15 Most Successful Indian Billionaires in UAE Building Business Empires

Indian billionaires in UAE have reshaped the scene by creating powerful economic ecosystems that reach way beyond corporate boundaries. The Indian expatriate population will reach 4.36 million by late 2025. More than 90,000 Indian-owned companies operate throughout the UAE. Their influence on the region’s economic development cannot be denied.

Indian companies led the pack of non-Emirati businesses joining Dubai Chamber in Q1 2025. They added 4,543 new members, showing a 4.4% year-over-year growth. These numbers explain why top Indian billionaires in UAE command such respect in business circles. Indian businessmen in Dubai have built formidable enterprises that improve efficiency and boost employment across sectors – from real estate and finance to technology and retail.

Yes, it is clear that these ambitious entrepreneurs have created more than just profitable Indian companies in UAE. They’ve built detailed business ecosystems that contribute by a lot to economic diversification. Each of the richest Indians in UAE shares common traits despite their different paths to success: visionary leadership, state-of-the-art thinking, and steadfast dedication. This piece explores the remarkable achievements of 15 Indian business leaders who’ve left lasting legacies in the Emirates.

Atif Rahman – ORO24 Developments

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Atif Rahman ranks among UAE’s most influential Indian billionaires who shape Dubai’s skyline. His strategic vision in real estate development has made him stand out. As founder and chairman of ORO24 Developments, Rahman has built a strong presence in the emirate’s competitive property market through innovation and steadfast dedication to quality.

Atif Rahman business empire overview

ORO24 Developments started during the tough post-COVID period when Rahman chose to make use of his vast industry experience instead of investing his savings. The company began with “one table and a few plastic chairs” but has grown into a sophisticated operation. Its 25,000 sq ft headquarters now runs on artificial intelligence, ERP systems, and advanced cybersecurity infrastructure. ORO24’s portfolio now has more than 2,200 units across multiple projects, with new developments in the pipeline. The company delivers mid-segment quality assets that cater to human needs and lifestyle preferences as a boutique developer.

Atif Rahman key achievements

Rahman’s career highlights include Dhs11.5bn in total sales and 11,750 units sold. His groundbreaking “1%” payment plan transformed property financing in the UAE and made real estate investment available to more people. He designed and built over 5,000 units in Arjan—more than any other developer in that community. His sales network has grown to more than 3,500 agents, which shows his skill in creating effective distribution channels.

Atif Rahman industry impact

Rahman’s detailed analysis revealed an extraordinary 875% growth in Dubai’s real estate transaction values over two years compared to 2017-2020. He made real estate attractive through economies of scale, modular design, and value engineering—an approach that changed industry practices. While the market grows rapidly, Rahman expects a “market correction where the growth will plateau, then undergo a soft correction before continuing its upward trajectory”. This prediction shows his analytical insight.

Atif Rahman leadership philosophy

“Life has taught me the importance of doing business led by ethics, value systems and core competency,” Rahman says, which forms the basis of his leadership approach. His 20 years in the industry taught him to be resilient and scientific in every situation. Rahman’s leadership rests on five principles: careful planning, expanding core competency, controlled leveraging, healthy cash flow, and strong construction management. He believes that “we are builders of real estate where human life breathes and thrives,” which shows his dedication to creating developments that improve residents’ quality of life.

Pankaj Gupta – Gulf Islamic Investments

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Pankaj Gupta has become a central figure among Indian billionaires in UAE after co-founding Gulf Islamic Investments (GII). His 20-year experience in investment management and strategic approach across sectors has made him one of Dubai’s most skilled Indian businessmen in the financial world.

Pankaj Gupta business empire overview

Gupta and Mohammed Alhassan started Gulf Islamic Investments in 2014, which grew into a leading Shari’ah-compliant investment firm that manages assets worth over AED 16.52 billion. His career began at the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (2000-2004), where he handled multi-asset investment portfolios worth several billion dollars for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. He then created Union National Financial Consultancy (2004-2007) and managed investment portfolios of USD 2.5 billion.

