JEDDAH: Saudi business people are mourning the death of the Kingdoms’s most famous magnate, Hussein Bakry Gazzaz, who died on Thursday morning at the age 95.
The funeral prayer for Gazzaz was performed in Makkah, his birthplace.
Gazzaz was one of the most well-known businessmen in the perfume sector in Saudi Arabia. He was born in 1925.
In his early years, he moved with his family to Egypt where he received his primary education before returning to Saudi Arabia, starting a small perfume business that became one of the largest of its kind in the region.
In a 2014 interview with Hia magazine, Gazzaz described Egypt in the late 1920s and early 1930s as the “Paris of the East.”
He said Cairo’s picturesque streets and shops left a strong impact on the mind “of the little boy who came from Makkah.”
Gazzaz told his interviewer that a child’s early dreams were the basis of any success.
“Dreams are the same, but what follows can be different. Normal people usually have the dream to succeed, but the stronger their belief in their dreams is, the more possible their dreams are likely to come true. Dream motives vary from one person to another,” he said.
“I have dreamed of bringing what I saw in Cairo in the 1920s to my beloved country. In the 1950s, I had another dream — my country would be like Paris, in its streets and beauty. I strongly believed that hard work is essential in making my dreams come true. Dreams live with us, and we should keep dreaming until we stop breathing,” he said.
According to the company’s website, the Hussein Bakry Gazzaz and Company (GAZZAZ) started in 1942, when Gazzaz became the first agent in Saudi Arabia to import fragrances.
Over 77 years, the brand name GAZZAZ has expanded to include cosmetics, watches, cufflinks, pens, gifts, antiques, hair products, makeup, accessories, leather goods and other luxury products.
Their main brands include Dior, Gucci, Versace, Cartier, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), Montblanc, Dunhill and Dupont.
In May 2001, former French president Jacques Chirac honored Gazzaz with the “Medal of Honor” for being the biggest importer of cosmetics in the Middle East in the 1990s.
The Gazzaz chain of showrooms is the strongest retail group in the luxury sector in Saudi Arabia, and in the Middle East.
Saudi perfume mogul Hussein Bakry Gazzaz dies at age 95
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Saudi perfume mogul Hussein Bakry Gazzaz dies at age 95
- Funeral prayer for the Kingdom’s most well-known magnate was performed in Makkah, his birthplace
Saudi FM receives US envoy to Syria in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received US envoy to the Syrian Arab Republic Thomas Barrack in Riyadh on Wednesday.
During the meeting, they discussed steps to provide economic, humanitarian and other support to the Syrian people, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Ambassador of Italy to the Kingdom Carlo Balducci in Riyadh on Wednesday.
They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.
The smart pilgrim’s suitcase: What Saudis are packing for Hajj
- Tech gadgets find their way to the holy cities alongside traditional garments
- Modern pilgrims pack for comfort as well as reverence and spiritual intent
RIYADH: As Hajj season approaches, pilgrims throughout Saudi Arabia are making lists, checking supplies, and organizing their thoughts for what many consider the most significant journey of their lives.
Alongside the spiritual preparations, pilgrims are packing Hajj suitcases with the traditional white garments and hygiene essentials as well as more personalized, thoughtful and even high-tech items.
From prayer lists and handwritten dua cards to smartwatches, earbuds, and journal notebooks, the modern pilgrim approaches Hajj not only with reverence but with intent, structure, and a little comfort.
For many, this approach reflects how deeply Hajj is embedded into the personal identity and emotional world of the pilgrim.
Arab News spoke with a few people who have previously completed Hajj to get an idea of what it is like to prepare for the pilgrimage.
“I packed my journal because I felt this experience deserved to be documented in detail,” Shatha Al-Jadaan, 25, told Arab News. “I also included my daily skincare products, easy-access snacks, and drip coffee sachets — lifesaver,” she added.
The contents of Al-Jadaan’s suitcase told the story of a young woman approaching Hajj with equal parts practicality and reflection.
Her essentials included headphones, a smartwatch and a hair dryer — items she considered necessary after each of the physically demanding rituals.
For her, the process of preparation brought a deep sense of meaning.
“What struck me the most was the realization that this journey is unlike any other,” she said. “The version of me leaving home is not the same one returning.
“That thought hit me hardest when I was writing prayer lists for loved ones. People sent very specific prayers, personal hopes and goals. I even made a separate list so I wouldn’t forget anyone, including myself.”
Some pilgrims take a simpler approach. For Ethar Abdulrahman, 22, the focus was on utility and peace of mind.
“My essentials were a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, deodorant, underclothes, outerwear, hair ties and wet wipes,” she said. “And I only brought my personal phone — just to stay in touch with my family.”
