Veteran Indian-origin businessman Vasu Shroff, widely known as Dubai’s “Textile King,” died at the age of 85 on Sunday morning, April 26, 2026, at his residence in Satwa. A pioneer of the emirate’s textile trade, Shroff was a prominent figure in the Indian community and is remembered for his role in Dubai’s commercial rise from a modest trading hub to a global business centre.
According to the Khaleej Times, Shroff passed away between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Funeral services were scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2026, at around 4:30 p.m. at the New Sonapur cemetery in Dubai. The family has requested privacy and said the cremation will be attended by men only.
Born in India, Shroff arrived in Sharjah from Mumbai by boat in 1960, when the region was still known as the Trucial States. He later moved to Dubai and founded Regal Traders, beginning with a single retail textile shop. Through decades of work and business acumen he expanded the enterprise into a network of 16 stores and five offices across several countries, building a reputation for quality fabrics and customer trust.
Shroff is widely regarded as one of the early architects of Dubai’s textile sector. Business leaders and members of the Indian diaspora paid tribute to him as a visionary whose efforts helped lay the foundations of the emirate’s thriving trading ecosystem. He was respected not only for commercial success but also for leadership within the expatriate community.
Beyond commerce, Shroff was active in philanthropy, supporting institutions such as The Indian High School in Dubai and the India Club, and contributing to healthcare, education and religious initiatives in multiple countries. The Financial Express reported he was involved in an ambitious plan to help build 101 temples worldwide, reflecting his cultural and community commitments.
Vasu Shroff’s life is seen as an example of determination, vision and generosity. His contributions to Dubai’s business landscape and to community causes have left a lasting legacy that many in the region and beyond will remember.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/world/vasu-shroff-indian-businessman-who-helped-shape-dubais-textile-trade-dies-at-85-14004826.html
Category: India
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Publish Date: 2026-04-27 12:41:00