Before GII, Gupta launched Allied Investment Partners in 2007 and managed a USD 5 billion debt advisory and syndication account for TDIC, which included the prestigious Louver Museum in Abu Dhabi. He created a private equity platform called SOUQ with AIP, IL&FS of India, and Emirates NBD Capital between 2012-2014.

Pankaj Gupta key achievements

GII’s investment portfolio has grown under Gupta’s guidance to include education, food production, healthcare, private credit and debt in the GCC, India, Germany, and the United States. The company invested in GEMS Education, the Gulf’s largest private school provider, marking their second deal with Brookfield this year.

Gupta also created Eureka! GCC, which became Asia’s largest business start-up competition. The 256 Network, an exclusive peer-built network of global alternatives market decision-makers, appointed him to chair their GCC Chapter in 2023.

Pankaj Gupta industry impact

Gupta’s disciplined investment approach has changed the regional venture capital landscape. “We are not captivated by talk about digital disruptions,” he explains. “The idea should be seen to deliver, say, in two years or so”. His investment strategy focuses on:

• The founder’s skill to build effective teams
• Business models that are sustainable from day one
• Practical innovation with measurable results

Gupta keeps expanding GII’s influence while remaining “eternally grateful to the UAE’s leadership for enabling and encouraging constructive innovation across the region”. His startup support goes beyond funding and creates “a proper support framework, with mentoring, creating cohorts, and more”.

Bal Krishen – Century Group

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Bal Krishen’s rise from a dealer to becoming a titan among Indian billionaires in UAE shows how he turned Century Group into a multifaceted business powerhouse. His remarkable trip reveals how clear strategic vision and authentic leadership create lasting effects in Dubai’s competitive scene.

Bal Krishen business empire overview

Krishen joined Century Financial in 1999 and systematically expanded the modest financial services company into a diverse enterprise. The business now covers investment services, wealth management, banking, insurance, real estate, technology, and logistics. His leadership led to founding several key entities including DIFC-domiciled Century Private Wealth, Century Bank Brokers, and Savington International Insurance Broker. His strategic expertise has made these companies key players in global markets, especially in UAE’s financial sector. Krishen showed exceptional skill in analyzing market trends and adjusting strategies. This approach has helped the group expand continuously.

Bal Krishen leadership philosophy

Krishen’s leadership centers on what he calls the “S3 Approach: Simple, Scalable, and Shaped for the Future” – a mindset that propels growth while preserving organizational essence. “Leadership is not about titles. It’s about action,” he emphasizes. He creates an environment where “innovation thrives when people feel safe to contribute.” His people-first approach builds on C.O.R.E. values: Culture that respects individuals as leaders-in-making, chance for growth, Recognition of both success and failure, and development through continuous improvement. This philosophy has made Century one of the best workplaces, showing Krishen’s dedication to creating “not just a successful enterprise but an enduring legacy.”

Bal Krishen philanthropy & social impact

Krishen actively supports initiatives that promote financial literacy and economic empowerment for underprivileged communities. His charitable work includes sustainability projects and educational opportunities for disadvantaged populations. As he often says, “Success is incomplete without giving back.” He then supports various NGOs and charitable initiatives that show his dedication to business excellence and societal wellbeing. His commitment to creating positive social effects matches his business approach – he focuses on long-term value creation rather than short-term gains.

Nilesh Khalkho – Sharaf DG

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Nilesh Khalkho stands as a revolutionary force in UAE’s electronics retail sector. He ranks among the prominent Indian billionaires in UAE through his leadership at Sharaf DG. His business experience shows how state-of-the-art retail concepts and analytical insights can create lasting effects in a competitive market.

Nilesh Khalkho business empire overview

Khalkho co-founded Sharaf DG in 2004 by bringing the “big box” concept to the UAE. He wanted to sell multiple electronics products under one roof. The company started with a modest 15,000 square foot store in Dubai. Now it has grown to 33 stores across the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. Khalkho’s time as CEO saw the company grow from a single-location retailer to a major regional powerhouse. The workforce now exceeds 2,700 employees from over 40 nationalities. His education background has a Post Graduate Diploma in Management and Marketing from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communications from the Birla Institute of Technology.

