Paras Shahdadpuri served as an Indian Foreign Services diplomat in China, the US, Saudi Arabia and Libya before quitting his diplomatic career and starting a business in the UK in 1987. After falling in love with Dubai during a chance visit on his way to London, he relocated to the emirate to set up his business. Now a resident of 34 years, he is chairman of Nikai Group, which has interests in electronics, appliances, food products, staffing outsourcing and restaurants, with offices in countries including the UAE, Oman, China, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Georgia and Russia, a workforce of around 5,000 and turnover of over Dh1 billion.
Shahdadpuri founded the Nikai brand – named a Superbrand in 2011, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021 – and built it into a formidable electronics name with more than 400 products that compete with major Japanese and Korean brands. Nikai is exported to 60 countries, with a satisfied customer base of over 65 million.
With a view to giving back to the community, Shahdadpuri has taken keen interest in developing India-UAE business relations. The Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) – a Dubai authorities-recognised body that aims to grow India-UAE economic, investment and trade relations – elected him president from 2009 to 2011 and 2013 to 2015. Under his guidance, the IBPC has helped the UAE become one of India’s biggest trading partners.
He has also led as president of the Business Leaders Forum (BLF), comprising select high-net-worth Indian, Emirati and international businesspeople based in the UAE and abroad. BLF supports large-scale investments in India and the UAE and helps entrepreneurs set up their ventures between the two countries and beyond.
Shahdadpuri’s invaluable involvement and contribution to the development and growth of the UAE Billiards and Snooker Association saw him appointed an honorary board member by Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum.
He was awarded the prestigious Bharat Shiromani Award in 2005 by former Indian Prime Minister I.K. Gujral for his outstanding achievements in business and community service. He was given the CEO International Achievement Award in 2012 and 2019, the Industry Ingenious Award during the Powerbrands Hall of Fame function, and recognised for his contributions to the global electronics sector during the Middle East Business Leaders’ Summit 2013, as well as Bizz Award for Inspirational Company. He was awarded the Indian Innovator award by the prestigious BNC in 2016 and the Gulf Excellence Award by NDTV. He has been repeatedly named one of the most powerful Indians in the GCC by Arabian Business and other notable publications.
Nikai Group was recognised with an ISO 9001 certification in 2012; Dubai Quality Appreciation Award and Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award in 2013, 2016 and 2017; and Dubai Service Excellence Award in 2015 and 2017.
Shahdadpuri has supported innumerable charities and community organisations in India and the UAE, including Dubai Cares, Dubai Autism Group, Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, and Rashid Centre for the Disabled, and the Rotary Club in Dubai. In recognition of his community service, he was appointed board member of the Rashid Paediatrics Centre for Children of Determination. In education, Shahdadpuri instituted awards of excellence and recognition to the best teacher and student at the Higher Colleges of Technology.
He has been a subject of case studies as a diplomat-turned-entrepreneur in various universities and appeared on TV and other media in the UAE, China and India.
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