In Memory of Abdulmajid Seddiqi: A Knight from a beautiful Era

Not everyone who crosses our path leaves a mark. Some people, however, leave a presence — quiet, noble, and lasting — like a light that never truly fades. Abdulmajid Seddiqi was one of those rare men. He was a knight from a beautiful era, not by force or title, but by knowledge, culture, generosity, and an infinite love for people. I met him in the early 1990s, at a time when Dubai was simpler, more intimate, and when knowledge was earned through reading, travel, observation, and deep personal culture. There was no internet, no social media — only curiosity, discipline, and the pursuit of understanding the world. His office was located in Bur Dubai, in the heart of old Dubai, a place where time had its own rhythm and meaning. He was the exclusive representative of some of the world’s most prestigious watch and jewelry brands, including Rolex, at a time when very few truly understood the value of luxury brands or craftsmanship. Yet what defined him was never what he represented — it was who he was. Every visit to his office filled me with joy, confidence, and pride. I felt honored to be speaking with a man of such intellectual depth and human refinement. At times, he reminded me of Ibn Khaldun, with his philosophical understanding of history, society, and the Arab collective conscience. At other times, he was Voltaire, bold, intellectually rebellious, and politically aware. And often, he was Molière, deeply connected to human emotion, sensitivity, and the soul. He spoke French fluently and beautifully, was an avid reader of French literature and philosophy, just as he was deeply rooted in Arabic literature, Arab thought, and intellectual heritage. He embodied a rare balance between East and West — an open mind guided by strong values. He was a lover of beauty in all its forms: the beauty of the soul and the spirit, and the beauty created by human excellence — fine jewelry and high-end watches. He knew their details not as a merchant, but as a connoisseur, a passionate admirer of craftsmanship. At that time, I was a young woman with a very big dream. I wanted to launch a small Russian-language media project in Dubai, at a moment when Russian visitors were arriving in growing numbers and no media platform spoke their language. I came to him with my idea. He listened with the wisdom of someone who truly understands people and markets, and he said words I will never forget: “You are a young journalist, but you have big ideas. You are creative. This project is a real need in Dubai, and one day it could become something very important.” He did more than encourage me — he believed in me. He supported me in the very first issue of AVIAMOST, placing advertisements for the most prestigious brands he represented. He chose to trust my professionalism, my vision, and my future. I consider him, truly, a spiritual father. Without him — after God — I would not have been able to continue this journey. Today, as I celebrate 30 years of AVIAMOST, I know that this achievement carries part of his soul, his faith in me, and his quiet generosity. He was close to everyone: to young beginners, to ambitious intellectuals, to his employees, and to his community. He was also a man of prayer — deeply faithful. He never hesitated to excuse himself from meetings to go to the nearby mosque, close to his office in Bur Dubai, under the Rolex sign and near the Grand Mosque. His spirituality was sincere and lived, not spoken. His body has left us, but his spirit remains. His impact endures. And gratitude never fades. May God have mercy on you, Abdulmajid Seddiqi — a knight from a time we deeply miss. May all the goodness, knowledge, and generosity you shared shine eternally in your balance.

Rita Boustany Founder & Editor-in-Chief, AVIAMOST