Nilesh Khalkho key achievements

Forbes Middle East ranked Khalkho among the Top 50 Indian Executives in the Arab World in 2017. His strategic thinking led to several breakthrough initiatives:

• Category-led selling with dedicated sales experts
• Dubai’s largest electronics store (100,000 sq ft) opened in 2007
• Online sales grew tenfold through omni-channel strategy
• Transparent online price comparison with competing retailers

His customer-focused approach made Sharaf DG a “lifestyle enabler” rather than just an electronics destination.

Nilesh Khalkho industry impact

Khalkho’s analytical management style changed retail operations completely. His team found only a 66% match between staffing levels and footfall after studying customer traffic patterns. They increased manpower availability to 90% by fixing this gap, which led to double-digit sales growth. Brand partners benefited from shared analytics without paying extra fees.

Khalkho believes trust builds the foundation of success at Sharaf DG. He says, “Trust is built through consistent service, innovation, and customer engagement”. His future strategy focuses on AI integration, regional e-commerce expansion, and better customer experience through analytics and automation.

Jayesh Patel – Wio Bank

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Jayesh Patel stands out among UAE’s Indian billionaires. His leadership at Wio Bank has brought groundbreaking digital banking solutions to the region. His strategic vision has made Wio one of the world’s fastest neobanks to become profitable while transforming financial services across the region.

Jayesh Patel business empire overview

Patel leads Abu Dhabi-based Wio Bank PJSC, the region’s first platform bank. The bank’s ownership includes Abu Dhabi Development Company (ADQ), Alpha Dhabi Holding, e& and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). Wio’s first year showed remarkable results with AED 266.4 million in revenue and AED 2 million in net profit. This is a big deal as it means that Wio ranks among the fastest neobanks worldwide to reach profitability. The bank’s customer deposits have grown beyond AED 11 billion, showing strong market confidence. Wio has got several awards including ‘MENA Digital Bank of the Year,’ ‘Best Neobank-UAE,’ and ‘Most Innovative Mobile Banking App-UAE’.

Jayesh Patel fintech innovation

Patel’s adaptable approach positions Wio as an intelligent financial partner through three main solutions:

• Digital banking applications
• Embedded finance capabilities
• Banking-as-a-service solutions

His 14-year fintech experience focuses on digitizing growth and simplifying banking. Before Wio, he played a vital role launching Liv. by Emirates NBD and developed its online finance ecosystem. He created solutions specifically for SMEs after spotting key market gaps. These include fully digital account opening, automated savings tools, multi-currency accounts, and multi-user access. His current focus expands credit solutions with an SME-focused credit card and “Quick Cash” service for quick fund access.

Jayesh Patel leadership philosophy

“Whatever you do, do it well. Build an ‘execution machine’ that consistently delivers results,” shows Patel’s leadership style. He believes success comes from perfect execution rather than just planning. His customer-focused approach developed during his time at companies like Deloitte and IBM. At Emirates NBD, he led the digitization of key customer services as Head of Retail Strategy. He ended up focusing his leadership on balancing present enjoyment with responsible future planning. “It’s crucial to have a clear view of your value proposition and build a profitable business around it,” he says, showing his practical business point of view.

Shyam Bhatia – Alam Steel Group

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Shyam Bhatia sailed to Dubai in 1965 and built one of UAE’s most enduring steel empires. His remarkable story combines sharp business sense with a deep love for cricket. This unique combination sets him apart from other Indian billionaires in UAE.

Shyam Bhatia business empire overview

Bhatia’s Alam Steel Group started as a small building materials trading firm in 1979. The company supplied steel, cement, and timber to UAE’s booming construction sector. The business grew into one of the region’s largest diversified building material companies. Bhatia made a strategic choice to focus solely on the steel industry in 2002. He set up a reinforcement bars process with 360,000 tons annual capacity five years later. Today, the company runs through five subsidiaries: Alam Steel, Alam Steel Trading (Abu Dhabi), Alam Steel Industries, and Alam Steel International. The company’s rebar factory at Dubai Investments Park produces 300,000 tons each year.

