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Portrait of Abdul Hameed Shoman

Abdul Hameed Shoman

Founder of Arab Bank, Philanthropist

Born
1890
Born in
Beit Hanina, Palestine
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Why Abdul is here

Abdul Hameed Shoman is renowned for establishing the Arab Bank, a leading financial institution in the Arab world. His vision and efforts in banking significantly contributed to the economic development of the region and played a pivotal role in supporting Arab nationalism and independence movements.

Their story

Abdul Hameed Shoman was a Palestinian banker from Beit Hanina who founded the Arab Bank in Jerusalem in 1930 after building businesses in the United States. He supported Palestinian economic institutions and national activity under the British Mandate. He died in 1974. The foundation bearing his name was established by the Arab Bank in 1978, after his death.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Abdul’s path.

  1. 1911

    Emigrated to the United States.

  2. 1930

    Founded the Arab Bank in Jerusalem.

  3. 1936

    Detained by British authorities during the Palestinian rebellion.

  4. 1974

    Died; his son Abdul Majeed succeeded him as Arab Bank chairman.

  5. 1978

    The Arab Bank established the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation in his memory.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Arab Bank

    Founded a Palestinian financial institution that expanded across the Arab region.

  2. Philanthropic legacy

    His name is commemorated by the foundation established after his death.

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