Recognizing its passion and contribution to the advancement of the Arab region, Forbes Middle East revealed its long-awaited list of the Top 100 Indian Leaders in the UAE at a ceremony hosted recently at The Oberoi, Dubai, Business Bay, the UAE.
Guests of honor at the event were Indian Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor, M.K. Lokesh, ambassador of India to the UAE, and Nasser bin Aqeel Al-Tayyar, president of Arab Publisher House, the publishers of Forbes Middle East.
In an event that was well attended by various leading figures operating in the private, public and government spheres, the evening was complemented by valued partners, including Bank Julius Baer, The Oberoi, Dubai, Meydan Sobha — developers of Mohammed bin Rashid City — District One, Institute of Management Technology, Dubai, Montegrappa, Colors, and Tarteeb Media.
Tharoor, who was the keynote speaker, said: “Given the historical links between the Middle East and India, and this region’s own unique location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, it gives me great pride to celebrate the remarkable contribution of Indians to the economic resurgence of the Middle East.”
Following the awards ceremony, Lokesh and Al-Tayyar revealed the latest issues of Forbes Middle East - Arabic and English - featuring the Top Indian Leaders in the UAE ranking amid applause.
Extending his support to this event, Rolf Schaerer, global market head India Subcontinent and NRI, Bank Julius Baer, said: “Julius Baer is pleased to be associated with Forbes Middle East as a preferred partner for this top Indian leaders in the UAE event. It reaffirms the bank’s leading position in the global wealth management industry and as the new reference point in private banking by allowing us to help promote global prosperity and best practices in leadership.”
Sharing his experience, The Oberoi, Dubai’s General Manager Karim Bizid, said: “With the opening of the Oberoi Group’s newest luxury five star hotel in the region — The Oberoi, Dubai, — we were delighted to partner with Forbes Middle East to host this very special evening of recognition. The Oberoi, Dubai offers discerning business and leisure travelers an oasis of tranquility with service, which is warm, caring and personalized. We are confident that The Oberoi, Dubai will add tangible value to the hospitality sector in the UAE. It is my personal invitation to all to visit us and have the Oberoi experience.”
The ranking is the result of in-depth research and analysis into Indian professionals residing and/or operating businesses in the UAE. While it is not always possible to make a distinction between devoted business owners and visionary business leaders — often one inspirational individual serves as both — this study has been divided into two categories: Business owners and C-level executives. Starting out with numerous companies and individuals meriting consideration, the final list comprises 100 top names.
A total of 75 business owners/founders is featured in the list. Those from the retail sector dominated, accounting for approximately 28 percent overall. Close behind were the industrial and real estate sectors, with 19 percent and 9 percent, respectively.
As for India’s leading C-level executives, a total of 25 skilled individuals made it onto the list: 20 chief executive officers and five chief financial officers. Individuals solely involved with government entities, social and cultural organizations and professional associations, have not been included on this occasion.