Shyam Bhatia legacy and growth

Alam Steel started with just two people and became crucial to UAE’s industrialization and modernization. Bhatia calls 2000 to 2008 his “golden period” – the company supplied steel to iconic projects like Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah Hotels. His business stands on five core values: Integrity, Service above self, Leadership, Persistence, and Discipline. The company now reaches across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indian Subcontinent as it aims to become global.

Shyam Bhatia philanthropy & cricket passion

Bhatia created the Cricket For Care Foundation in 2007. The foundation helps underprivileged children worldwide with cricket equipment, facilities, and coaching. He invested AED 3.67 million in this initiative. His foundation has reached more than 20 countries, including non-cricket nations like Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan. Dubai honored him with the ‘Sports Imprint Award’ for creating the world’s largest cricket museum. His cricket awards ceremony runs strong after 20 years and celebrates excellence in all aspects of cricket, including women’s cricket.

Ankur Aggarwal & Vivek Oberoi – BNW Developments

Bollywood actor Vivek Anand Oberoi and financial expert Ankur Aggarwal have built one of UAE’s fastest-growing luxury real estate companies. Their partnership shows how celebrity influence combined with business expertise can lead to exceptional success in competitive markets.

BNW Developments business overview

BNW Developments has grown quickly since its founding in 2021 to become a major player in luxury real estate. The company manages assets worth over AED 20 billion across residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. Based at Ubora Tower in Business Bay, BNW’s portfolio includes more than 600 units in four active projects—Aqua Arc, Pelagia, Aquino, and Elegancia. Aggarwal serves as chairman while Oberoi leads as Managing Director. They plan to launch about 14 projects by 2030. Their signature development, Aqua Arc, is a ₹2,300 Crore INR investment located opposite the upcoming Wynn Casino on Al Marjan Island.

Ankur & Vivek’s real estate innovation

The partners have built their luxury development approach on three key elements:

• Design philosophy: Projects blend ancient Indian Vastu principles with natural elements to create balance and well-being
• Technology integration: Modern construction methods and smart home systems improve property functionality and resident experience
• Brand collaborations: Mutually beneficial alliances with global hospitality brands like Taj Hotels add to project prestige

Aggarwal brings 17 years of accounting and finance expertise, while Oberoi contributes diverse entrepreneurial experience in fintech, edutech, and agritech.

BNW’s market impact

BNW has chosen Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah as its main focus. The location draws 1.5 million visitors each year. Properties here, just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, benefit from RAK’s expected 10% residential market growth in 2024. Luxury apartments in the area offer 6-8% returns (up to 12% short-term), better than Dubai’s 5% average. BNW designs communities that promote social connections through meditation spaces, children’s areas, and gathering spots.

Avinash Babur – InsuranceMarket.ae

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Avinash Babur has changed UAE’s insurance world with his digital insurance platform. This Indian businessman’s innovative approach has made him a standout figure in the industry. His role as founder and CEO of InsuranceMarket.ae shows how customer focus and clear vision can reshape traditional business models.

Avinash Babur business empire overview

Babur started InsuranceMarket.ae in 2010 to change how people buy insurance. His father’s insurance brokerage business gave him early insights into the industry’s challenges. He built UAE’s largest digital insurance platform that now helps over 200,000 policyholders. Entrepreneur Middle East named him among their Top 100 Entrepreneurs, making InsuranceMarket.ae a trusted name. He created Alfred, a brand mascot that became the face of trust and reliability in the company’s marketing.

Avinash Babur digital transformation

InsuranceMarket.ae took a digital-first path under Babur’s leadership. The company streamlined everything from choosing policies to handling claims. Their custom technology makes customer interactions smooth. The platform offers smart solutions like InstantAlfred—a virtual assistant that works round the clock—and myAlfred app that connects users to exclusive deals from over 100 UAE brands. AI and machine learning help match customers with insurance policies faster than traditional methods.

Avinash Babur customer-first approach

“Insurance should be simple, transparent, and completely customer-focused,” reflects Babur’s core belief. His platform lets customers make choices without pressure, following the “insurance your way” principle. The company backs its technology with real people—insurance advisors and claims managers ready to help anytime. Customers can easily compare quotes and get hassle-free service. Babur’s mix of digital tools and genuine care has created a business that puts customers first.

