Dr Harmeek Singh

From the challenges he encountered upon his arrival in Dubai in 2003, where he started his first job earning only Dhs2,750 per month, to the launch of Plan b Advertising a year later, Dr Harmeek Singh’s journey exemplifies relentless perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit.

Under Dr Singh’s leadership, Plan b has evolved from a small advertising agency into a holding firm with eight subsidiaries and offices in the UAE, India, the UK, Saudi Arabia and Singapore.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, he took the initiative to create a platform for industry partners to connect and support each other and subsequently became the president of the Crisis Committee for the International Live Events Association (ILEA). Dr Singh’s efforts to align with government policies and establish support systems helped many organisations weather the pandemic.

He reached a high point in his career when he led the team for the 2024 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Dubai. Overseeing the project from start to finish, including the building of the venue, management, and operations, Plan b set a world record by completing the Dubai Design District Stadium in just 25 days.

The illustrious achievement secured Plan b the contract for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Seychelles in 2025.

As the strategy director for the UAE Athletics Federation, Dr Singh demonstrated visionary leadership in curating, mentoring, and supporting talent. His efforts in organising events, such as the Women’s Run, have earned him the title of “The man behind the Women’s Run”.

Going forward, he plans to expand the Plan b Group with a new company in Canada with the aim of building bridges between the Middle East and North America. The venture epitomises Dr Singh’s vision of global connectivity and strategic growth.

Path to unrestricted giving

 Beyond business, Dr Singh’s philanthropic efforts are deeply rooted in his Sikh faith. He serves as a board member for the Special Needs Future Development Centre and is a founding member of the Post Menopause Initiative.

His commitment to community initiatives, such as the Box of Hope, which supports skilled workers, underscores his dedication to making a positive impact on the community and its social fabric.

Maintaining cultural integrity, he has served as the general secretary for the World Punjabi Organization, promoting cultural representation and unity. He was instrumental in establishing the first Sikh temple in St. Petersburg, Russia, and has been a torchbearer for his community, advocating for an equal society and a world without borders.

Dr Singh’s contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including Entrepreneur of the Year at the Enterprise Agility Awards (3 times winner), Global Indian of the Year by Asia One, and the Industry Icon Award at the Middle East Event Awards. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the North-West Institute of Management at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA). He is also serving as Chairman of Visit St. Petersburg, Russia promoting tourism and investment crossovers.

Reflecting on the company’s two-decade history, he says, “Learning never stops, and one becomes a refined version every day by adapting to change, not forgetting the values, and firmly being grounded.”