Gulf News and Gray Matter unveil Legends 50 edition

Gulf News, in association with Gray Matter, has launched Legends 50, a commemorative publication documenting the journeys of Indian business leaders and professionals who have built successful enterprises across the Middle East and Africa, with a strong focus on the UAE. The book follows the Super 100 series and profiles over 50 first-generation founders whose work has contributed to the region’s economic and social development.

As the UAE and wider Middle East continue to evolve as global business centres, Legends 50 records the stories of individuals who arrived in the region with limited resources and went on to establish companies that generate employment, support communities and operate across borders. The publication places these personal journeys within the broader context of regional growth and long-term collaboration between India and the Gulf.

The project brings together Gray Matter’s experience in corporate publishing with Gulf News’ long-standing role as a regional media platform. This collaboration allows the book to reach audiences both in print and digitally, ensuring that the stories documented are accessible to readers across the region and beyond. 

Biju Ninan, Founder and Editor, Gray Matter, describes the publication as the result of nearly two decades of observing the rise of Indian entrepreneurship in the region. “For nearly two decades, I have had the privilege of witnessing the rise of Indian business leaders in the region. Legends 50 is more than a book to me; it is a testament to the spirit of collaboration and grit that defines our community,” he writes. He notes that many of the leaders featured began as first-generation founders and expresses hope that their experiences will inform and guide future entrepreneurs.

David George, Director – GN Media, Creative Content & Design, highlights the regional relevance of the book, stating: “Legends 50 honours business leaders whose contributions across the UAE and Middle East have shaped industries, strengthened communities and reinforced the region’s reputation as a global centre for enterprise.”

The publication also includes a foreword by Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, who describes the book as a tribute to the UAE’s inspiring business figures and acknowledges the role these leaders played in shaping the region’s economic and social landscape.

Several contributors reflect on the UAE’s role in supporting long-term business growth. Rizwan Sajan notes that the country has functioned not only as a market but as a consistent partner in enterprise building, supported by clear governance and long-term vision. Dr P Mohamed Ali views the collection as a reflection of the enduring relationship between nations, shaped by shared economic interests and a responsibility to serve communities. PNC Menon highlights how the UAE’s leadership has created an environment where innovation, sustainability and quality standards are closely aligned, influencing focus on precision and integrity.

As Legends 50 reaches readers across the UAE, it serves as a record of a specific period in the region’s business history. It ensures entrepreneurial achievements are documented over time, recognising those who contributed to the region’s transformation while being supported by favourable government policy. For business leaders, aspiring entrepreneurs and general readers, Legends 50 offers insight into what can be achieved when vision and opportunity intersect.

The Legends 50 book is published and circulated by Gulf News Commercial Publishing and produced by Gray Matter.  

• Abdul Latheef Uppala

• Ajay Sethi

• Dr Ali Asgar Fakhruddin

• Dr Anand Menon

• Dr Alexander Thomas

• Alisha Moopen

• Asgar Shakoor Patel

• Dr Davis Kallukaran

• Deepak Arora

• Dr Dhananjay Datar

• Geeta Chhabra

• Dr Geevarghese Yohannan

• Girish Kumarsingh Bhowan

• Harwant Singh Sahni

• VA Hassan

• Hussein Adam Ali

• Jacky Panjabi

• James Mathew

• Johnson Thomas

• Dr Joy Alukkas

• KA Kalandoor

• Lalu Samuel

• MC Mani

• PNC Menon

• Dr P Mohamed Ali

• Mohamed Ameen

• Mohammad Mansoor

• PV Moidu

• K Muraleedharan

• Mustafa O Vazayil

• Naresh Bhawnani

• Neelesh Bhatnagar

• Paras Shahdadpuri

• Dr Rajesh Kumar Agarwal

• Raju Menon

• Rizwan Sajan

• Dr CJ Roy

• Roxana Jaffer

• RRS International Developments

• Santosh Varghese

• CA Sebastian Joseph

• Sejal Nagjee

• Shaji Ul Mulk

• Dr Siddeek Ahmed

• Sir Sohan Roy SK

• Sunny Kulathakal

• Dr Surender Singh Kandhari

• Suresh Kumar

• Dr Thumbay Moideen

• Ved Sharan Chhabra

• Zarina Baig