Hassan Allam's journey embodies the true spirit of entrepreneurship, as he defied odds, persevered through challenges, and ultimately achieved remarkable success.

Born in Port Said, he left school at a young age to help his father run a small store selling construction supplies. In 1923, the 19-year-old boy moved to Cairo where he started a small informal contracting company. He founded his first official firm, Hassan Mohammed Allam & Co., in 1936.

A pivotal moment came in 1938 when Hassan secured his first major contract to build El Kassaseen Hospital after King Farouk's car accident nearby. More contracts followed for power plants, refineries and other infrastructure projects.

Hassan's firm soon competed with Egypt's largest contractors. In the 1940s, future President Anwar El-Sadat briefly worked disguised as a truck driver at Hassan's company to avoid persecution.

He later founded Hassan Allam Sons in 1975, when economic reforms enabled private business again.

Today, two streets in Cairo hold his name, commemorating the journey of a humble shopkeeper who rose to build Egypt's infrastructure and earn a place in the nation's history.