The business environment of Yusuf Al Saleh is a far distant cry from the world of medicine that he originally planned to enter. But his inner humanitarian qualities remain unchanged and are a constant force in his daily vision.
By Nadine Botha

“I am a businessman who’s not only motivated by profit, but humanitarian aims as well,” explains the down-to-earth Yusuf Al Saleh in his understated office.

Chairman and managing director of Saleh al Saleh in a private capacity, Mr Al Saleh served on the recent session of the Shura Council and was also first vice-chairman of the past session of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Mr Al Saleh is also heavily involved as a board member of various public share companies including Trafco, Bahrain Livestock Company, Bahrain Fresh Fruits, Delmon Poultry, Esterad Investment, Bahrain Awal Dairy and National Poultry.

Initially, Mr Al Saleh set out to become a doctor and was offered a scholarship in Baghdad by the Bahrain government while on a visit to Cairo’s medical university.

Although he was reluctant to leave Cairo, he went with the encouragement of Dr Faisal Radhi Al Mousawi, who told him that if he wanted to be a really good doctor and serve his patients well, he should take up the opportunity in Baghdad.

After studying in Baghdad for three years, his father fell ill and Mr Al Saleh was forced to return to Bahrain to take over the family business. While starting out as an accountant, his intelligence and business acumen were palpable and he very soon began heading up operations.

It was a little hard, admits Mr Al Saleh, humbly and with good humour, as he had never expected to become a businessman, rather than a doctor. However, responsibility to his family came before his own medical career aspirations, and it is evident he does not regret any decisions as he talks warmly and modestly of his achievements throughout his working life.

In 1993 he joined the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the encouragement of Mr Ali Fakhro. Mr Al Saleh dedicated 12 years and three terms, the last as first vice-chairman, to building the local business environment through this arena. According to him, this proved a fantastic opportunity to get to know other businessmen.

In 2002, he was appointed on to the Shura Council by HM King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, where he held the portfolio of Public Utilities and Environment Committee. The King’s appointments to the Shura Council are based on a person’s reputation and credentials: This balances the results of the governmental elections that can lead to some of those voted lacking qualifications and full business experience at times, said Mr Al Saleh.

It was very exciting to be part of Bahrain’s first democratic experience, said Mr Al Saleh. Working together with parliament and the executive authority, the Shura Council has been instrumental in filteringlegislation in accordance with the country’s constitution.

Mr Al Saleh’s commitment to Bahrain and the community is self-evident. However, this dedication is never alienated from his own aspirations. As a board member of Chamber of Commerce, his job is to promote the commercial sphere of Bahrain and encourage international investment, which is parallel to that of the government, he explains.

For the past 10 years, Mr Al Saleh has also been one of five Bahraini representatives on the GCC Consultative Council, which meets twice a year to discuss the subjects and issues raised by the annual GCC high council of leaders meeting in December. He was also a member of the Bapco Board from August 2000 to August 2003. He represented the employers in the International Labour Law Organisation in Geneva from 2002 to 2005, and has been representing the employers in the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) since 2001.

Mr Al Saleh estimates that he has held 25 official positions over the past ten years. Now he is trying to cut down as it became too much for him to offer his full commitment to every endeavour, he says.

Despite his economic achievements, it is still his inner humanitarian, which first made him want to be a doctor that drives him. “It is for the love of people, the community and my family.I like to help people and they are always very appreciative,” he smiles and thanks God, his wife and family for their undying support.

In both personal and official capacities, Mr Al Saleh is an incurable socialite and always makes time to attend social activities and other gatherings, no matter how busy he is. His family takes top priority in his attentions: Four boys and one girl are poised to follow in their father’s successful footsteps.

So what is his secret to this all-round success, from business to community leader and family man? Time management, he confides seriously. “Every day I read seven newspapers in two hours. This is only possible because I know what I am looking for and where my priorities lie,” he continues.

Again, the success of a businessman is not determined by his profit margin alone, but his contribution to his community, reminds Mr Al Saleh. He is undoubtedly an embodiment of this definition of success being completed by fulfilling one’s responsibility to those around you.