Sonia Gokhale – VentureSouq

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Sonia Gokhale stands out as one of the few female Indian business leaders who have made their mark in UAE’s investment world. Her remarkable combination of strategic thinking and mathematical precision has made her a powerful force in venture capital. Her professional experience shows how specialized knowledge and a global point of view create outstanding investment results.

Sonia Gokhale business empire overview

Gokhale teamed up with Sonia Weymuller, Tammer Qaddumi, and Suneel Gokhale to launch VentureSouq in 2013. The firm has grown into a major venture capital presence in the MENA region. The company’s asset management portfolio reached AED 917.99 million by December 2024. Before this venture, she worked as an Investment Professional in the Global Special Situations Group at Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC). Her role centered on venture capital and technology investments. Her strong foundation in mathematics—a BSc from the University of Toronto with majors in Actuarial Science and Statistics—gives her a distinct advantage in evaluating investments. VentureSouq’s portfolio now includes more than 90 startups, with notable names like Andela, Frontier Car Group, Onfido, What3Words, and Souqalmal.

Sonia Gokhale investment strategy

“Focus on fundamentals, the rest is smoke, mirrors, and hype,” reflects Gokhale’s investment philosophy. She bases her decisions on three key factors:

1. Businesses solving ground inefficiencies
2. Scalability to large markets
3. Products with healthy profit margins

Her career shows a consistent focus on commercial viability rather than passing trends. “We are looking for companies with strong margins and potential for exponential growth. We are swinging for the fences and are looking for that home run,” she explains. She stands apart from other investors by carefully reviewing how companies plan to spend their funding. She avoids businesses that might burn through cash without showing real growth.

Sonia Gokhale social impact

Gokhale does more than just invest capital—she helps build stronger investment ecosystems. Her partner notes her “mathematical mind” that sees the world through numbers and formulas. This trait complements VentureSouq’s leadership team’s diverse strengths. Her balanced point of view helps her spot opportunities others might miss, especially in emerging markets like Africa and India, which she finds “very promising because of their growth potential”. VentureSouq received AED 7.34 million in investments from Jordan’s Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund in June 2024. Under Gokhale’s guidance, the firm continues to expand its influence across multiple regions.

Rishi Kapoor – Investcorp

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Rishi Kapoor has built himself into a financial powerhouse among Indian billionaires in UAE. His 30-year legacy at Investcorp showcases his trailblazing investment leadership and steadfast dedication to green practices.

Rishi Kapoor business empire overview

Kapoor’s journey began when he moved from Citigroup to Investcorp in 1992. He climbed the corporate ladder step by step. His roles evolved from Chief Financial Officer (2003-2015) to Co-Chief Executive Officer until 2024. Today, he serves as Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer, leading the firm’s global investment operations. His strong educational foundation comes from a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Kapoor’s achievements got significant recognition. Forbes Middle East ranked him among the top 10 Indian executives in the region. Top CEO Middle East also named him one of the leading CEOs in the GCC.

Rishi Kapoor sustainability focus

“Growth that is both inclusive and sustainable,” shapes Kapoor’s vision for business and civilization’s future. Climate financing means allocating capital that delivers “a prudent, inclusive energy transition and drives innovation” to help consumers and businesses reduce their carbon footprints. His environmental leadership shines through his role on His Majesty King Charles’ Sustainable Markets Initiative. Investcorp wants to achieve net zero by 2050 under his guidance. Kapoor believes the firm’s support for portfolio companies to reduce emissions could create more meaningful impact.

Rishi Kapoor global investment strategy

Abu Dhabi, UAE, and the broader GCC region stand at the heart of energy transition. Kapoor states, “I can think of no other region in the world that is better suited to drive that adaptation and transition”. In spite of that, his vision reaches beyond regional limits. Investcorp creates “a new platform to invest capital in companies that are solely devoted to establishing and scaling up decarbonization solutions for consumers and corporates worldwide”. This strategy matches the firm’s values of integrity, performance, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and global point of view. Kapoor’s leadership has shaped Investcorp into an institution that wants to “invest for a stronger future” throughout its 42-year history.

