Top 10 Indian Entrepreneurs in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a major hub for business and entrepreneurship, attracting talent from around the world. Among the many successful entrepreneurs in the country are those of Indian origin, who have made significant contributions to the UAE’s economy and society. From retail to real estate, hospitality to healthcare, Indian entrepreneurs in UAE have established thriving businesses in a range of sectors. In this article, we will highlight the top 10 Indian entrepreneurs in the UAE who have made a mark in their respective industries and continue to inspire others with their success stories.

List of Top 10 Indian Entrepreneurs in the UAE

Yusuffali MA – Managing Director of LuLu Group International

As the Managing Director of LuLu Group International, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the retail landscape in the region. With over 193 stores across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, the LuLu Group is one of the largest and fastest-growing retail conglomerates in the world.

Under Yusuffali’s leadership, LuLu Group has expanded its portfolio of products and services to include hypermarkets, supermarkets, department stores, and e-commerce platforms. The company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service has earned it a reputation as a trusted and reliable brand.

Yusuffali’s passion for the retail industry began at a young age when he started working at his family’s textile business in Kerala, India. After moving to the UAE in the 1970s, he established himself as a successful entrepreneur in the retail sector, building a network of stores across the region.

Over the years, Yusuffali has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the retail industry. In 2018, he was named the Retail Personality of the Year at the RetailME Awards, in recognition of his leadership and vision in the industry.

Micky Jagtiani – Chairman of Landmark Group

Micky Jagtiani is one of the prominent Indian entrepreneurs in Dubai in the retail industry in the UAE, known for his entrepreneurial acumen and vision. As the Chairman of Landmark Group, one of the largest retail conglomerates in the region, he has built a diversified portfolio of brands and businesses that cater to a wide range of customers.

Micky’s journey in the retail industry began in the 1970s when he started importing and exporting textiles from Bahrain. He later moved to the UAE and established a small shop selling baby clothes, which eventually grew into the Landmark Group.

Micky’s entrepreneurial success has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the Forbes Middle East Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. He is known for his customer-centric approach and his focus on providing high-quality products at affordable prices.

Beyond his business pursuits, Micky is also involved in philanthropic activities through the Landmark Group’s charitable foundation, the Landmark Group Foundation. The foundation supports various initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development across the UAE and beyond.

Dr. BR Shetty – Managing Director, CEO, and Founder of UAE Exchange/NMC Health Care

Dr. BR Shetty is one of the Indian entrepreneurs in the UAE, renowned for his support of the healthcare and financial sectors. As the Managing Director, CEO, and Founder of UAE Exchange and NMC Health Care, he has played a vital role in transforming these industries in the region.

UAE Exchange, which was founded by Dr. Shetty in 1980, is one of the largest remittance and foreign exchange companies in the world, with a presence in over 30 countries. NMC Health Care, which he founded in 1975, is a leading provider of healthcare services in the UAE and beyond.

Dr. Shetty’s entrepreneurial journey began in the UAE in the 1970s when he started working as a pharmacist. He later established his own chain of pharmacies, which eventually led to the founding of NMC Health Care. Over the years, he has also diversified his business interests to include hospitality, education, and real estate.

Dr. Shetty’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards. He is also known for his philanthropic activities, with a particular focus on healthcare and education.

PNC Menon – Chairman of Sobha Group

PNC Menon is a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist in our Indian entrepreneur’s list, known for his contributions to the real estate industry. As the Chairman of the Sobha Group, he has played a vital role in transforming the real estate landscape in the UAE and beyond.

The Sobha Group is a leading developer of luxury residential and commercial properties, with a strong focus on quality and innovation. The company’s projects are known for their world-class amenities, attention to detail, and sustainable design.

PNC Menon’s journey in the real estate industry began in Oman in the 1970s, where he established a small interior decoration business. He later expanded his business to the UAE, where he founded the Sobha Group. Over the years, the company has grown to become one of the most respected and trusted names in the real estate industry.

Outside his business plans, PNC Menon is also involved in philanthropic activities through the PNC Menon Foundation, which supports various initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development. His commitment to making a positive impact in his community and beyond is an inspiration to others, and his legacy continues to grow with each new project and initiative.

Sunny Varkey – Chairman of GEMS Education

Sunny Varkey is one of the well-known Indian entrepreneurs in UAE, known for his contributions to the education sector. As the Chairman of GEMS Education, he has played a vital role in transforming the education landscape in the UAE and beyond.

GEMS Education is the largest K-12 education provider in the world, with a network of over 250 schools in 13 countries. The company’s schools are known for their high-quality education, innovative teaching methods, and world-class facilities.

Sunny Varkey’s journey in the education sector began in the UAE, where he established his first school in 1980. Over the years, he has expanded his business to include schools in other countries, such as the UK, the US, and India. He is known for his commitment to providing affordable, high-quality education to children from all backgrounds.

