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Alsulaiman Group

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Sulaiman Al-Hamdan​

Remembering Our Roots​

H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Sulaiman Al-Hamdan​

At its core, The foundations of Alsulaiman Group can be linked back to one man – Abdullah Bin Sulaiman Al Hamdan.

Born in Qassim in 1887, Bin Sulaiman was known from a young age for his sharp intellect and visionary foresight. His entrepreneurial journey commenced swiftly as he established a modest shop in Unaizah, Al Qassim. Driven by a steadfast resolve to secure a livelihood for himself and his family, he ventured East to India, where he engaged in trade in partnership with and as an agent for merchants from Unaizah. Bin Sulaiman then traveled for trade in the Gulf region, specifically in Bahrain and Kuwait, before settling in Riyadh in 1910. Through his successful endeavors across the region, he rose in prominence and gained recognition within governmental circles. 

He earned the moniker “The Minister” as he became Saudi Arabia’s inaugural minister, assuming the role of Minister of Finance from 1932 to 1955. His influence extended beyond finance, encompassing agriculture, transportation, mining, and more, making him the most significant non-royal official during King Abdulaziz’s reign.

Ibn Sulaiman played a significant role during the Kingdom’s early years. He was instrumental in many key agreements, including those for oil discovery and export with international companies and the establishment of ministries, notably the Ministry of Finance.
In addition to his role as minister, Ibn Sulaiman pursued various business ventures, founding several institutions and companies. Among them were the Kingdom’s first cement factory, the first five-star hotel in Jeddah, the first model farm in Qassim, and he was one of the founders of the first private university in the Kingdom.

Abdullah Bin Sulaiman passed away in Jeddah in 1965, at the age of 80 years. May Allah have mercy on him. His dedication and dreams have since been carried forward by his family, as they embrace his legacy and vision.

Achievements

  • Held the position of Saudi Arabia's inaugural minister, serving in the capacity of finance minister from 1932 to 1955.
  • Drafted the first currency for the Kingdom and established the Saudi Monetary Agency.
  • Signed the pivotal oil agreement with the Standard Oil Company of California in 1933.
  • Signed the mining agreement in 1934, leading to gold and silver ore production in 1939, notably in the Almahd mine.
  • Prepared Saudi Arabia's first budget in 1947.
  • Instrumental role in establishing the Arabian maritime tanker company in collaboration with Aristotle Onassis.
  • Founded the Arabian Cement Company in Jeddah (1955).
  • Contributed to the establishment of Jeddah and Dammam ports, and the Riyadh Railway.
  • Founding the Sahra'a School in 1946.
  • Established wireless broadcasting in 1949 in the Kingdom, as commissioned by King Abdulaziz.
  • Established the first hotel, Al-Kandara Palace Hotel, and a chain of hotels, including the Palace and Al-Basateen Hotel.