The Kadoorie family is a prominent Baghdadi Jewish (Sephardi/Mizrahi) business dynasty that became influential first in Bombay (Mumbai), then Shanghai, and from the 20th century onward especially Hong Kong. 
Where they came from and how they rose
Originated as Jews from Baghdad (Iraq), with an early base in Bombay before expanding into East Asia. 
Sir Elly Kadoorie (1867–1944) is a central figure: he went from Bombay to Shanghai in 1880, initially working for David Sassoon & Sons, then built his own fortune and became deeply involved in major Hong Kong/Shanghai enterprises. 
What they’re known for in Hong Kong
The family became closely associated with major pillars of Hong Kong’s economy—most notably power/utility and hospitality via long-running family interests (often discussed through CLP (China Light & Power) and The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels group). 
Major philanthropic legacy
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) traces back to the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association (1951) founded by Lawrence and Horace Kadoorie, aimed at agricultural assistance and “helping people help themselves.” 
The family’s philanthropy extends beyond Hong Kong (e.g., support linked to Oxford-based medical/critical care initiatives via the Kadoorie Foundation is documented in overviews of family philanthropy). 
Key people (commonly referenced)
Sir Elly Kadoorie (businessman/philanthropist; Shanghai & Hong Kong). 
Lawrence Kadoorie, Baron Kadoorie (1899–1993) (industrialist/hotelier/philanthropist). 
Sir Horace Kadoorie (1902–1995) (major in postwar HK philanthropy; KFBG origins). 
Sir Michael Kadoorie (often cited as leading the family in the modern era). 
If you tell me what angle you want—(1) India/Bombay period, (2) Shanghai rivalry with the Sassoons, (3) Hong Kong businesses like CLP & Peninsula/HSH, or (4) philanthropy/KFBG—I’ll zoom in and give you a tighter, date-and-people timeline.
#TheKadoorieFamily