Prepared by Dr. Waddah Al-Said
Today on "The World of Adults," we are hosting one of Saudi Arabia’s leading businessmen: Abdulrahman bin Ali Al-Juraisi, who hails from a small village in the Greater Najd region called Raghabah, located about 120 km northwest of Riyadh. When he was two years old, his father passed away. That was the starting point of his life’s journey. His grandfather took charge of his upbringing, followed by his uncle Muhammad Al-Juraisi, and he was surrounded by his uncle’s love and care and lived a dignified and stable family life Today, Abdulrahman Al-Juraisi is a well-known figure not only in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but also in most countries around the world, both in the business world and in social circles.
He began working at the age of just 14. Fulfilling his uncle’s wish, he took a job as a sales assistant, and as soon as he started, he faced difficult circumstances resulting from the long and continuous work hours. He also had to perform additional tasks beyond his main duties, such as fetching water from a distant well to the home of the merchant he worked for. He also faced a major challenge from a coworker—a young, energetic, and extremely intelligent man who was a rival and seized every opportunity to prove to the employer that he was far superior to Sheikh Abdulrahman. As a result, Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Juraisi began to feel exhausted and frustrated; whenever he returned to his uncle’s house, thoughts of quitting this job would cross his mind. However, he quickly dismissed this idea. He would tell himself, "Why take a step backward?" and continue with his work. He remained in this situation for three full years without knowing exactly what his salary was.
Despite all these challenges during that period of his life, he managed to navigate and grow intelligently in the business world. He also learned the principles of business accounting. He was also able to learn patience and hard work from his coworker. The difficult work environment he experienced at that time made it hard for him to continue, so he had no choice but to quit that job.
By the grace of God, he continued on his path and overcame all the challenges and setbacks he faced until his efforts began to bear fruit, and his successes followed one after another. He still proudly remembers his friends and the loyal people who stood by him in his early days, and he continues to deeply value those friendships, as he firmly believes that a life without loyal friends is a life without meaning.
Abdulrahman bin Ali Al-Juraisi serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Juraisi Group, which plays an active role in the Kingdom’s social and cultural life by supporting charitable causes and participating in various festivals and cultural events. It also plays a major role in national events and career and employment programs to support Saudization initiatives by providing job opportunities, attracting Saudi graduates, and preparing them for the job market across all sectors to keep pace with the multifaceted development needed by the Saudi economy. Regarding the work principles that Al-Juraisi adopted to achieve his goals, he says "From the beginning of my work with Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Nassar, as well as when I started my own business, I was guided by three very important principles: integrity in dealing with others through honesty and sincerity; the second is hard work; one must approach work with diligence and not take it lightly—thinking that one might work today but not tomorrow, or show up for work today and tomorrow, and then stop. Rather, one must not rush things but must work hard, be diligent, be patient, and persevere in this work."
Abdulrahman Al-Juraisi has received numerous awards, honors, and certificates, including:
The King Abdulaziz Medal, First Class.
An honorary doctorate in the philosophy of economics from Kensington University in the United States.
An honorary doctorate in the philosophy of business administration from the University of America in Montana.
Award from the American Global Foundation for the Evaluation of Achievements—Los Angeles, California.
Outstanding Global Islamic Personality Award for the year 2000 from the Muhammad Islamic Foundation, Chicago, Illinois.
Order of Leopold II, Commander Class (Highest Belgian Order), awarded by Belgian Crown Prince Philippe
Man of the Year 2004 from the American Biographical Institute American Biographical Institute.
Awarded membership in the Russian Academy of Sociology in 2007.
