Dubai: A new book on the lives of Indians “who made it big” in the UAE will hit leading bookstores next week, said publishers Xponent Media.
Pacesetters 2, a glossy 258-pager on the lives of 30 “successful” Indian expats, will retail for Dh350 per book.
The sizeable coffee-table hardcover includes snapshots of their lives, peppered with large portrait photos, milestones, and candid quotes.
Author Meraj Rizvi, a UAE-based journalist, said she hopes the book will inspire others to strive for success and community service.
It reads in an autobiographical style, featuring many well-known personalities, mainly businessmen, in addition to those who are not as famous – social workers and school staff.
The book follows Pacesetters, Rizvi’s earlier account of similar individuals in 2010.
During Wednesday night’s launch ceremony at Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Rizvi admitted it was no easy task to compile the 30 personalities, which appear in alphabetical order in the book.
“I don’t claim this to be a perfect selection of names. I’ve written this book from my own experience and perspective as a journalist and long-time UAE resident. These are stories that I felt needed to be told, stories that will inspire others,” she said.
The book was launched by Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Also present were guests of honour Mirza Al Sayeg, Director of the Office of the Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Indian ambassador to the UAE, M.K. Lokesh.
“The secret to Dubai’s success is (individuals like) them. To have a book record this for future generations, I think it’s something we need to encourage,” Al Sayeg said.
Lokesh also congratulated the Pacesetters 2 personalities and praised the historical Indo-UAE ties he said has benefited both countries commercially and culturally.
“Welcome to you and your wives, I know all of you have wives or else you wouldn’t have been successful,” Lokesh quipped.
“You’ve made our country proud and contributed to the success of Dubai.”
One of those featured in the book, Rajeev Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director, Country Club Group, said: “I’m honoured for the recognition of being featured in the second edition of Pacesetters… The Country Club Group is proud to serve the people of UAE (and) we remain committed to contribute towards further development and prosperity of this great nation.”
