Global Indians of the UAE: A New Editorial Franchise

David Wilson · 2026-02-10

So, here's something interesting happening in Dubai. Khaleej Times and Standard Chartered just teamed up to launch a new editorial project called 'Global Indians of the UAE.' It's not just another news story. Think of it more as a spotlight on a whole new generation of leaders. These are second-generation Indian professionals and entrepreneurs who are doing big things. They're building global businesses from the UAE, driving real innovation, and shaping conversations. But here's the key part—they're doing it all while staying deeply connected to the community right there in the Emirates. ### What This Franchise Is All About At its heart, this is a storytelling platform. It's 'always-on,' meaning it's not a one-off feature. The plan is to consistently share the stories of successful individuals who live at a fascinating intersection. They have global ambition, a strong cultural identity, and are taking on leadership roles across the region. We're talking about leaders in all sorts of sectors: - Business and finance - Technology and innovation - Philanthropy and social impact - Arts and culture The centerpiece is an annual list. It's a carefully curated selection that aims to recognize emerging leaders. They're looking for people who show professional excellence, give back to their community, and have a genuinely global outlook.  ### Meet Some of the Leaders The inaugural list features a dynamic mix. It includes people like: - Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare - Shafeena Yusuff Ali, an art historian and entrepreneur - Avni Doshi, a Booker Prize-shortlisted novelist - Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director of Landmark Group They're joined by a host of other innovative entrepreneurs and changemakers. Together, they're driving the UAE's cultural and economic growth forward. The mission is clear: to recognize leaders who blend top-tier professional success with a strong commitment to making a difference. ### More Than Just Articles This partnership goes beyond print and digital articles. They're launching a four-part vodcast series hosted by Khaleej Times. It will feature high-net-worth individuals and changemakers straight from the list. And it all culminates in an exclusive, invitation-only networking forum. Imagine that—bringing together featured business leaders, investors, and decision-makers for real connection. It's about creating a community, not just publishing content. ### Why This Matters Now Ted Kemp, the chief content officer at Khaleej Times, put it well. He said, "The story of the Indian diaspora in the UAE is constantly evolving." This franchise aims to capture that evolution. It's about a generation that's globally fluent, guided by strong values, and actively helping to shape the region's future. From the banking side, Rajesh Kannan of Standard Chartered highlighted the diaspora's pivotal role. "The Indian diaspora has long played a pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation across the UAE and on the international stage," he noted. For a bank with deep roots in the UAE, India, and Singapore, this collaboration as the 'Global Indian Wealth Partner' makes perfect sense. They see it as a natural fit to support a community that's building, growing, and transitioning wealth across markets and generations. ### Looking Ahead This isn't meant to stay confined to editorial. There are already plans to expand this intellectual property. Future phases could see it moving into markets like India and Singapore. It's starting as a storytelling platform, but it has the potential to become something much bigger. So, if you're interested in global business narratives, community impact, or the evolving story of diaspora success, this is a project to watch. It's a fresh take on recognizing influence that's both local and global, all at once.