Suleyman Kerimov: Charitable Programs

Suleyman Kerimov provides aid to Dagestan and finances projects aimed at improving quality of life and boosting spiritual and moral growth.

Biography

Suleyman Kerimov was born in 1966 on the western coast of the Caspian Sea, in the city of Derbent (the Republic of Dagestan). After graduating from secondary school, he continued his education at the Faculty of Economics at Dagestan State University.

Career and business

Suleyman Kerimov started his career at the Makhachkala manufacturing enterprise Eltav. In the beginning, the young specialist worked as an ordinary economist but quickly climbed up the career ladder. A few years later, he was offered the position of Assistant to General Director. This way Suleyman Kerimov gained invaluable managerial experience and skills that helped him to manage ongoing challenges.

Suleyman Kerimov’s first steps in business were related to the banking sector. His initial entrepreneurial activities turned out successful, and later on, the businessman invested heavily in the oil, gas, mining, and construction industries.

Kerimov’s largest assets included Polyus Gold, the gold mining company, where the entrepreneur owned more than 70% of the stake. Later, the businessman handed his share over to his son Said Kerimov, while Pavel Grachev took over the CEO position.

In the second quarter of 2022, Said Kerimov sold 30% of Polyus assets to Acropolis. He donated another 40% of the shares to the Islamic Organizations Support Fund and left the company.  Pavel Grachev exited nearly at the same time, and Alexei Vostokov was hired as the new CEO of Polyus.

Patronage

Suleyman Kerimov is an avid supporter of charity projects. The businessman prioritizes patronage in education, health, and religion.

The philanthropist provides continuous support to educational institutions and talented youth. Among Kerimov’s latest projects is the construction and operation of the “School 21” campus (a free coding school) in Makhachkala.

Kerimov’s most widely-known initiative associated with religion is the renovation of the Cathedral Mosque on Prospekt Mira in Moscow, for which the businessman provided the bulk of the funding. He also sponsored the construction of the Prophet Muhammad Mosque in Makhachkala.

Through the charitable program of Senator Suleyman Kerimov, the holy lands thousands of pilgrims from Dagestan, who cannot otherwise afford the Hajj pilgrimage at their own expense, were able to visit the holy land. Over many years, he has been securing full coverage for travel and accommodation for Dagestan pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Suleyman Kerimov devotes his attention to the development and improvement of his native city of Derbent. The Nizami Ganjavi Park complex and the largest multimedia fountain in Russia were constructed with his strong support. Among other things, this project also offered the local community a new museum, a library, a children’s playground, and an observation tower.