Syed Omar Bin Ali Aljunied, his full name Syed Sharif Omar bin Ali Aljunied, the patriarch of the Aljunieds now living in Singapore, was born in the year 1752, in Hadramaut, Yemen in 1792. was a wealthy Arab merchant from Palembang, where he had set up business after migrating from his hometown in Tarim, Hadramaut (Yemen). He was also a highly respected man, looked upon by the Malays as a prince. Syed Omar came from the well-respected Arab family who were descendants of Islamic prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. He was a nephew of Syed Mohammed bin Harun Al Junied, who also came from Palembang to Singapore in the early days before the founding of Singapore in 1819. He and his uncle, Syed Mohammed bin Harun Aljunied, are thought to be the first Arabs to come to Singapore. His background and childhood is not very well-known, however, it is known that his ancestors, the descendants of the Prophet Muhammed, established themselves as traders in Southeast Asia long before immigrating to Singapore.

Syed Omar bin Ali Aljunied was the first person in his family to leave Yemen, his birthplace, and travel to the east to spread the Muslim faith. When he arrived in Palembang, Sumatra, after a great deal of effort and perseverance, became a wealthy, succesful spice trader. Later, his fame spread, and he received the title “Pengeran Sherif “or "Prince" of the Malays. When Mr. Syed Omar died on 6 November 1852 in Singapore, he left behind five sons and several grandchildren. He was buried with his uncle Syed Mohammed at the Syed Omar Cemetery. A virtuous, honourable man, he remains well-known until today.