Qasim Ahmad Fakhroo, aged 69, died in Salmaniya Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Aysha, two sons Sameer and Waleed and daughter Suhair.

Mr Fakhro, who was a board member of Bahrain University, was among the first Bahrainis to have obtained a university degree. He also helped raise funds for supporting the former Gulf Technical College, was founder member of the Alumni Club and chairman of AI Ahlia Insurance.

Last week, Mr Fakhro, who was a past president of the Chamber of Commerce, was honoured at a reception hosted in his honour at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for his business efforts in the last four decades. The cermony was organised by the chamber, the Alumni Club and Bahrain University.

The award was received on Mr Fakhro's behalf by his son Dr Sameer Fakhro, who is Bahrain University vice-president, administration and finance.

Mr Fakhro will be buried today at the Muharraq Cemetery, said his family.