From Lungi to Legacy: Kerala Man Builds Vast Dubai Business Empire

A Kerala man’s incredible journey from arriving in the UAE with just a lungi to building a multi-million dollar business empire is capturing global attention. MV Kunhu Mohamed, now 79, founded Jaleel Holdings, a major conglomerate employing 1,700 people. His story, recently shared with Khaleej Times, is a powerful testament to resilience and ambition.

He arrived in 1967 after a perilous 40-day sea voyage on a wooden dhow. The nation was just beginning to form, a landscape of opportunity waiting to be shaped.

A Perilous Journey to a Land of Opportunity

Kunhu Mohamed left his hometown without a passport or money. He traveled on a dhow named Khwaja Moideen, relying solely on the wind. “It took us forty days to reach next to Dibba Al Baya in Oman,” he recalled.

He recounted jumping into the sea upon arrival, his only clothes soaked. He had to wring them dry before continuing his trek. The group walked for hours to Khorfakkan, driven by the belief that this was the land of opportunity.

He finally reached Sharjah by climbing onto a watermelon truck. The UAE was vastly different then. People back home believed there was “gold underneath” the desert, a treasure he was determined to find.

Building an Empire Through Hard Work and Honesty

His first job was as a plumber’s assistant, but it lasted only a week due to his sweaty hands. He was paid 100 Qatar Dubai Rial, his first salary. He never refused work, later taking jobs milking cows and cleaning utensils.

A pivotal moment came when he cleaned his employer’s car without being asked. This initiative earned him a raise and a valuable lesson. His dedication was always noticed, a trait that defined his career.

He later became a driver for Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. This position taught him about trust and responsibility. “My accounts were always correct, so I was allowed to trade more. That’s how my business started,” he told Khaleej Times.

The Birth and Growth of Jaleel Holdings

He officially registered his company as Jaleel Traders in 1972. The Sheikh helped him financially in the beginning, an act of trust he never forgot. The firm grew from a small foodstuff trader into a major distributor for retail and hospitality sectors.

The company now employs thousands and stands as a monument to his hard work. He attributes his success to a core principle. He never delays worker salaries, believing they should be paid “before his sweat dries.”

At 79, he still visits his office daily to meet his people. He divides his time between India and Dubai, practicing yoga and reflection. Looking at the modern skyline, he remembers the old dirt roads and how far he, and the country, have come.

His story proves that vast business empires can be built from the humblest beginnings. MV Kunhu Mohamed’s legacy is one of unwavering determination and integrity, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs.

Thought you’d like to know

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

His company is named Jaleel Holdings. It started as Jaleel Traders in 1972. The firm is a major distributor in the UAE’s retail and hospitality sectors.

How did MV Kunhu Mohamed start his business?

He began trading while working as a driver for a royal family. His reputation for honesty allowed him to start small-scale trading. The then-ruler of Ras Al-Khaimah provided crucial financial help to establish his company.

How many people does Jaleel Holdings employ?

The conglomerate now employs 1,700 people. It has grown significantly from its origins as a small trading shop. The company is a major player in the UAE’s business landscape.

What was his first job in Dubai?

His first job was as an assistant to a plumber. It lasted only a week because he struggled to grip the tools. He was nevertheless paid for twenty days of work, which became his first salary.

What principle does he follow regarding employees?

He firmly believes in never delaying a worker’s salary. His guiding principle is to “give the worker his wage before his sweat dries.” This philosophy has been a cornerstone of his business ethics.