Shamsheer Vayalil

Since establishing his first hospital in Abu Dhabi in 2007, Dr Shamsheer Vayalil has accelerated Burjeel Holdings’ transformation into the UAE’s largest and leading private healthcare services provider, elevating the level of care available across the spectrum. His nearly two-decade career has seen him build one of the region’s leading super-speciality healthcare networks, effortlessly balancing the roles of entrepreneur, strategist, and philanthropist.

A medical doctor by profession, Dr Vayalil transformed Burjeel Holdings from a single hospital into a diversified conglomerate with business interests in hospitals, medical centres, homecare services, occupational health, and retail pharmacies.

Dr Vayalil is leading the group’s efforts to elevate the level of healthcare in the GCC market across the demographic spectrum through brands such as Burjeel, BMC, Medeor, LLH, Lifecare, Tajmeel, and PhysioTherabia. He listed two companies — Response Plus Holding and Burjeel Holdings — on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. This move highlights his unwavering determination and success and reflects the vibrant and evolving landscape of the UAE. It also demonstrates his deep confidence in the country’s economic potential and future.

Dr Vayalil is a strategic healthcare investor and serves on several healthcare and industry boards, including the UAE Medical Council. His contributions to the global healthcare industry have earned him various accolades for excellence, entrepreneurship, and social initiatives.

Beyond healthcare, Dr Vayalil is a dedicated philanthropist. He credits his charitable values to his upbringing in Kozhikode, India, where his family stressed the importance of giving back to the community. Dr Vayalil supports initiatives that enhance public health and inspire young entrepreneurs worldwide. The healthcare investor is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives, focusing on healthcare access, education, and community development.

Building a Healthcare Empire

With him at the helm, the healthcare group has expanded its geographic footprint to new regions within the GCC and globally, with initiatives such as the establishment of the Burjeel Institute for Global Health in the US. As part of its collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment, Burjeel Holdings is exploring significant investment opportunities in the kingdom.

With a network of 89 assets across the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, including 19 hospitals, 47 medical centres, 15 pharmacies, and other allied services, the hospital operator reported revenue of Dhs4.5bn, up 16 per cent from the previous year, and a 52.4 per cent increase in net profit to Dhs540m in 2023.