Kuwait’s pioneering media figure and economist Ahmed Yousef Behbehani passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79 following a long and successful career. Behbehani was the first Kuwaiti to helm the Arab Journalists Association. He was also the chairman of Kuwait Journalists Association for 29 years, was the honorary chairman of the Press Emblem Campaign, member of the International Journalism Institute, member of Dubai’s Arab Journalism Award board of directors and member of Los Angeles Press Club.

In addition, Behbehani was Kuwait News Agency’s deputy chairman and vice president of Kuwait Intellectual Property Rights Society and board chairman of Al-Taqatha Press and Publication House. Behbehani was also a prominent banker. He was chairman of Al-Ahli bank from 2003 until 2014, when he resigned due to health reasons.

KUNA Chairman and Director General Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Al-Sabah expressed sorrow over the demise of Behbehani. In a press statement, Sheikh Mubarak said his demise was a great loss for Kuwait and all Gulf and Arab media, stressing he was a very well-known writer, teacher and Arab press pioneer. Sheikh Mubarak noted that the late Ahmed Behbahani was also a great and important economic pillar who contributed to supporting the national economy, in addition to his media role. — Agencies