Padma Kumar – Luxe Port

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Padma Kumar built a luxury fragrance empire from scratch and joined the ranks of Indian billionaires in UAE through his innovative fragrance distribution approach. His business sense and forward-thinking strategies made Luxe Port the life-blood of the luxury retail sector.

Padma Kumar business empire overview

Luxe Port started in 2018 and grew faster into UAE’s premier distributor of luxury fragrances. The company now employs over 150 staff members. Kumar leads the company to provide detailed go-to-market services that cover import, warehousing, logistics, marketing, and brand registration. He opened a state-of-the-art Dubai headquarters in early 2024. The opening featured a ceremonial time capsule sealed until 2029 that symbolizes his long-term vision.

Kumar started with EuroItalia brand distribution and expanded strategically into multiple luxury fragrance partnerships. His business relationship with EuroItalia started in 2005 and served as his “first stepping stone towards success”. Kumar showed his investment diversity in November 2023 when he invested around AED 66.09 million in India’s White Lotus Group to support luxury real estate projects.

Padma Kumar luxury market strategy

Kumar’s core approach focuses on accepting the “new-tech era” through marketing and communication strategies that work. This tech-forward mindset brought amazing results. Luxe Port became UAE’s first luxury fragrance distributor to receive Great Place to Work certification in 2023. H.H. Sheik Mana Bin Hasher Al Maktoum congratulated the achievement.

His market strategy focuses on three key elements:

• Building strong principal supplier partnerships
• Using state-of-the-art marketing techniques
• Treating his team as “family” to encourage excellence

Kumar managed to keep an entrepreneurial spirit that “embraces a multiplicity of viewpoints”. His vision now extends beyond UAE as he wants to establish Luxe Port as “the leading distribution house in UAE & the Middle East”. This vision positions his enterprise among notable Indian companies in UAE that reshape the luxury retail scene.

Himanshu Saini – Trèsind Studio

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Chef Himanshu Saini has redefined the boundaries of Indian cuisine in UAE through his revolutionary approach to fine dining. At 38, he has achieved what many chefs dream of throughout their careers. His influence as a culinary ambassador has put Indian gastronomy on the world map.

Himanshu Saini culinary empire

Saini’s career started under the guidance of Chef Manish Mehrotra at Delhi’s Indian Accent. He then started a mission to transform how people view Indian cuisine. This vision became reality with Trèsind Studio, which opened in 2018 as an experimental 20-seat concept within Trèsind restaurant. The intimate venue now sits at St. Regis Gardens on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. Here, Saini coordinates culinary performances from an open kitchen that celebrates India’s rich regional traditions. His career focuses on presenting cuisine from various Indian regions beyond the popular North Indian dishes. “That has become our challenge to promote Indian food in every sense touching the key areas of our cuisine and culture,” he explains.

Himanshu Saini global recognition

Trèsind Studio made history in 2025 as the first Indian restaurant to receive three Michelin stars. The restaurant ranks No. 11 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list. It won “The Art of Hospitality” award at the first Middle East and North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022. The Michelin Guide praises Saini’s “limitless levels of imagination and creativity”. They note how each ingredient maintains its natural flavor while spices are “measured with the utmost acuteness and subtlety”.

Himanshu Saini innovation in Indian cuisine

Saini’s philosophy combines traditional Indian flavors with state-of-the-art modern techniques. His 16-course tasting menu explores four regions of India—North, South, East and West. Each dish reimagines classics through innovative presentations. Saini takes pride in avoiding luxury clichés: “In my restaurant we have a simple philosophy where I would not use caviar, I would not use truffle, and there is no foie gras”. His steadfast dedication to authentic innovation includes growing ingredients in the restaurant’s rooftop garden. His signature creations like “Kebab Scarpetta,” draw inspiration from street food memories, while “Inspiration Sadhya” offers a fresh take on Kerala’s traditional feast.

