The United Arab Emirates business community witnessed an extraordinary outpouring of grief as thousands gathered Thursday evening to pay final respects to veteran businessman Abdulmagied Seddiqi, whose passing has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him.
At precisely 10:00 PM, Al Quoz Masjid Kabir and its expansive courtyard reached capacity as mourners from diverse backgrounds stood united in solemn prayer during the janaza ceremony. The congregation comprised not only family members and close associates but also countless employees from Seddiqi’s business enterprises, all demonstrating their deep affection for the departed leader.
Following the religious observances, a procession of unprecedented scale moved toward Al Quoz graveyard for the burial rites, which commenced approximately at 10:45 PM. The surrounding thoroughfares experienced significant vehicular congestion as attendees maintained orderly conduct throughout the proceedings. Many remained at the burial site afterward, offering additional prayers for the eternal peace of the deceased.
In conversations with Khaleej Times, numerous long-serving employees shared heartfelt testimonials about Seddiqi’s exceptional leadership qualities. A fifteen-year veteran of the organization revealed how the business magnate maintained a daily ritual of personally contacting each store at 6:30 PM to inquire about staff welfare and business operations, demonstrating his genuine concern beyond mere commercial interests.
This sentiment was corroborated by a twelve-year employee who emphasized Seddiqi’s unwavering commitment to equality, noting the complete absence of discrimination between senior and junior staff members. A Palestinian staff member with eleven years of service characterized Seddiqi as a paternal figure who consistently expressed interest in employees’ familial wellbeing and provided sincere guidance for both professional and personal development.
Remarkably, even relatively recent hires attested to Seddiqi’s extraordinary ability to remember individual names and maintain personal connections despite overseeing a substantial corporate structure. His practice of assigning affectionate nicknames and engaging in warm interactions made employees feel genuinely valued within the organization.
Ahmed (pseudonym), another long-term employee, described Seddiqi as both mentor and motivator who consistently encouraged self-improvement and ethical business practices. As the funeral ceremonies concluded, groups of employees remained gathered in quiet reflection, sharing personal memories and acknowledging that their loss extended far beyond the professional sphere into deeply personal territory.