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From first road to Al Maktoum Hospital: 9 iconic landmarks built by Hussain Khansaheb
As the UAE mourns the passing of the pioneer businessman, we reflect on his life and legacy in shaping modern Dubai and the wider Emirates
- PUBLISHED: Fri 12 Sept 2025, 9:17 PM UPDATED: Sat 13 Sept 2025, 8:24 AM
The UAE said goodbye to one of its pioneering entrepreneurs, Hussain Abdulrahman Khansaheb, whose life and work helped shape modern Dubai and the wider Emirates.
Hussain took over Khansaheb Group as chairman in 1954, after assuming the business from his uncle — Khansaheb Hussain Bin Hassan Amad — the company’s founder.
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Under his leadership, the group expanded its reach and undertook numerous landmark projects that helped transform the UAE’s infrastructure and urban landscape.
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Khansaheb’s impact can be traced through a series of landmark projects that helped shape the UAE’s infrastructure and urban landscape:
1. 1935 - First motor track
Built the first motor track linking Sharjah to Ras Al Khaimah, marking the start of a lifelong commitment to connecting communities across the Emirates.
2. 1951 - Al Maktoum Hospital
Khansaheb constructed Al Maktoum Hospital, Dubai’s first healthcare facility. Though it closed in 2009 as the city’s healthcare infrastructure expanded, the hospital remains a symbol of the early development of modern Dubai.
3. 1953 - Abu Dhabi causeway
The first causeway connecting Abu Dhabi island to the mainland was completed, demonstrating Hussain's role in transforming transportation across the UAE.
4. 1967 - St Mary's Church
In 1967, they built St Mary's Church — the first church in Dubai, reflecting the city’s growing cultural diversity.
5. 1969 - Clock Tower roundabout
An iconic landmark in Deira, still one of Dubai’s most recognisable intersections.
6. 1971 – BP Aviation fueling station
Construction of British Petroleum's aviation fueling station at Dubai Airport started, which marked the beginning of the airports expansion.
7. 1975 – Sharjah Airport
Construction of the original airport, noted for its striking architectural design.
8. 1994 – Trade Centre underpass
Completed to ease traffic along Sheikh Zayed Road, improving urban connectivity.
9. 2002 – Mall of the Emirates
Construction of one of the UAE’s largest commercial developments, with Khansaheb Group at its heart.
Hussain Khansaheb’s legacy goes beyond the structures he built. His vision, perseverance, and commitment to progress helped lay the foundations for Dubai’s growth — and his work continues to influence the country’s development.
Outpouring of condolences
News of his passing prompted outpouring of condolences from the UAE's top leadership. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid tribute to Khansaheb, praising him for his generosity and lifelong dedication to the country's growth.
"Remembered for his spirit of generosity and dedicated service to the UAE, he contributed to our nation's advancement and worked to better our community through wide-reaching humanitarian and charitable initiatives. My sincere condolences to his family and all those whose lives he touched," Sheikh Mohamed wrote in a heartfelt message.
In a message on X, Sheikh Mohammed, who also serves as UAE Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler said: "Our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late businessman, Hussain Khansaheb, one of the most prominent pioneers of enterprise in the UAE, whose company was founded in 1935. He was a leader in infrastructure projects, but what truly immortalises his memory is his pioneering role in community, humanitarian and charitable initiatives".
"He contributed to building housing for underprivileged families, homes for orphans, health centres and more. This is what endures — what elevates a person’s worth and preserves their name in the nation’s memory. May God have mercy on him, grant him eternal rest in His vast gardens, and bless his family with patience and solace," he added.
