Syed Ali Akbar, Pioneer of Modern Residential Development in Hyderabad’s Old City, Passes Away

Hyderabad, June 7: Syed Ali Akbar, a distinguished civil engineer, builder, philanthropist, and community leader whose vision transformed the residential landscape of Hyderabad’s Old City, passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of innovation, service, and generosity.

Born to the late Noor Mohammed, a respected school teacher, Ali Akbar pursued his engineering studies at Osmania University before beginning his career with the Roads and Buildings Department. During his tenure, he underwent specialized training in Chennai and played a pioneering role in laying Hyderabad’s first hot-mix Black Top (BT) road near the Public Gardens at Nampally.

His professional journey later took him to Iran, where he worked on several prestigious infrastructure projects, including the construction of a 151-kilometre road in Rafsanjan. Returning to Hyderabad in 1979, he embarked on a mission that would reshape the city’s residential architecture.

At a time when independent houses dominated the Old City, Ali Akbar introduced the concept of multi-storey residential living through the construction of Akber Towers, one of the region’s first residential apartment complexes.

The project’s success paved the way for a new era of urban housing development.He followed this achievement with Garden Towers, the first large-scale residential complex in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad featuring more than 300 flats along with commercial spaces.

His subsequent landmark developments included Akbar Plaza, a prominent commercial complex in Malakpet, and Akbar Enclave in Akber Bagh.Widely respected within the construction industry, Ali Akbar served as President of the Andhra Pradesh Builders Association.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was a highly regarded community leader who served three terms as President of Anjuman-e-Mahdavia. He also chaired the Reception Committee of the All India Majlis-e-Tameer-e-Millat’s Jalsa-e-Rahmatul lil Aalameen (PBUH).

Known for his humility and generosity, Ali Akbar quietly extended support to countless individuals, families, and businesses over several decades. His philanthropic work earned him admiration and affection across communities.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Zaibunnisa, a veteran gynaecologist and founder of Imtiyaz Hospital, Malakpet; his son, Syed Amer Akber, an engineer based in the United States; and his three daughters – Dr. Asra wife of Irfan , Dr. Asma, wife of noted cardiologist Dr. Syed Imamuddin, and Dr. Bushra, wife of Dr. Sabahat Haqqani.

With his passing, Hyderabad has lost not only a pioneering builder and engineer but also a visionary whose contributions helped shape the modern skyline of the Old City. His legacy will continue to stand tall in the structures he built and in the lives he touched.

The Namaz-e-Janazah of the late Janab Syed Ali Akbar will be offered on 7 June 2026, after Asr prayers at 5:30 PM at Masjid-e-Mohiuddinunnisa, Malakpet, Hyderabad. Following the funeral prayers, the Tadfeen (burial) will take place at the graveyard opposite Masjid Hazrat Umar Bin Khattab (RA), New Road, Chanchalguda, Hyderabad.

May Almighty Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and give strength and patience to his family and loved ones. Ameen.