Mumbai Roots to Dubai Empire – Textile King Dies at 85!

Many entrepreneurs of Indian origin have created business empires in various sectors outside the homeland and made a killing with their aggressive investments and astute ideas. One such inspiring story belongs to Vasu Shroff, who is widely regarded with the epithet Dubai’s Textile King.

The octogenarian business tycoon passed away in Dubai on Sunday morning, leaving behind a profound legacy that is tied to the growth of country’s productive textile market. He was aged 85 years and died at his residence in Satwa due to age related ailments.

According to credible evidence available on his early teenage days, Shroff moved from Mumbai to Sharjah by boat in 1960 at the age of 19. At the time, the region was still known as the Trucial States, and Dubai was a modest trading post. The rest of the journey is just a stunning rags to riches turnaround as he went on to become one of the modern day stalwarts in Dubai’s Textile market.

Reportedly, he ventured into business with a single trading store in the initial days of his entry into Dubai. With strong business acumen, he expanded Regal Traders into a leading textile business with 12 branches across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. He turned a pioneer in textile business and ruled the roost for several decades without any competitors.

With his prudent business tactics and strategies, the Regal Group transformed into a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Not sticking to just textile business, Shroff also ventured into technology, real estate, manufacturing and investment sectors and emerged as a billionaire.

Shroff’s philanthropic side also merits wide appreciation because he came forward and funded several educational and community institutions, including The Indian High School in Dubai and the India Club. His contributions extended to healthcare, education, and religious initiatives across different countries. This is why he is respected beyond the Indian community.

His business group has also taken up the ambitious project to help build 101 temples worldwide.

Members of the business community and the Indian diaspora have been pouring in deep condolences with this unfortunate news.