ALJ is also active in the fields of real estate, financing, software solutions, advertising, media, and distribution and sales of electronics and household appliances. It employs more than 10,000 people worldwide with around 2,000 in Britain alone, and the family group also operates Saudi Arabia’s most important consumer finance company.

Late last year, the company’s community services arm announced plans to create 45,000 new jobs and undertake a wide scope of projects such as employment training, support for small businesses and healthcare.