Mohamed Al-Fayed Bio: Net Worth, Wife, Age, Children, Parents, Cause of Death, Family

Biography

Mohamed Abdel Moneim Al-Fayed, born on January 27, 1929, in Alexandria, Egypt, was a prominent Egyptian businessman who left a lasting impact on British commerce and society.

His expansive business portfolio included ownership of the renowned Hôtel Ritz Paris, London’s iconic Harrods department store, and Fulham Football Club. His acquisition of Harrods in 1985 was a defining moment in British retail, though it came with controversy due to disputes with the former owner and scrutiny of his business dealings.

Al-Fayed‘s life was a mix of glamour and controversy. He was known for his bold personality and turbulent relationship with the British establishment, which worsened after the tragic deaths of his son, Dodi Fayed, and Princess Diana in 1997. Deeply affected, Al-Fayed publicly accused the British royal family and government of involvement in the crash, fueling a long-standing feud.

In addition to his business achievements, Al-Fayed played a pivotal role in elevating Fulham Football Club to Premier League status, earning the admiration of many fans. Despite his wealth and influence, he was repeatedly denied British citizenship, a rejection that further strained his relationship with British authorities.

Mohamed Al-Fayed passed away on August 30, 2023, at the age of 94. His legacy is a complex one—marked by business success, profound personal loss, and an unwavering pursuit of what he believed was justice for Diana and Dodi. He remains a figure both admired and controversial.

Egyptian businessman

Mohamed Al-Fayed
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Mohamed Abdel Moneim Al-Fayed
Stage Name:	Mohamed Al-Fayed
Born:	27 January 1929 (age 95 years old)
Place of Birth:	El-Gomorok, Alexandria
Died:	30 August 2023 (age 94 years), London, United Kingdom
Nationality:	Egyptian
Education:	University of Alexandria
Height:	1.8 m
Parents:	Ali Ali Al-Fayed
Siblings:	Ali Al-Fayed, Safia Al-Fayed, Soaad Al-Fayed, Salah Al-Fayed
Spouse:	Heini Wathén (m. 1985–2023), Samira Khashoggi (m. 1954–1956)
Girlfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Dodi Fayed, Omar Fayed, Camilla al-Fayed, Karim Al-Fayed, Jasmine Al-Fayed
Occupation:	Businessman
Net Worth:	$1.7 billion (USD)

Early Life & Education

Mohamed Al-Fayed was born on January 27, 1929, in Alexandria, Egypt, into a family where his father, Ali Ali Al-Fayed, worked as a schoolteacher. His upbringing combined the rich cultural heritage of Egypt with the economic challenges of the time. Al-Fayed was of Egyptian ethnicity and a devout Muslim, which later influenced aspects of his business decisions, including at Harrods, where he made certain adjustments to reflect his religious beliefs.

While details about his mother and other close relatives are limited, it’s known that Al-Fayed had several siblings, including his brothers Ali and Salah Al-Fayed, as well as his sisters Safia and Soaad Al-Fayed. Salah, in particular, was involved in some of Al-Fayed‘s business ventures, although their relationship was occasionally strained.

Al-Fayed‘s early education was largely shaped by his father’s guidance, and while he is said to have attended the University of Alexandria, specifics about his academic background remain scarce. In many ways, his true education came from his innate entrepreneurial drive and hands-on business experience.

From modest beginnings in Egypt, Al-Fayed moved to the UK in the 1960s. During his early years in London, he took on various jobs, including working as a nightclub waiter and taxi driver. These humble beginnings laid the groundwork for the business empire he would later build, demonstrating his tenacity and skill in capitalizing on opportunities.

Career

Mohamed Al-Fayed began his business career working in his brother Ali’s shipping company, where he gained valuable experience in international trade. His move to London in the 1960s marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey, starting with modest jobs before using his charm, intelligence, and keen business sense to rise through the ranks.

A defining moment in Al-Fayed‘s career came in 1985 with his acquisition of Harrods, although it brought with it legal challenges and media attention. Under his ownership, Harrods underwent significant changes, including adjustments aligned with his Muslim faith, such as banning the sale of alcohol and pork. Despite the controversies, his distinctive management style helped elevate Harrods’ international prestige.

In 1997, Al-Fayed expanded his ventures by purchasing Fulham Football Club, turning the team from a lower league squad into a Premier League competitor. His investment in the club’s infrastructure, including Craven Cottage stadium, and his dedication to improving the team’s performance demonstrated his passion for sports alongside business.

Al-Fayed’s portfolio also included the luxurious Ritz Hotel in Paris, further cementing his reputation as a global businessman. However, his ventures were not without financial and public relations challenges.

Throughout his career, Al-Fayed was often in the media spotlight for his business achievements and disputes with British authorities, particularly over his denied citizenship. The tragic deaths of his son Dodi Fayed and Princess Diana in 1997 led to a series of legal battles and public accusations, shaping his legacy as both a successful tycoon and a controversial figure.

Personal Life

Mohamed Al-Fayed, the Egyptian-born billionaire who passed away on August 30, 2023, at the age of 94, was married twice. His first marriage was to Saudi Arabian author Samira Khashoggi in 1954, though they divorced two years later in 1956. Together, they had one son, Dodi Fayed, who tragically died in the 1997 car crash alongside Princess Diana.

Al-Fayed’s second marriage was to Heini Wathén, a Finnish socialite and former model, in 1985. Born on February 24, 1955, Heini was introduced to Mohamed through his son Dodi in Paris. The couple had four children: Jasmine Al-Fayed (born 1980), Karim Al-Fayed (born 1983), Camilla al-Fayed (born 1985), and Omar Al-Fayed (born 1987).

There is limited public information about any relationships Mohamed Al-Fayed may have had between his marriages, as his personal life was often overshadowed by his high-profile business ventures and controversies, such as his ownership of Harrods and the Ritz Hotel in Paris.

Since his death, reports indicate internal disputes within the family over his estimated £1.7 billion fortune, with his children from his marriage to Heini Wathén involved in a “Succession-style” battle for his estate. This ongoing conflict highlights the complex dynamics within the Al-Fayed family, which may also explain the relative privacy surrounding specific personal details, such as his dating history.

Net Worth

Mohamed Al-Fayed, the Egyptian-born billionaire who passed away in August 2023 at the age of 94, built a vast fortune through his prominent business ventures in the UK. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated at around $1.7 billion.

Al-Fayed‘s wealth was largely derived from his high-profile investments, most notably his ownership of Harrods, one of London’s most prestigious department stores, which he sold to the Qatari royal family in 2010 for over £1.5 billion.

He also owned the iconic Ritz Hotel in Paris and Fulham Football Club, both of which contributed to his financial success and public profile. Al-Fayed sold Fulham FC in 2013 for a reported $300 million. In addition to his business interests, he invested in real estate, owning properties such as a Scottish castle and a vast estate near Inverness, further demonstrating the diversity of his luxury property portfolio.