Dileep Kumar – Heilbronn Properties

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A civil engineer and self-taught designer, Dileep Kumar stands out among Indian billionaires in UAE with his high-end property development company. His trip from modest roots to becoming a luxury real estate magnate shows how technical skills and clear vision can shape Dubai’s competitive property market.

Dileep Kumar business empire overview

Heilbronn started as a small engineering office on February 2, 2002, providing construction services to respected clients. Kumar carefully grew the company into a leading Dubai-based construction and property development enterprise that serves world-renowned clients. Heilbronn’s portfolio now includes projects all over Dubai, with 1.6 million square feet of luxurious residential towers set to finish by 2027. Kumar runs his business differently – Heilbronn uses no bank loans, which makes it unique in today’s market. His business philosophy focuses on keeping all stakeholders “happy and satisfied always”. Kumar’s 22-year expertise in civil and MEP construction has made Heilbronn a trusted name among VVIP clients inside and outside UAE.

Dileep Kumar luxury real estate projects

In the last 15 years, Kumar has built many high-end developments in prime locations like Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Golf Estate, and Palm Jumeirah. His designs have got widespread praise, and his luxury villas rank among the region’s most desired properties. Heilbronn now develops luxury apartments in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC). Four buildings under construction will become “one of the most luxurious contemporary apartments in JVC facing the park”. Kumar’s ambitions reach further with plans for ultra-luxury villas in two prime spots “mainly where the billionaires are residing”. At 36, Kumar’s passion for construction has made him a millionaire who owns luxury cars including a Lamborghini and Ferrari. He tells young entrepreneurs that client satisfaction builds lasting business success.

Sumeet Khutale – Lamaa Tech

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Sumeet Khutale, an Indian businessman in UAE, has revolutionized the fintech world through his startup Lamaa. His company helps small businesses in the Middle East get much-needed funding.

Sumeet Khutale business empire overview

Khutale moved from London to Riyadh with rich experience in Investment Banking Technology and Cloud banking from global consulting firms like Barclays Capital and JP Morgan. He started Lamaa in early 2021. The company quickly raised AED 20.20 million in one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest seed funding rounds. Raed Ventures and Saudi Aramco’s entrepreneurship arm, Wa’ed, co-led this investment. Lamaa supports Saudi Vision 2030’s aim to boost SME contribution to 35% of GDP. The company helps smaller businesses that struggle to get credit risk ratings due to their size. The company has grown rapidly and serves over 100 corporate clients. They expect to process invoices worth more than AED 3.67 billion through their marketplace.

Sumeet Khutale fintech innovation

Khutale built his business on two breakthrough financial products. His first product helps suppliers manage their working capital better through supply chain finance solutions. His second innovation brought the region’s first B2B Buy Now Pay Later service, which gives businesses more payment options. He uses financial technology to create what he calls “win-win scenarios in almost every transaction”. With these innovations, he plans to grow Lamaa into “a major regional provider of SME liquidity enabling SME growth”.

Sumeet Khutale SME empowerment

SMEs make up 30% of the MENA region’s AED 11.02 trillion GDP. Khutale saw this potential and built Lamaa to serve these underserved businesses. In Saudi Arabia, SMEs generate 22% of the country’s AED 2570.36 billion GDP. Khutale shares three key pieces of advice with entrepreneurs:

• Make an impact: “Be bold and focus on creating a wider, all-inclusive social impact, which aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030”
• Hire local talent: “Leverage the excellent local talent available in Saudi Arabia”
• Ask for help: “Regulators and fintech support groups, including venture capital firms, are extremely helpful”

