mohammad Al Gaz

Mohammad bin Abdallah bin Mohammad Al Gaz^[1] (Arabic: محمد القاز بن عبدالله بن محمد بن عبدالله بن سعيد بن مانع الفلاسي‎), was a major figure in Dubai politics and business during the thirty year period after the 1950s.

Born in what is now Dubai, U.A.E., circa 1920, Al Gaz was from the Al Bu Falasah family, a sub-sect of the larger Bani Yas tribe, which has ruled Dubai for almost two hundred years.

Often pictured in photographs with the late ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Al Gaz's role in politics was primarily as a friend and aide to the late ruler, and later as the first Chairman of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates.

As the first major businessman from the ruling tribe of Dubai, Al Gaz was part of a small group of highly ambitious businessmen in the 1960s who pursued the goal of modernizing the city, notables of them include Majed Al Futtaim and his cousin Abdullah Al Futtaim, Abdullah and Saif Ahmad Al Ghurair, Jumaa Al Majid, and Obeid Al Mulla. In his early efforts after the federation of the country to bring in foreign companies, Al Gaz's holding company, United Arab Agencies, acquired a large number franchises, including Pepsi Co., Nissan Motors, Royal Philips Electronics, Opel Cars (owned by General Motors), etc. Additionally, he was a major property owner with approximately 40 high-story buildings developed and owned by his private company.

Al Gaz became somewhat reclusive after the late 1980s as he sold off the majority of the franchises that he held during the period, though he has maintained the real estate business which he continues to operate, into his twilight years. He is often recognized on Dubai roads by his unique license plate - Dubai code A no. 2, which is the second license plate to be produced in the Emirate and given to him by his friend Sheikh Rashid. In his old age, Al Gaz continues to host guests in his "mejlis," where it is said the current ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum visits to pay his respects.

Mohammad Al Gaz has been succeeded by eight sons, of whom Abdallah bin Mohammad Al Gaz was the first man to take the General Manager position of Al Gaz's firm, after which Khalfan bin Mohammad Al Gaz, the second eldest brother, became general manager.^[2]

Trivia

Al Gaz was one of the passengers on the doomed BI Dara voyage, which was bombed in 1961 in Dubai waters. ^[3]

References

1. ^ The name was also spelled "Al Kaz," "Al Qaz," and "Al-Gaz."
2. ^ http://www.zawya.com/cm/profile.cfm/cid730440//United%20Arab%20Agencies
3. ^ P&O Heritage

http://www.poheritage.com/

See also: Emirati people, Bani Yas, and House of Al-Falasi

External links

• http://wikimapia.org/217982/Al-Gaz-building
• http://www.zawya.com/cm/profile.cfm/cid730440//United%20Arab%20Agencies
• http://www.dsmgdubai.com/dir1.htm

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Name	Al Gaz, Mohammad
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