Gulf Madhyamam names Dr. Ravi Pillai for Indian Business Icon award
text_fields
Renowned industrialist and philanthropist Dr. Ravi Pillai has been selected for the Gulf Madhyamam Indian Business Icon Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to industrial growth and social development. The award will be presented during the seventh edition of Come On Kerala, scheduled to take place on May 11 at the Sharjah Expo Centre.
The prestigious event, held under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, will witness participation from several Indo-Arab dignitaries, including actor Mohanlal.
Dr. Pillai, Chairman of RP Group of Companies, is celebrated for building one of the largest Indian-owned business empires in the Middle East. From humble beginnings in a farmer’s family in Kerala, he began his Gulf journey in 1978 by founding Nasser S. Al Hajri Corporation (NSH) in Saudi Arabia. Today, his multinational group operates across sectors including oil and gas, construction, real estate, hospitality, education and information technology, employing over 100,000 people worldwide.
In addition to his business achievements, Dr. Pillai is widely respected for his philanthropic efforts. Through the Ravi Pillai Foundation, he has earmarked Rs. 525 crore to provide long-term scholarships for 1,500 financially disadvantaged students until the year 2075—20% of whom come from expatriate families.
Dr. Pillai's impact in shaping the economic infrastructure of the Gulf region has been significant, and his efforts have received global recognition. In 2023, he became the only foreign entrepreneur to be honoured with Bahrain’s First Class Efficiency Medal by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The Indian government has also recognised him with the Padma Shri and the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. He was named the fourth most powerful Indian in the Middle East by Arabian Business Magazine and has featured prominently in Forbes rankings.
Dr. Ravi Pillai’s journey stands as a symbol of vision, perseverance and service, making him a deserving recipient of this latest honour.