Comparison Table

Name & Company	Industry/Sector	Key Business Achievements	Notable Recognition/Awards	Business Focus/Strategy
Atif Rahman – ORO24 Developments	Real Estate	– Dhs11.5bn in total sales – 11,750 units sold – Portfolio of 2,200+ units	Not mentioned	Five principles: careful planning, expanding expertise, controlled leveraging, healthy cash flow, strong construction management
Pankaj Gupta – Gulf Islamic Investments	Investment Management	– Manages assets worth AED 16.52 billion – Completed investment in GEMS Education	Chair of GCC Chapter of 256 Network	Focus on founder capability, green business models, and practical innovation
Bal Krishen – Century Group	Financial Services	Expanded from financial services to wealth management, banking, insurance, real estate, technology	Best workplace recognition	S3 Approach: Simple, Adaptable, and Ready for the Future
Nilesh Khalkho – Sharaf DG	Electronics Retail	– Expanded to 33 stores across UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman – 2,700+ employees	Top 50 Indian Executives in Arab World (Forbes 2017)	Evidence-based management and customer-focused approach
Jayesh Patel – Wio Bank	Digital Banking	– AED 266.4M revenue in first year – AED 11B+ in customer deposits	MENA Digital Bank of the Year, Best Neobank-UAE	Digital banking innovation through three main solutions: digital banking, embedded finance, banking-as-a-service
Shyam Bhatia – Alam Steel Group	Steel Manufacturing	– 360,000 tons annual capacity – Supplied steel for Burj Khalifa	Sports Imprint Award	Five core values: Integrity, Service above self, Leadership, Persistence, Discipline
Ankur Aggarwal & Vivek Oberoi – BNW Developments	Real Estate	– AED 20B in managed assets – 600+ units across 4 projects	Not mentioned	Luxury development with Vastu principles and tech integration
Avinash Babur – InsuranceMarket.ae	Insurance	Serving 200,000+ policyholders	Top 100 Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneur Middle East	Digital-first approach with customer at the center
Sonia Gokhale – VentureSouq	Venture Capital	– Manages AED 917.99M in assets – Portfolio of 90+ startups	Not mentioned	Focus on fundamentals and businesses solving real-life inefficiencies
Rishi Kapoor – Investcorp	Investment Management	Led firm’s global investment operations	Top 10 Indian executives by Forbes Middle East	Green and inclusive growth focus
Padma Kumar – Luxe Port	Luxury Retail	150+ staff members, premier fragrance distributor	UAE’s first luxury fragrance distributor with Great Place to Work certification	Tech-driven luxury distribution strategy
Himanshu Saini – Trèsind Studio	Fine Dining	First Indian restaurant to receive 3 Michelin stars	Ranked #11 on World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024	Modern take on traditional Indian cuisine
Dileep Kumar – Heilbronn Properties	Real Estate Development	1.6M sq ft of residential projects by 2027	Not mentioned	Self-funded development model focusing on luxury properties
Sumeet Khutale – Lamaa Tech	Fintech	AED 20.20M seed funding, 100+ corporate clients	Not mentioned	SME-focused financial solutions and B2B Buy Now Pay Later services

Fifteen remarkable Indian billionaires represent extraordinary business skills in UAE sectors of all types. These entrepreneurs have turned challenges into growth opportunities through visionary leadership and steadfast dedication. Their combined influence has altered the economic map of Emirates beyond individual achievements.

These business leaders share several defining traits while operating in a variety of industries. Customer-centricity serves as the life-blood of their business philosophies. Avinash Babur’s insurance simplification efforts and Jayesh Patel’s digital banking breakthroughs put customer needs first in their strategic decisions. Most of them show remarkable adaptability and update their business models to adopt technological advances and market changes.

Strategic breakthroughs unite these successful entrepreneurs. Atif Rahman changed property financing with his “1%” payment plan. Sumeet Khutale created the region’s first B2B Buy Now Pay Later service. Such groundbreaking approaches have lifted entire industry standards in the UAE.

These Indian business leaders’ vital contributions line up with UAE’s vision to diversify its economy. Their companies create thousands of jobs, draw major foreign investment, and boost the country’s status as a global business hub. Without doubt, their expansion plans will deepen economic bonds between India and the UAE for generations.

Social responsibility stands out in many of these success stories. Shyam Bhatia’s Cricket For Care Foundation has given equipment to over 20 countries. Rishi Kapoor champions green business practices through his leadership at Investcorp. These efforts show how business success and social good work together.

These Indian billionaires’ achievements offer valuable lessons to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. Their trips prove that whatever your starting point, mixing expertise with clear vision and relentless execution creates paths to extraordinary success. They show how immigrant entrepreneurs thrive while making lasting contributions to their adopted homeland.