Ahmed Hassan Fitaihi is a Saudi businessman renowned for owning the world’s largest diamond and for establishing one of the most prominent gold and jewelry companies in Saudi Arabia.
Born on January 1, 1942, in Jeddah, Fitaihi was exposed to the gold trade at the age of six, working in his father’s shop.
At 12 years old, he was forced to leave school to support his family due to his father’s illness.
Despite leaving formal education, he later obtained his high school diploma through self-study.
In 1962, he traveled to Italy and returned with a kilogram of crafted gold, becoming the first Saudi to import gold from Italy.
Career & Business Achievements
Ahmed Fitaihi is the founder of one of Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious gold and jewelry companies. His name entered the Guinness World Records due to his ownership of the world’s largest diamond.
1887: The Fitaihi family’s history in silver crafting dates back to this year in Mecca.
1907: The family entered the gold and jewelry business, when his father opened a shop in Jeddah’s famous gold market.
1965: Fitaihi founded Saudi Arabia’s first gold and jewelry company alongside his father.
1970: He established his own company under his name.
1990: Opened the Fitaihi Wholesale Center.
1992: The company became a limited liability company with a capital of SAR 200 million.
1993: Founded Fitaihi Riyadh Center.
1995: Acquired Marina Bulgari, a Swiss jewelry company, the heir to the Bulgari jewelry empire, with branches in Asia, Europe, and America.
Transformation into a Public Company
1998: The company transitioned from a family-owned business to a publicly traded company, becoming Saudi Arabia’s first public jewelry company.
2003: Opened the first jewelry exhibition in Jeddah’s Al-Tahlia Street, managed entirely by Saudi women.
2003: Increased the company’s capital to SAR 385 million.
2006: Established the International Medical Center (IMC) under the patronage of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
The center is managed by his son, Dr. Walid Ahmed Fitaihi, and was equipped with the most advanced medical technology at the time.
Expansion & Growth
2007: Opened two new branches:
Al-Olaya Street, Riyadh
King Road, Jeddah
2008: Opened another branch at Red Sea Mall, Jeddah.
2008: The company’s capital increased to SAR 500 million with approval from Saudi Capital Market Authority.
Fitaihi Junior & Specialty Brands
Fitaihi’s son, Mohammed Ahmed Fitaihi, expanded the business through Fitaihi Junior, specializing in children’s jewelry.
By 2008, the company had:
9 branches across Jeddah, Riyadh, Madinah, and Khobar.
Three stores under the Fitaihi Junior brand.
Other branches under the Baby Fitaihi brand, making it the first specialty store for children’s jewelry.
Acquired the Italian brand “Tato Tati,” specializing in fashion accessories.
Personal Life
Ahmed Fitaihi is married and has five children:
Dr. Walid Fitaihi – Director of International Medical Center (IMC).
Mohammed Fitaihi – An engineer and Director of Fitaihi Junior.
Hassan, Maha, and Huda Fitaihi.
Wealth & Global Recognition
Fitaihi is one of Saudi Arabia’s top businessmen, with a net worth exceeding $400 million.
He owns rare and valuable jewelry, potentially making him even wealthier than estimated.
His name was entered into the Guinness World Records for owning the world’s largest diamond.
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