From a background in the aviation industry, Kamal Puri realised a lifelong ambition to contribute towards the world of education when he launched the Skyline Institute in Kuwait. However, the Iraqi invasion in 1990 left him with no choice but to shift operations to Sharjah, where he now oversees one of the finest colleges in the northern emirates – the Skyline University College. In addition to offering courses, the institution also has articulation agreements with 68 other colleges around the globe, and now has 1,250 students on its books. Another philanthropist, Puri has also helped poorer students via scholarships, and a plan to set up a series of retirement homes is also well under way.