São Paulo – One of the leading figures in strengthening ties between Brazil and the Arab world, Brazilian engineer and businessman Walid Yazigi, died on Monday (1) at the age of 91. Of Syrian descent, Yazigi was a key force behind the development of the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), where he served three terms as president in the 1980s and 1990s, as vice president in the 1990s, and as chairman of the Superior Administrative Council for nearly two decades. He was currently a member of the organization’s Board of Guidance and Deliberation and an inspiration to the new generation of leaders who followed him.
“We received with deep sadness the news of Dr. Yazigi’s passing. His trajectory at the ABCC was marked by leadership, integrity, and dedication, leaving an invaluable contribution to all who had the privilege of working with him. His legacy will remain alive in our history, our values, and in the people he inspired throughout his journey,” said Arab Chamber President William Adib Dib Jr.
“He was always very active and deeply committed to the ABCC and to fulfilling our mission. He was also very engaged with the Arab community, took great pride in being Arab and Syrian, and cared deeply about his homeland,” ABCC Vice President of International Relations and Secretary-General Mohamad Orra Mourad told ANBA.
The son of one of the ABCC’s founders, Yazigi played a key role in shaping the institution’s history. He led the ABCC’s first business mission to the Arab world, helped establish its financial strength, and championed the move of its headquarters to a new address on Paulista Avenue in São Paulo. His commitment also inspired the continuation of his family’s involvement with the institution, with his daughter, engineer Claudia Yazigi Haddad, currently serving on the Board of Directors and chairing the WAHI – Women Who Inspire committee.
The only son among five sisters, and with a father active in the textile industry, Walid chose to pursue a career in civil engineering, earning recognition through the company he founded, Yazigi Construction Company. He authored the book The Technique of Building as well as two other works on immigration and gastronomy. In recent years, he was no longer involved in the company’s day-to-day operations, which had been taken over by his descendants.
Volunteer work was a hallmark of the Yazigi family in Brazil and had already been embraced by his parents, José and Helena. He followed in their footsteps. In addition to his work at the ABCC, he volunteered with the Syrian Sports Club, the Heart Hospital (HCor), and the Orthodox Cathedral.
The only son among five sisters, and with a father active in the textile industry, Yazigi chose to pursue a career in civil engineering, earning recognition through the company he founded, Yazigi Construction Company. He authored the book A técnica de edificar [The Technique of Building] as well as two other works on immigration and gastronomy. In recent years, he was no longer involved in the company’s day-to-day operations, which had been taken over by his descendants.
According to his daughter Claudia in an ANBA profile published about three years ago, Yazigi was a caring and fair father to his daughters. “I overcome my shortcomings through work and effort,” he said at the time while reflecting on his life journey.
But Walid was more than a hardworking man. He stood out at the educational institutions he attended, was passionate about sports, proud of his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was known for his good humor and talkative nature. A gifted conversationalist and speaker, he left a lasting impression wherever he went.
Walid Yazigi is survived by his wife, Arlete, three daughters (he also had a son who died at a young age), grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Walid Yazigi’s wake will be held on Wednesday (3) from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Funeral Home – Roma Room, located at 376 São Carlos do Pinhal Street, in the Bela Vista district of São Paulo. The burial will take place the same day at 2 p.m. at São Paulo Cemetery, located at 1250 Cardeal Arcoverde Street, in Pinheiros, also in São Paulo.
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Walid Yazigi, a pioneer in missions to the Arab world
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
