Home / About The Waqif
About The Waqif
About Sheikh Saleh Al Rajhi
Sheikh Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi, the founder of Al Rajhi Endowment, was a visionary leader dedicated to economic and social development through his business acumen and charitable efforts. His legacy continues to inspire and benefit communities.
Born in 1433 AH-1926 AD in Bakiriyah, Qasseem, KSA, Sheikh Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al Rajhi is the real founder of the Al Rajhi brand economically, socially, and historically. After moving to Riyadh with his family in 1350 AH-1931 AD, Sheikh Saleh dedicated his life to learning and business.
Biography
Born in 1433 AH-1926 AD in Bakiriyah, Qasseem, KSA, Sheikh Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al Rajhi is the real founder of the Al Rajhi brand economically, socially, and historically. After moving to Riyadh with his family in 1350 AH-1931 AD, Sheikh Saleh dedicated his life to learning and business.
Early Life and Education
Sheikh Saleh began his education by memorizing the Quran at the age of 13. He attended scholarly circles led by esteemed scholars such as Sheikh Mohammed ibn Ibrahim Alsheikh, Sheikh Abdullatif ibn Ibrahim Alsheikh, and Sheikh Mohammed Alameen Alshanqeeti.
Character
Known for his good manners, wisdom, and generosity, Sheikh Saleh's home in Riyadh was a welcoming place for relatives and visitors. Despite early hardships, he maintained a commitment to hospitality and charity, embodying patience, modesty, and asceticism.
Beginning of His Business
Sheikh Saleh started with simple jobs and later ventured into selling locks and keys. At sixteen, he established a money exchange business, which grew into a company and eventually one of the largest international banks, involving his brothers Abdullah, Suleiman, and Mohammed.
Investments and Roles
With the growth of construction, agriculture, industry and economy, Sheikh Saleh tried to diversify the sources of his income. He, therefore, worked in many areas that contributed to the evolution of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the late twentieth century. His activities expanded and included gold trade (he was one of the first gold trader between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait) real estate, industry and agriculture. With the expansion and development of his business, he assumed several positions in the companies and institutions that he founded or participated in. The most important of which are the following:
- Managing Director, Electricity Company of Central Region, a joint-stock company .
- Member, founder and chairman of the Saudi Cement Company, a joint-stock company founded in 1955.
- Member, founder and chairman of the National Gypsum Company, a joint-stock company founded in 1959.
- Member, founder and chairman of Yamama Cement Company, a joint stock company founded in 1961.
- Member, founder and chairman of the Saudi Ceramics Company, a joint-stock company founded in 1977.
- Member, founder and chairman of Aljanoubiyah Cement Company, a joint-stock company founded in 1978.
- Member, founder and chairman of the Board of Directors of Nadec for Agricultural Development, a joint-stock company founded in 1981.
- Member, founder and chairman of the Board of Directors of Hail for Agricultural Development, a joint-stock company founded in 1982.
- Member, founder and chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Rajhi Banking and Investment Corporation founded in 1987.
- Member and founder of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry .
- Member and founder of Light Buildings Company.
- Member of the Board of the National Company for Operation and Industrial Services, Ltd (Services).
- Founder of Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi for Banking .
- Member, founder and chairman of Al Rajhi Banking and Commerce.
- Founder of Saleh Abdulaziz Alrajhi and his partners, Ltd .
- Member and founder of Tabuk for Agricultural Development .
- Member and founder of the Saudi Company for sandy limestone bricks
Charitable Work
Parallel to his business success, Sheikh Saleh was a pioneer in charitable work. He built hundreds of mosques, supported Quran memorization centers, and helped the poor and needy. He established the Al Rajhi Endowment, dedicated to various charitable causes including da’wah, education, health, and social services.
Famous Words
Illness and Death
"Sheikh Saleh experienced health issues following a traffic accident near the Yamamah cement factory. Despite extensive medical treatment, he suffered a stroke and remained bedridden until his death on 9th Rabee’ I, 1432 - 12/2/2011."
References: "Salih Abdulaziz Al Rajhi: A Biography, Al-Iqtisadiyah Newspaper, Issue 6334, Al Jazeera Newspaper, Issue 3076."
