Kamil out of fray at JCCI

Prominent businessman Saleh Kamil has opted to drop out of the race for the upcoming Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) elections in a sudden and unexpected development.
Arab News confirmed from sources close to Kamil that he withdrew the nomination papers on Sunday although he had filed them just a week ago. He is reported to have said that he was withdrawing on personal grounds, which has triggered speculation.
Kamil is a prominent industrialist in Jeddah and owns various businesses ranging from cleaning to entertainment under the flagship of the Dallah Group. He did not contest the last elections in 2009, but was nominated by the minister for commerce and industry and was subsequently elected as JCCI Chairman.
Some sources say that Kamil will be nominated later by the ministry and will be made chairman, while others believe he may not be at the helm of JCCI’s affairs.
In case Kamil opts to exit from the JCCI altogether, then Mazen Batterjee and Saeed Binzager are likely to be main contenders for the chairman’s post after the election.
He has played an active role in addressing businessmen’s issues and development of JCCI, with special focus on nationalization.
During the grace period for illegal expatriate workers, he effectively liaised between the business community and Asian diplomatic missions. He had provided air-conditioning units and tents to various consulates in Jeddah to shelter expatriates visiting diplomatic missions.
A week ago, Kamil commented on the election, telling Arab News that the polls were meant to facilitate JCCI’s growth and development. “There are no opponents in election since everyone’s desire is to serve,” he had said.