'Man from Dubai' achieves it all

On December 19, 1975, a 27-year-old man Surender Singh Kandhari made a tryst with destiny and arrived on an exploratory visit to Dubai.

He returned the next year to build his future in the emirate and, today, more than four decades later, the Chairman of Al Dobowi Group still calls Dubai his home.

The 'Man from Dubai'

A third-generation scion of his family business, Kandhari made up his mind to earn his fortune away from his home country, India. His first impression of Dubai was one of 'home' as there were 'lots of people from India' residing and working in the UAE.

Interestingly, when Kandhari went to Dubai Municipality (DM) to get his trade licence, he did not have a company name in mind. A DM official helped him and suggested the name 'Al Dobowi', which means 'the man from Dubai' in Arabic.

The company name, Kandhari admits, in a way defined his life and style.

Video Part 1

Early birds' advantage

Over time, the Al Dobowi Group grew and expanded and today it is a globally renowned systems and solutions provider for tyre management, power storage, industrial rubber, material handling and fluid management industries.

"Since I arrived in the UAE 40 years ago to start a business, we have developed a conglomerate of 17 companies while significantly contributing to the economies of the UAE and India.

"For one, our organisation provides livelihood to the families of more than 2,000 professionals on Al Dobowi Group’s payroll. Second, by manufacturing batteries in the UAE, the group reduces the UAE’s dependence on imported batteries.

"Al Dobowi’s industries support the UAE economy by providing job opportunities and increasing export earnings," he adds.

So, what motivated Kandhari to establish his business in Dubai?

Quick comes the response: "When we moved here, Dubai was just opening up as a trading hub. The boom had just begun and we had the advantage of being the early birds. There was freedom for business and the place was welcoming towards other cultures – making it a home away from home.

"UAE has the unparalleled geographical advantage and economic potential – making it a best place to set up a business," he adds.

However, Kandhari does not believe in slowing down or resting on his laurels. "I always say, if you stop to grow – you begin to die. I want Al Dobowi to grow to a billion-dollar group."

In fact, his success strategy is simple. "If you don’t cheat others and if you are true to yourself, you will be successful.

"We expect our people to maintain high ethical standards in everything they do, both in their work for the group and in their personal lives. Our assets are our people, capital, and reputation. If any of these is ever diminished, the last is the most difficult to restore."

Video Part 2

After having spearheaded the Al Dobowi Group to become a multi-million global company, Kandhari decided to follow his family’s tradition of leading the community’s efforts to build Gurudwaras (Sikh place of worship) in places where there are none. 

"When I was young, my grandfather told me to help build a Gurudwara when I grew up…  It had given me a sense of direction in life and I felt the fulfilment of my dreams and perhaps my destiny when we opened the doors to the world’s second largest Gurudwara in 2012 in Jebel Ali Dubai."

The Gurudwara welcomes everyone as guests, regardless of religion, nationality or race. 

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