A Reality that develops and an endless ambition

Everyday a newborn company comes out. Everyday new business relationships are being established. In the Arab region there are tens of big companies and institutions. But, which of them owns and operates International branches ? Which of those companies sell the most of the world well-known brands? Here, the difference is crystallized, especially, in front of the Saudi client who always prefers to do shopping at the oldest and most inveterate Saudi establishment. Thus, we find naturally oriented to purchase from ….. Fitaihi ……..

The History of the name of Fitaihi  is traced back to the Grandfather, in 1887, in Holy Makkah. In 1907, a gold-shop was opened in the "Gold Market" of Jeddah. That shop is still operated by the company. Numerous evolutions have passed by till the company in 7th January 1998 was transformed into the first joint-stock commercial company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (80% of the company shares are held by Ahmed Hassan Fitaihi & Sons, while 20% are held by 25 shareholders).

The company is working in the field of selling and manufacturing gold, silver, jewelry and watches. In addition to retail and wholesale of luxury goods of clothes, lingerie, cosmetics, perfumes, chinaware, tableware, bed and table linen, antiques, gifts, textiles and leather goods. In fact, we are carrying so much of top-range products as to satisfy the taste of our elite and important clientele: that is why the company transacts business with biggest world suppliers in Europe, USA & Japan. The company distributes in exclusivity - in Jeddah & Riyadh - the products of the Japanese company "Noritake" that produces top quality chinaware and porcelain tableware.

The name of Ahmed Hassan Fitaihi, president of the company, has emerged among the most important world jewelry purchasers. His name has been registered in the "Guinness Book of Records" when he paid, in May 1995, at Sotherby's auction held in Geneva, a world record price (U$ 16.5 millions) for a gem weighing 100.10 carats). The gem was the most expensive piece of diamond ever sold at auction.

In 1984, the company inaugurated the first solely operated, owned and occupied multi-storey commercial center in Jeddah - KSA. Fitaihi Center Jeddah consists of 5 main floors for shopping, one for the headquarters and eight mezzanines for the supporting services. It was built according to the most modern styles that match with those of "Harold's" in London and "Galerie La Fayyette" in Paris. It was proved out to be superior to those two International commercial centers, in some aspects, considering services integrity contained.

In 1990, the company inaugurated the "Warehouse & Wholesale Center" in Jeddah, which was built in compliance with the most recent storage systems. This building was established for the sake of servicing all the branches of the company.

In 1993, downtown Riyadh, the company inaugurated Fitaihi Center Riyadh, which was set up similarly to that of Jeddah.

In 1996, Ahmed Hassan Fitaihi Co. acquired the worldwide well-known jewelry chain of Marina Bulgari who owns the inveterate trademark "Marina B". Its branches and showrooms are located in Geneva, New York & Milan. Following purchase, Fitaihi Jeddah & Riyadh centers allotted an appropriate show spaces for the exceptional high-quality jewelry of "Marina B". The company, also opened a new branch for "Marina B" in the most active commercial place in London: at New Bond Street. At the end of 1999, the company has opened a new "Marina B" branch in Jeddah. There are distribution agents of "Marina B" in Tokyo, Yokohama & Ashiya in Japan; Mumbai in India & Dubai UAE.

In 1997, a multi-storey garage (capacity of 120 cars) was inaugurated for the sake of servicing the visitors of Fitaihi  Jeddah Center & those of the future auction room.

Now, the company is on the verge of completing the interior designs of the new six-floor building that is adjacent to Jeddah Center. This new building is destined to be a separate gold and jewelry factory, training center, auction room and special new headquarters.

The company continues its ambitious strategy through studying the opening of a chain of "Satellite Stores" in the main cities of KSA so as to enlarge its sales volume.

The company perceives clearly the importance and the potential positive impact of the advertisement on its sales. Hence, about SR 15 millions are budgeted yearly for the advertisement and promotional offers.

The company has decided to open a specialized hospital in Jeddah in order to diversify income sources. Feasibility studies were prepared on this new project " Fitaihi  Medical Center". In 1998, the company entrusted the design works of the project to the most efficient and famous American engineering companies in this field. Construction operation will start within the year 2000. The medical project will be supplied with the most sophisticated medical equipment so as to be an ideal pattern that offers the highest quality of sanitary care levels. The initial total cost of this new project amounts to US$ 100 millions.

Evolution is still on ……..