Mohan Valrani

Mohan Valrani, currently the founding senior vice chairman, Al Shirawi Group, arrived in Dubai in 1966 with just $10 to his name.

More than half-a-century later, he commands an array of businesses in sectors such as oil and gas, logistics, education and more.

Valrani’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to partner with Abdulla Al Shirawi in 1971 to form the Al Shirawi Group, which would grow to encompass over 30 leading companies across various industries.

The Al Shirawi Group expanded rapidly under Valrani’s leadership.

In 1974, the group ventured into printing with the establishment of Emirates Printing Press. It further diversified with Al Shirawi Equipment in 1976 and Aswan International Engineering in 1979.

By 1981, the group was the sole distributors for SCANIA trucks and buses in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Valrani’s influence extended to the education sector when he became chairman of the Indian High School in 2009, leading its expansion.

He founded Arcadia in 2014, opening its first school in 2016 and a high school in 2020, with both institutions receiving high praise. In 2020, Valrani began adopting schools in Nepal and Malawi in collaboration with Dubai Cares, demonstrating his commitment to global education.

In 2023, he opened Arcadia Global School, further cementing his legacy in education. Valrani also served as chairman of the India Club, with his third tenure beginning in October 2023, highlighting his long standing dedication to community service.