Sunny Varkey is also a strong advocate for education reform and innovation. He is a regular speaker at international conferences on education and has worked closely with governments and educational institutions around the world to improve access to quality education.

Dr. Azad Moopen – Chairman of DM Group

Dr. Azad Moopen is a highly respected entrepreneur and philanthropist in the UAE, known for his grants to the healthcare industry. As the Chairman of DM Group, he has played a vital role in transforming the healthcare landscape in the UAE and beyond.

DM Group is a leading provider of healthcare services, with a network of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in several countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and India. The company’s services are known for their high-quality care, innovative technologies, and patient-centric approach.

Dr. Azad Moopen’s journey in the healthcare industry began in the UAE, where he established his first clinic in 1987. Over the years, he has expanded his business to include hospitals and clinics in other countries, becoming one of the most respected and trusted names in the healthcare industry.

Dr. Azad Moopen is known for his commitment to quality, innovation, and patient care. He is also a strong advocate for healthcare reform and access to affordable healthcare for all. His dedication to excellence has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Indian government.

Rizwan Sajan – Chairman of Danube Group

Rizwan Sajan is one of the Indian entrepreneurs in Dubai, popular for his support of the construction and retail industries. As the Chairman of the Danube Group, he has played a crucial part in transforming the construction and building materials market in the UAE and beyond.

Rizwan Sajan’s journey in the construction industry began in the UAE, where he started his first business as a small building materials supplier. Over the years, he has expanded his business to include various other construction-related activities, including property development and interior design.

Rizwan Sajan is known for his commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service. He is also a strong advocate for sustainable construction practices and has introduced several eco-friendly products and solutions to the market. His dedication to excellence has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious “Indian Business Leader of the Year” award.

Above his business plans, Rizwan Sajan is also involved in philanthropic activities through the Danube Welfare Center, which supports various initiatives in healthcare, education, and community development. His commitment to making a positive impact in his community and beyond is an inspiration to others, and his legacy continues to grow with each new store and initiative.

Syed Salahuddin – Managing Director of ETA Ascon & Star Group

Syed Salahuddin is one of the best Indian entrepreneurs famous in the construction and engineering industries through his leadership at ETA Ascon & Star Group, he has also made significant contributions to the real estate industry in the UAE.

Under his guidance, ETA Ascon & Star Group has undertaken several large-scale real estate development projects in the UAE, including the construction of residential towers, hotels, and commercial buildings. The company’s projects are known for their high quality, innovative design, and sustainability.

Syed Salahuddin’s commitment to excellence and innovation has helped ETA Ascon & Star Group become a trusted name in the real estate industry in the UAE. His vision and leadership have helped the company expand its portfolio of projects and establish a strong reputation for delivering quality real estate solutions.

Outside his business purposes, Syed Salahuddin is also involved in philanthropic activities through the ETA Ascon & Star Group Foundation, which supports various initiatives in healthcare, education, and community development. His dedication to making a positive impact in his community and beyond is an inspiration to others, and his legacy continues to grow with each new project and initiative.

Rajen Kilachand – Chairman & President of Dodsal Group

RajenKilachand is one of the Indian entrepreneurs in UAE, known for his assistance to the energy and infrastructure industries. As the Chairman and President of the Dodsal Group, he has played a vital role in the growth and expansion of the company, which has operations in over 22 countries around the world.

The Dodsal Group, founded in 1948, is a leading provider of engineering, procurement, and construction services in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The company’s services cover a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, power, water, and transportation.

Under RajenKilachand’s leadership, the Dodsal Group has undertaken several high-profile projects, including the construction of pipelines, refineries, and power plants. The company’s projects are known for their high quality, safety, and timely delivery.

Beyond his business goals, RajenKilachand is also involved in philanthropic activities through the Kilachand Foundation, which supports various initiatives in healthcare, education, and community development. His dedication to making a positive impact in his community and beyond is an inspiration to others, and his legacy continues to grow with each new project and initiative undertaken by the Dodsal Group.

Mohan Valrani – Sr. Vice Chairman & MD of Al Shirawi Group

Mohan Valrani is one of the prominent Indian entrepreneurs in Dubai and the Senior Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Al Shirawi Group, an industrial conglomerate based in Dubai. The Al Shirawi Group was founded in 1971 and has since grown to become one of the leading business groups in the UAE, with interests in various sectors including manufacturing, engineering, trading, and services.

Mohan Valrani has been associated with the Al Shirawi Group since its inception and has played a key role in its growth and diversification over the years. He has also been instrumental in developing the group’s corporate strategy and driving its expansion into new markets and industries.

Apart from his role at the Al Shirawi Group, Mohan Valrani is also involved in various other business and philanthropic activities. He is a member of the Dubai Economic Council, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Indian Business and Professional Council. He is also a trustee of the Indian High School in Dubai and a board member of the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

Mohan Valrani has been recognized for his support in the business community and has received several awards and honors over the years, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Asian Business Leadership Forum and the Businessman of the Year Award from the Gulf Indian Business Council.

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