Kerala Man Builds Vast Dubai Business Empire After Arriving with Just a Lungi

MV Kunhu Mohamed built a massive business empire in Dubai. He started his journey from Kerala with nothing. His story is one of incredible determination and hard work.

He arrived in the UAE in 1967 when the nation was still forming. Mohamed began his new life working as an assistant to a plumber. His conglomerate, Jaleel Holdings, now employs 1,700 people.

A Perilous Journey to a New Life

Kunhu Mohamed left his hometown in Kerala at just 22 years old. He had no passport and very little money. His journey to the Gulf was long and difficult.

He traveled on a wooden dhow named Khwaja Moideen. The trip to Oman took forty days. According to his interview with Khaleej Times, they relied only on the wind and faith.

When the boat anchored offshore, he jumped into the sea. His only clothes, a lungi and shirt, were soaked. He had to wring them dry and put them back on. From Oman, he walked for hours to reach the UAE.

From Humble Jobs to a Royal Connection

His first job as a plumber’s assistant lasted only a week. His hands sweat too much to grip the tools. His employer paid him for twenty days of work anyway.

He never refused any work that came his way. He milked cows, cleaned utensils, and made fish baskets. His initiative, like washing his employer’s car without being asked, led to a raise.

A friend later introduced him to Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. Mohamed became a driver in the Sheikh’s household. He worked there for four years, learning the values of trust and responsibility.

Building an Empire on Honesty and Hard Work

In 1972, he officially registered his company as Jaleel Traders. The Sheikh helped him financially when he had no money. Mohamed says he never forgot that trust.

The company grew from a small foodstuff trader into a major distributor. It now serves retail, restaurant, and hotel sectors across the region. His leadership transformed a modest shop into a conglomerate.

He has one unwavering rule. He never delays a worker’s salary. “Give the worker his wage before his sweat dries,” he says. That principle has guided his entire business life.

The story of MV Kunhu Mohamed proves that integrity and hard work can build a legacy. His Dubai business empire stands as a monument to his journey. It all started with a single, daring leap into the sea.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the name of MV Kunhu Mohamed’s company?

His company was first registered as Jaleel Traders. It was later renamed Jaleel Holdings. The firm is a major distributor of fresh produce and consumer goods.

How did MV Kunhu Mohamed start his business?

He started with the trust and support of Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. He began with small, honest trading. His accounts were always correct, which allowed him to expand steadily.

How many people does Jaleel Holdings employ today?

The company currently employs 1,700 people. It has grown into a significant conglomerate. The firm operates in retail and hospitality supply sectors.

What was his journey from Kerala to Dubai like?

He traveled on a wooden dhow without an engine for forty days. He jumped into the sea upon arrival with only a lungi and shirt. He then walked for hours from the Oman-UAE border.

What is one business principle he never breaks?

He never delays the salary of a worker. He lives by the principle of paying wages promptly. This commitment has been a cornerstone of his business ethics.

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