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An eventful journey
B.R. Shetty, Founder and Chairman of NMC Healthcare, Finablr, Neopharma and BRS Ventures

Dr. B.R. Shetty recalls his four successful decades in service-oriented businesses in the UAE. Dr. B.R. Shetty recalls his four successful decades in service-oriented businesses in the UAE.

by

Suchitra Steven Samuel

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Published: Sun 30 Sep 2018, 2:03 PM

Last updated: Sun 30 Sep 2018, 4:16 PM

B.R. Shetty is a well-known business icon in the UAE. He is the Founder and Chairman of NMC Healthcare, Finablr, Neopharma and BRS Ventures. His professional growth in service-oriented businesses in the country has been phenomenal. "I came to the UAE with $8 in my pocket. I am grateful for the success that I have achieved over the past 40 years. I started off my journey with establishing New Medical Centre, and now, we have multiple businesses across healthcare, financial services, education, pharmaceuticals, hospitality and environment," he says in an interview with Khaleej Times.
According to him, several factors have enabled his corporate success. "Hard work, identifying opportunities, being present at the right place at the right time, benevolent and kind leadership to look up to and emulate - the royal family of the UAE, supportive family and friends and availability of skilled talent."
Shetty always aims to make a positive difference in the community. "The UAE has one of the smoothest, transparent, quickest business environments in the world. It is a delight to set-up shop here and conduct business. Hence, you will see, despite having businesses across the globe, we are still headquartered in Abu Dhabi," he notes.
"Entrepreneurship is challenging. Every day is full of opportunities. I would say that it has been a fascinating journey till here," Shetty recalls.
He stresses that his life is an open book. "I have shared all my learnings with everyone so that it will help them in their journey. The ability to serve so many people is my greatest achievement," he adds.
Shetty prefers to describe his leadership as visionary and shares his favourite quote. "It is something that my mother told me when I left India for the UAE, 'Wherever you go and whatever you do, always remember that your deeds should be service oriented towards the community. It should do good to at least 10 people around you, but even if one person speaks ill about you, then you are cursed."
The UAE Exchange Group is a leading global network among financial service providers with a presence in 45 countries. It handles 6.5 per cent of the total global remittances volume and 7.1 per cent in foreign exchange. As head of the 38-year-old UAE brand, Shetty was able to blend well with the nation's socio-cultural and financial fabric. Speaking on the future of the remittance industry in the UAE, he says, "It will continue to grow at a strong pace. UAE is one of the favourite destinations for expats. This only means more money remittance to their home countries."
NMC Healthcare has today become the largest healthcare provider in the region with over 200 facilities that includes hospitals, medical centres, long-term care facilities, day surgery centres, fertility centres and home health services providers across 17 countries, with over 18,000 employees including over 3,000 doctors treating over 8.5 million patients annually. "The healthcare sector in the UAE is regulated with high-quality medical professionals and best patient care," he concludes. 
- suchitra@khaleejtimes.com 
Prestigious awards:
Dr. B.R. Shetty's business accomplishments and exceptional social work have earned him the "Order of Abu Dhabi", the highest civilian honour bestowed by the Government of Abu Dhabi. He is a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award, one of the highest civilian honours from the Government of India. The former President of India, late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam conferred upon him the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, for his outstanding contribution towards betterment of the NRI community. 


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