Prominent businessman and Kanoo Group of Companies - UAE and Oman - chairman Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo has died after battling a long illness. He was 72.

He left behind a rich history of accomplishments and cherished memories, a report in the Gulf Daily News said.

Renowned for his wisdom and long experience in business, he was also kind-hearted, friendly and sociable, with a good sense of humour.

Mr Kanoo was born in Manama in 1942 and received his secondary education in Bahrain and higher education in the UK.

He was awarded a master's degree in business administration from a US university in Texas.

Mr Kanoo started his career as Group Shipping Branch regional manager in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, in the 1970s before moving to Oman and Abu Dhabi until he became group deputy chairman for Oman and the UAE and then chairman after the death of Hamad Kanoo, the report said.

He suffered from diabetes since his 40s and received treatment at Bahraini, British and American hospitals, but his condition deteriorated in the last two years.

Mr Kanoo, who had no children, played a considerable role in advising and caring for all members of the Kanoo family including the younger generation. - TradeArabia News Service