Vish Narain : Investing With Vision, Leading With Purpose
By: Vish Narain, Managing Partner, Pulsar Capital
Shaktivel K , Co-Founder & CEO, Henox
The UAE, shaped by rapid transformation, has emerged as a global magnet for talent. Indian professionals have played a pivotal role in its digital and economic evolution, driving innovation and leadership across sectors. At the heart of this narrative is a new generation of visionary entrepreneurs who blend global expertise with deeply rooted values, creating ventures that are both resilient and future-ready.
Among them, Shaktivel K, Co-Founder & CEO of Henox, is setting new benchmarks in digital infrastructure. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Shaktivel’s journey is a compelling blend of discipline, innovation and strategic foresight. His legacy shaped by a Naval background and refined in global boardrooms began in 1999 at HCL, where he focused on technology and office automation before transitioning into network operations and managed services during the early rise of cloud computing.
Vish Narain : Investing With Vision, Leading With Purpose
By: Vish Narain, Managing Partner, Pulsar Capital
A Strong Bilateral Bond
By: Sujith Vasudevan, Managing Editor
Despite ongoing global inflation and the complexities posed by geopolitical tensions, Asia is actively undertaking structural economic reforms. Leading this transformative wave is the Arabian Peninsula, with the UAE at the fore front of shifting
The Due Diligence Divide: Where Startups Win or Lose Investor Trust
By: Priyanka Madnani, Founder & CEO, Terex Ventures
Priyanka has over ten years of experience as a startup advisor and pitch expert, both in India and on global platforms, assisting more than 10,000 startups in transforming their ideas into compelling
By: Abhishek R, Sr Director and Global Head - ESG, Brillio
Abhishek leads Brillio’s responsible business agenda as the Global Head of ESG and Managing Trustee of the Brillio Foundation. He actively contributes
By: Venkat Padmanabhan, Managing Director, Microsoft Research India
With over 26 years of professional experience, Venkat Padmanabhan, Managing Director, Microsoft Research India, has been part of the MSR India Lab
By: Turab Ur Rahaman, Director Operations, SAB Express
Turab Ur Rahaman, the Director of Operations at SAB Express, brings over thirty years of expertise in the package and freight delivery sector. He possesses
Top 10 Indian Leaders in UAE - 2025
Indian leaders in the UAE have emerged as influential catalysts of economic growth and change. They have transformed the commercial landscape of one of the globe's most dynamic economies, participating across various sectors, from finance, technology, real estate and hospitality to renewable energy – embodying both entrepreneurial insight and strategic vision.
These leaders also play a vital role in promoting and enhancing trade and investments between India and the UAE. Through joint ventures, cross border collaborations, and sustainable business approaches, they create economic opportunities with reciprocal benefits for both markets. Utilizing their networks to influence regulatory and institutional mechanisms, they act as growth agents while promoting knowledge sharing and innovation.
"By mentoring startups and supporting skills development, Indian leaders strengthen the professional ecosystem and future leadership"
In addition to expanding businesses, Indian leaders are also playing an active role in developing professional ecosystems in the UAE. They provide mentorship to startups, support skills development, and promote corporate social responsibility (CSR), which leads to a stronger and more vibrant business environment. They also help connect the Indian business community with the Emirati economic ecosystem. This connection builds bridges and trust between the two groups. Cultural and community engagement is another important facet of their contribution. They are engaged with initiatives that highlight Indian cultural festivals and forums that promote cultural understanding, which generate people-to-people connections and enhance the reputation of Indian businesses as socially responsible and globally responsive.
In summary, Indian leaders in the UAE demonstrate a balance between entrepreneurial focus, strategic vision, and social purpose. They are not only interested in profit but also in sustainable business growth, innovation, and building social connections between the two countries, and they serve as an example to the next generation of business leaders in the region.
CEO Insights in this issue presents a list of ‘Top 10 Indian Leaders in UAE - 2025', who have leveraged their extensive industry expertise and experience in offering effective skills to the market. The following list has been prepared after being closely scrutinized by a distinguished panel of judges including CXOs, analysts and our editorial board. We recognize their valuable contribution to the ever expanding and competitive market and their ability to sustain themselves and emerge as top contestants through their reliable knowledge.
Company Logo | Company Management | Company Name | Company Description |
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Akhil Sharma, CFO | Ras Al Khaimah International Airport | A finance professional with extensive experience in financial management, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance, adept at leading finance and accounting functions |
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Dr. Harish Tahiliani, Managing Director | Arab India Spices | He possesses professional experience in the processing and trading of pulses and splices within the industry; his areas of expertise include team management, talent development, project management, business analysis, and team management |
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Jai Mulani, CEO | IBT | He is known for driving business growth, scaling high-potential companies, and implementing innovative, tech-driven strategies across diverse geographies |
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Kabir Lumba,CEO - Landmark Retail | Landmark Group | He focuses on driving innovation in retail management, enhancing customer experience, and expanding the company’s presence across countries |
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Mahendra Kasula, Managing Director & Head - GTB Fintech Partnerships & Data Analytics | First Abu Dhabi Bank | An executive with over 24 years of global experience spanning banking, fintech, and management consulting, he brings expertise in corporate strategy, digital innovation, fintech alliances, and more |
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Sajeev Joseph,Managing Director | Holidays Tours | With experience in the travel and tourism industry, he focuses on strategic growth, enhancing customer experiences, and expanding the company’s presence across domestic and international markets |
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Shaktivel K , Co-Founder & CEO | Henox | With nearly three decades of global experience in IT, strategy, telecom, and infrastructure, he is known for pioneering edge ecosystems and leading sustainable digital transformation |
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Sriram Venkita, Group CFO | Sharjah Islamic Bank | A Chartered Accountant and banker with nearly 25 years of post-qualification experience, including wholesale and retail banking and years in business advisory and assurance practice |
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Varun Ahuja, Director - Sales & Marketing | W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island | With 16 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, he specializes in corporate, leisure, and group sales, strategic partner alliances, marketing, and public relations |
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Vish Narain , Managing Partner | Pulsar Capital | A leader with extensive experience across the US, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, he focuses on scaling high-potential companies through innovative, tech-driven strategies |
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