Influence is defined as the capacity to have an effect on the character, development or behaviour of someone or something. On the world stage India’s influence has never been more visible than it is in its 65th year.
Timeline: The birth of a nation (.PDF 3MB)
The UAE is home to a series of influential Indians who have, in their own inimitable style, shaped the way we live, work and do business in this country. Whether these are big businessmen or wedding planners, banking professionals or sports stars, the individuals on our pages have woven a few threads of their own into the multicultural tapestry of the UAE, each bringing a little bit of India to the way things work here.
There were stories of struggle of two, three, sometimes even eight years. With the advantage of hindsight, they are now corporate lore, but for those now in the throes of personal struggles, sans foreknowledge, they are inspirational.
When we asked about their key influences, the answers varied, but most popular is His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. A top-ranking professional who worked closely with Shaikh Mohammad says he taught him that any idea is good only with reference to time.
In honouring some of the UAE’s most influential Indians, we pay tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Indian expat.
There are certainly many whose contributions are not listed here. In this special year of our annual celebration of India, we capped the list at 65. We hope as readers and as people on our pages, you will keep us updated on more. But for now, let’s celebrate The Influentials.
