Blitz Bureau
UAE-based Indian businessmen have paid glowing tributes to Ratan Tata, former chairman Tata Group who passed away at the age of 86 in Mumbai on Oct October 9, with one calling him a “mentor for generations”.
India’s iconic businessman’s legacy has stamps all over the world, including the UAE.
The regional headquarters of Tata Group’s 25 companies are in the UAE. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Sunil Sinha, director, Tata International West Asia, said these firms employ around 17,000 people in the Middle East with a majority of them in the UAE.
With interests in aviation, e-commerce, F&B, hospitality, IT, retail and telecom and many other sectors, the $365 billion (Dh1.34 trillion) conglomerate’s subsidiaries have a strong presence in the UAE.
UAE residents have also greatly benefited from the vision and legacy of Ratan Tata, from flying with Air India or Air India Express, driving a Ranger Rover, using consultancy services of TCS, buying jewellery from Tanishq, staying in Taj hotel, or riding in Tata buses.
Yusuffali MA, chairman and managing director of LuLu Group, said: “This is indeed a very great loss. I have had few opportunities to personally interact with the great personality and learn a lot from him which I have followed in my business journey so far. His life in itself was a book which all of us can learn from. He was a mentor for both the young and old generations.”
Azad Moopen, founder and chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said Tata showed the world that “compassion and social responsibility can co-exist with corporate success.”
“His leadership has shaped industries and touched countless lives, driven by a quiet commitment to ethical principles and long-term societal value… His support for initiatives such as cancer research, rural healthcare programs, and the establishment of advanced medical facilities has addressed critical gaps, creating lasting benefits for underserved communities. His leadership continues to serve as a model for future generations, illustrating that progress is achieved when success is measured not just in profits, but in the lasting difference it makes in people’s lives,” said Moopen.
Rizwan Sajan, chairman and founder, Danube Group, said through his leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, Tata brought global recognition to India. “India has lost a true gem, but his invaluable lessons will endure.”
James Mathew, CEO and managing partner of UHY James, called Tata “soft-spoken beyond measure, purposeful with his intention and fearless in his vision”.
