Who is Shahzada Dawood and Son Suleman Dawood?
by Mathelene
Updated Jun 21, 2023
Who is Shahzada Dawood?
Shahzada Dawood is a notable Pakistani-British businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He holds various influential positions, including the vice-chairmanship of Engro Corporation, directorship of Dawood Hercules Corporation, board membership in Prince Charles' Charity and the SETI Institute, as well as trusteeship of The Dawood Foundation.
In his professional capacity, Dawood has demonstrated his close relationship with King Charles III, being a personal friend of his. He has also been a speaker at the World Economic Forum on multiple occasions. Dawood has been associated with Engro Corporation since 2003, serving as its vice-chairman, and held the same position at Dawood Hercules Corporation from 2018 to 2022.
He has actively invested in mergers and acquisitions within the textile, fertilizer, food, and energy sectors of publicly-listed companies, seeking out opportunities for growth. Dawood's philanthropic endeavors are noteworthy. He has been a trustee of the Dawood Foundation since 1996.
The foundation focuses on fostering collective change by establishing interactive spaces for both formal and informal learning. Moreover, Dawood has played a crucial role in coordinating the Hussain Dawood Pledge, a private donation initiative aimed at combatting COVID-19 in Pakistan. He has particularly focused on providing mental health support to individuals impacted by the pandemic in his home country. Additionally, Dawood serves as a trustee of the Engro Foundation.
Furthermore, Dawood contributes to the Global Advisory Board for Prince's Trust International, a charitable organization founded by King Charles III. Shahzada Dawood is the son of Hussain Dawood and is among the wealthiest individuals in Pakistan, alongside his father.
He is happily married to Christine Dawood, and together they have two children named Suleman and Alina. Dawood pursued his academic studies both in the United States and the United Kingdom, attaining an M.Sc. in Global Textile Marketing from Philadelphia University, USA, and an LLB from Buckingham University, UK. Media reports have also highlighted Dawood's keen interest in exploring natural habitats and renewable energies.
Who is Son Suleman Dawood?
Suleman Dawood is currently a student residing in London and has been identified as an individual with a keen interest in science fiction literature and acquiring knowledge in various domains. Additionally, he takes pleasure in playing volleyball, showcasing his enthusiasm for sports.
During a challenging time, the Dawood family expressed gratitude for the concern and support shown by their colleagues and friends. In a statement given to the Associated Press, they requested prayers for the safety of their family members while also emphasizing the importance of privacy. The family assured that they are well taken care of and have placed their faith in Allah for the safe return of their loved ones.
Despite attempts to gather information, the Dawood Foundation, to which the family is associated, did not respond immediately to a request for comment from Insider.
What Happened to Shahzada Dawood and Son Suleman Dawood?
Shahzada Dawood, aged 48, and his son Sulaiman, aged 19, are reported to be among the individuals trapped on the missing Titanic submarine. Shahzada Dawood is a board member of the Prince's Trust charity and resides in the United Kingdom, while his son Sulaiman accompanies him.
They were part of a group of paying tourists on a small underwater craft that ventured to observe the renowned wreck of the Titanic, situated approximately 12,500 feet beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, about 370 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The Dawood family, hailing from Pakistan and recognized as heirs to the prominent Dawood business dynasty, is also among the wealthiest individuals in the country.
Despite residing in Surrey, England, they maintain close ties to their Pakistani roots. Extensive search and rescue operations, involving U.S. and Canadian ships and aircraft, have been deployed in the vicinity, roughly 900 miles east of Cape Cod. Sonar buoys capable of monitoring depths of up to 13,000 feet near the Titanic wreck have been employed in the search efforts.
The submarine, which can only be opened from the outside, currently houses a total of five men, including the Dawoods. These individuals consist of accomplished adventurers and individuals of significant wealth from various parts of the world. The other passengers trapped inside the submarine are British billionaire adventurer Hamish Harding, French renowned explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, and Stockton Rush, CEO of OceanGate.
The Dawood family has released a statement expressing gratitude for the concern shown by colleagues and friends and has requested prayers for the safety of those onboard the submarine. The situation remains a matter of ongoing concern and rescue efforts continue.
2023 Titan Submersible Incident
On June 18, 2023, a significant event occurred involving the Titan submersible, operated by OceanGate Expeditions, which went missing in the North Atlantic Ocean near the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The submersible was part of a tourist expedition aimed at providing individuals with the opportunity to witness the wreckage of the Titanic.
Five individuals were on board the submersible at the time of its disappearance: Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman, who are of British-Pakistani descent; British billionaire Hamish Harding; French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet; and Stockton Rush, the founder, and CEO of OceanGate.
The incident unfolded when communication with the submersible was abruptly lost approximately one hour and 45 minutes into its dive at the Titanic wreck site. Concerns were raised when the submersible did not resurface at its designated time later that day, prompting authorities to be notified immediately. As of the latest information available, the submersible's breathable air supply is projected to be exhausted by the morning of June 22, 2023, heightening the urgency of the situation.
Rescue and search operations have been initiated by authorities and a coordinated effort involving multiple entities is underway to locate and provide assistance to the missing submersible and its occupants. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain a matter of active investigation, as authorities strive to determine the cause of the communication loss and the precise location of the submersible.
The incident has garnered significant attention due to the prominence of individuals on board, the potential risks involved, and the historical significance of the Titanic wreck. Efforts are ongoing to bring about a swift and safe resolution to this distressing situation.
Who is Shahzada Dawood - FAQs
Shahzada Dawood is a businessman, investor, and philanthropist.
Shahzada Dawood and his son are of British-Pakistani descent.
On June 18, 2023, the Titan submersible went missing in the North Atlantic Ocean near Newfoundland, Canada, during a tourist expedition to view the wreck of the Titanic.
The submersible was scheduled to resurface later on the same day it went missing.
As of the latest information available, the submersible's breathable air supply is expected to be depleted by the morning of June 22, 2023.