Indian businessman Vasu Shroff (the “Textile King of Dubai”) has passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on April 26, 2026, at his home in Satwa, Dubai, closing an important chapter in the UAE’s business history.
Vasu Shroff is remembered by leaders throughout the Gulf region and India as a pioneer who helped establish Dubai’s business landscape.
A success story against all odds
Vasu Shroff’s story is one of endurance and perseverance. He was born in India and arrived in what is now the UAE as a young man (early 1960s) by boat, with few resources but great ambition.
His original textile trading company was established well in advance of the UAE becoming a vrai economic powerhouse and has grown since! With his start-up (Regal Traders, 1952), Vasu’s subsequent establishment of Regal Group was the beginning of Regal Group’s many divisions throughout the Gulf.
It is only fitting that Vasu Shroff’s success paralleled the transformation of Dubai from a modest trading outpost to a worldwide commercial centre.
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Building a textile empire
As the founder of Regal Traders and numerous other businesses, Shroff has established a remarkable retail and distribution presence throughout Dubai’s textile industry. Now with major operations located worldwide, Shroff’s company provides customers with access to an extensive range of products from around the globe.
Over the years, he has expanded his business into areas such as technology, real estate, investments, and other fields, creating one of the GCC’s largest conglomerates.
As one of Dubai’s first entrepreneurs, Shroff had an enormous impact on the city’s economy, particularly during its formative years.
As a philanthropist, Shroff is just as well-known for his philanthropic endeavours. He has donated millions of dollars to support schools, medical facilities, temples, and community projects in Dubai and around the world.
Shroff’s philanthropy has included a tremendous amount of support for the Indian community living in Dubai, as well as through donations to both educational institutions and community-based organisations. His international initiatives also involve building temples around the world for promoting peace and cultural understanding.
The combination of entrepreneurial success and philanthropic contributions has resulted in Shroff gaining the respect of people from many different cultures and backgrounds.
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Tributes pour in
Once he died, all sorts of people posted their memories of him on Facebook, LinkedIn and through word-of-mouth from professional acquaintances. They called him ‘a visionary’ and ‘a true pillar’ within Indian business circles residing in the U.A.E. Business owners stated that he was both humble and hard-working and the length of time he remained active in the community provided inspiration for countless entrepreneurs who relocated to this part of the world hoping to pursue their dreams here. He also played an instrumental role in increasing the trade relationship between India and the U.A.E. through his business dealings and numerous humanitarian efforts.
Shroff’s memorial services will be held on April 27, 2026 at the New Sonapur Cemetery located in Dubai. He will be missed by his family; specifically his son Raju Shroff who runs Regal Group for him today. However, Shroff’s legacy is greater than just his businesses: it lives on through the institutions he built and through the lives he touched.
Bottom line
With the death of Vasu Shroff, one of the early pioneer entrepreneurs has passed; his story epitomised perseverance and vision from coming to Dubai with nothing to creating an enviable business empire; his story is a significant part of how this country transformed over the last 50 years. Shroff was more than an entrepreneur; he was a contributor to society and provided philanthropic support and will continue to create an impact for many years to come.
