BAKU: Saudi billionaire Mansour Ojjeh, a major force behind the McLaren team’s success in Formula One, has died aged 68, the British team announced on Sunday.
Born in Paris, Ojjeh bought into McLaren in 1984 and with former partner Ron Dennis established it as one of the major forces in F1.
“It is with deep sadness that McLaren Racing announces the death of Mansour Ojjeh, shareholder of McLaren since 1984,” McLaren announced ahead of Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
“Mr Ojjeh passed away peacefully this morning in Geneva, aged 68, surrounded by his family, to whom the team sends its most heartfelt condolences.”
McLaren chief executive Zak Brown said his death “had devastated everyone” at the team.
“Mansour has been etched into the heart and soul of this team for nearly 40 years and was intrinsic to its success,” Brown added.
“He was a true racer in every sense. Ultra-competitive, determined, passionate and, above all, perhaps his defining characteristic: sporting.
“No matter the intensity of the battle, Mansour always put sport first.”
With Mansour on board McLaren won seven of their eight constructors world titles since 1984 and 10 of their 12 drivers’ crowns.
Lewis Hamilton, who won the first of his seven world titles at McLaren, said before the start of Sunday’s grand prix in Baku: “I carry a heavy heart into the race after the loss of a close friend, Mansour Ojjeh.
“He had the biggest heart and always carried the biggest smile. I am so grateful to have known such a man. This man loved unconditionally. Rest in peace brother, love you always.”
McLaren ‘devastated’ by death of Saudi stakeholder Mansour Ojjeh
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McLaren ‘devastated’ by death of Saudi stakeholder Mansour Ojjeh
- Born in Paris, Ojjeh bought into McLaren in 1984 and with former partner Ron Dennis established it as one of the major forces in F1
Saudi Exports launches ‘Saudi Crafts’ brand at ‘Made in Saudi’ exhibition in collaboration with Heritage Commission
RIYADH: Saudi Export Development Authority, known as Saudi Exports, represented by the “Made in Saudi” program, in collaboration with the Heritage Commission, has officially launched the “Saudi Crafts” brand as a sub-brand under the national “Saudi Made” umbrella, coinciding with the Year of Handicrafts.
The announcement was made during the third edition of the “Made in Saudi” exhibition, held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center in Malham from Dec. 15 to 17.
The launch builds on the initial unveiling of the brand during the Saudi International Handicrafts Week, also known as Banan, in November, marking a new step in developing the handicrafts sector, empowering male and female artisans, and strengthening the presence of their products within the national industrial ecosystem.
The “Saudi Crafts” brand aims to showcase Saudi handicrafts as products that embody creativity, authenticity, and quality, presented in a contemporary manner that enhances their competitiveness in local and global markets under the national “Saudi Made” brand.
This year’s Made in Saudi exhibition has allocated dedicated spaces to display artisans’ products, highlight national craftsmanship skills, and connect artisans with supporting entities and potential buyers, boosting growth opportunities and reinforcing the role of Saudi handicrafts as part of the Kingdom’s cultural and economic identity.
The official launch of the Saudi Crafts brand represents a significant milestone in joint national efforts to develop creative industries, support the sustainability of local crafts, and expand the presence of Saudi products in domestic and international markets.