What made her preparation emotional was the fact that it was her first Hajj — and at a young age.
“The idea that I was going on Hajj for the first time and at such a young age was emotional on its own. Packing my personal items and bringing prayer books made it even more special.”
She also relied heavily on advice from seasoned pilgrims: “Bring Panadol, fever reducers, painkillers, and muscle relief cream. That advice helped me a lot.”
Her words reflect the layered purpose of each item: some for health, some for spiritual focus, and some simply for emotional safety.
Al-Jadaan echoed the sentiment. “A lot of people told me to only wear cotton and make sure my shoes were extremely comfortable. And it was the best advice I received.”
The overlap between generational wisdom and modern convenience shows how today’s pilgrims are combining tradition with adaptation.
For Mariam Al-Osaimi, 27, essential oils were a must. “I brought lavender and peppermint oil. Lavender helped me sleep, and peppermint was great for energy. They became part of my daily Hajj routine — almost like a spiritual ritual.”
Others took folding prayer mats, lightweight Qur’an readers, and portable chargers — recognizing the role technology can play in navigating crowds, locating tents, or staying connected to family.
One of the more discreet but powerful changes to the modern Hajj experience is the seamless integration of digital tools. Most pilgrims now use digital Qur’an apps, prayer reminder apps, or even step counters to track their movement during the rites.
Abdulrahman Al-Ruwaili, 29, said his smartwatch was more than just a gadget. “I set reminders for prayer times, prayers for each ritual, and even tracked my heart rate on the way to Jamarat,” he said.
“It helped me stay focused, grounded, and aware of how my body was responding, in case of potential panic attack due to my medical condition.”
While some may frown at these modern additions, many people see them as useful companions in the demanding spiritual and physical journey.
Saudi robotics deal supports STEM learning
- The program encourages students to explore robotics, develop skills, and participate in global competitions
RIYADH: The Saudi Federation for Robotics and RC Sports partnered with VEX Robotics and the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in the Kingdom.
The initiative aims to introduce advanced robotics technologies into classrooms and competitions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
It supports Saudi students by providing educational tools aligned with Vision 2030’s focus on technology and youth development.
The program encourages students to explore robotics, develop skills, and participate in global competitions, the SPA reported.
Abdullah Alsunaydi, CEO of the Saudi federation, said: “This partnership supports our mission to build a knowledge-based society and create opportunities for youth.”
Tony Norman, CEO of VEX Robotics, said that the partnership aims to equip the next generation with tools to succeed in a changing world.
VEX Robotics offers a hands-on educational program called VEX Continuum, for students from elementary to university levels.
The REC Foundation organizes robotics competitions that encourage students to apply learning, solve problems, and collaborate.
The partnership will provide teacher training and resources, organizing competitions to expand access to robotics education and inspire interest in STEM careers.
Riyadh hosts warehousing, logistics expo
RIYADH: Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Saudi Arabia’s vice minister of transport and logistic services, inaugurated the second Saudi Warehousing and Logistics Expo at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Al-Rumaih said that the Kingdom is experiencing a leap in the logistics sector, driven by an ambitious vision and strong leadership support to enhance its position as a global logistics hub.
He said that the expo came at a pivotal time, helping it keep pace with this critical phase of industrial and logistics development, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The exhibition featured more than 40 speakers from leading government entities. Sessions highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in developing supply chains, focusing on automation, fleet management, and modern logistics services.
The three-day expo, from May 27-29, is a leading platform bringing together public and private sector entities in the industry under one roof.
It offers an ideal opportunity to explore the latest solutions, including handling and storage equipment, automated systems, robotics, packaging, control and weighing systems, and security.
China grants visa-free entry to Saudi travelers
RIYADH: China is allowing visa-free entry for 30 days for travelers from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain in a one-year trial, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday.
The new policy begins on June 9, 2025, and will last until June 8, 2026, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing.
Passport holders from the four countries will be allowed to travel to China for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, exchanges and transit, Mao said.
China now grants visa-free access to all Gulf Cooperation Council countries, having implemented reciprocal policies with the UAE and Qatar since 2018.
“We welcome more friends from the GCC countries to embark on an impromptu trip to China,” Mao said.
Previously, Saudi Arabia had held Approved Destination Status with the East Asian nation, which came into effect on July 1, 2024.
This bilateral agreement gave access to tourists visiting the respective countries in groups.
The announcement is the latest step in strengthening ties between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to attract 5 million Chinese tourists annually by the end of the decade.
The two countries also share a strong trade relationship, and the Kingdom is China’s largest trading partner in the Gulf.
