Khaled Bichara’s death was a hard-hitting loss for the Egyptian society. It’s a sad thing when the world loses someone who has done so much for the community. Although often difficult, it’s important to look back, reflect and appreciate the contributions that person has done as a tribute and as a way to remember them.
The Tragedy & Egypt’s Roads
Bichara, who was the CEO of Orascom Development Egypt and Orascom Development Holding (ODH), passed away on January 31 due to a car accident at 48 years old. There is much speculation around what happened in the accident but the story going around is that a truck carrying iron, crashed into Bichara’s car at the Ring Road leading into Remaya Square, according to Ahram Online and Egyptian Streets.
As per preliminary investigations and pictures circulating social media, Bichara’s car was turned upside down as it hit an iron fence on the side of the road, Egypt Today reported. Officials have opened up an ongoing investigation to properly study the reasons and circumstances that led to Bichara’s immediate death.
As 925Egypt previously met Bichara on several occasions, we were inspired by him in light of the multitude of his achievements and inspirational mindset. It was the kind of mindset that can encourage young entrepreneurs to move towards success.
Surely known as such an inspirational figure among rising entrepreneurs, Bichara will be missed by the entire community, including his wife and two children.
Poster of Khaled Bichara in Egypt. This photo is circulating on the WhatsUp in AUC Facebook page.
Social Media Love
When the news first broke on social media, many expressed their sadness for his sudden death. From friends and family to people who see him as “Egypt’s Bill Gates”, as Egypt Today put it, Bichara’s death was mourned on every social media platform.
On the famous “WhatsUp in AUC” Facebook group, many took to posting long length passages on Bichara’s achievements and contributions to society.
“There is a sadness whenever I think about the untimely demise of Khaled Bichara. But, also a sense of pride at an intense life full of accomplishments,” read one of the posts on the group by Hany Salem.
Being a former AUC graduate from 1993 with a B.Sc degree in Computer Science and a minor in Business Administration, he both loves and is loved by the AUC community at large. He previously told News@AUC how studying at AUC “is the perfect opportunity to find potential colleagues whose skills complement yours.”
Bichara and his family have close ties to AUC as his wife Marianne Simaika and brother Karim Bichara are also graduates from 1994 and 1997 respectively, as the AUC Alumni Facebook page wrote this in their condolences post.
Being a leading figure in entrepreneurship, AUC’s Venture Lab also published a statement on Facebook explaining that he “had a unique vision for supporting communities, often guided businessmen with strategic recommendations and his own business endeavors impacted millions of people.”
Bichara was one known for supporting young entrepreneurs in following their talent and passion to create bigger projects. According to Sada ElBalad, Bichara’s last post on social media was him providing guidance to young entrepreneurs on how to kick start their startups.
Many other publications, magazines and newspapers also mourned the loss of Bichara alongside the friends and family who posted pictures of him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Khaled Bichara’s Most Recent Work
There is a lot of talk surrounding Bichara being a pioneer in technology for Egypt, an entrepreneur and an innovator. All of which is true.
When he passed away, he had been working with ODH in 2016, a time when tourism in Egypt was not at its best. ODH is a leading developer in luxury buildings such as hotels, private villas, apartments and leisure facilities – key aspect in improving tourism in the country.
On that note, Bichara’s journey at ODH began with focusing on reviving the Egyptian market and this paved the way for discussion on the Gouna Film Festival in 2017 with Bushra Rozza, Naguib Sawiris and Samih Sawiris.
In a previous interview with 925Egypt, Bichara said that “[The GFF] was pretty challenging in the beginning because people didn’t expect us to do a good job but 10 minutes into the opening, we knew we were onto something.”
“I don’t think working from 9 to 5 will bring you success. I think you need to work much longer than that,” he added in the video. Those who know him can attest that Bichara is one of the most hardworking CEOs and entrepreneurs in the country.
In the midst of his work at ODH, he was selected as a top ranking CEO for medium sized companies in Switzerland.
It is interesting to note that the stairway to success had many lines and routes for Bichara. Things didn’t just magically come together at ODH and the GFF.
Khaled Bichara’s Staircase To Success
Long before ODH and after he graduated from AUC, he was the mastermind behind bringing the Internet to Egypt. This began with co-founding LinkdotNET, an Internet service-provider after working with a software company called Microlab for a few years.
He was also placed as the Chief Internet Strategist for Orascom Telecom Holding in 2000 and eventually also sealed a partnership deal with LINKdotNet and Microsoft to launch MSN Arabia.
Along the years and under his incredible leadership, LINKdotNet became the largest Internet service provider in the region. On that note, it is no surprise that he was recognized as “Young Executive of the Year” by Business Today Egypt.
Bichara did not limit himself to developing Internet standards in Egypt as he also served as the executive officer of Acelero Capital, an investment and management group focused on telecommunications, digital media and technology. This was before he joined the Orascom Telecom Media and Technology (OTMT) as the Chief Executive Officer.
He has done so much in the world of advancing technology and many other aspects for Egypt. With that in mind, he stands to be a figurehead and idol for many young entrepreneurs who wish to follow in his path of success.
Bichara had participated in TEDxCairo where he spoke about the “secrets to success”, as he explained how there is no recipe to reaching a certain goal.
“I think following your passion alone is a bad idea. My passion is football but if I followed my passion, I’d never be a good football player. I think, follow your passion with your talent,” Bichara previously told 925Egypt.
