There are very few businessmen who, despite having a well-funded life provided by their parents, start earning on their own without relying on their families’ ease. Shaji Ul Mulk is a symbol of such a self-made businessman; he was born into a family of a Nawab, had the opportunity to study at a top business school, but still demonstrated his entrepreneurial abilities and built a multi-billion dirham empire. His journey of creating a global empire illustrates the power of vision and sheer determination.
Early Life and Career Start
Source: Mulk International
Mulk was born in the Nawab family of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. After completing his bachelor’s degree, to prepare for exams and save some money for college, he moved to Dubai and joined his brother-in-law’s business. Within a year of the job, Mulk had saved $30,000 and took admission in Wharton Business School at University of Pennsylvania for further studies. However, he gave up his college admission after being influenced by the income he earned from his job and his vision to become an entrepreneur. Mulk took a huge risk and established Mulk International Group.
Starting Mulk International
Source: Construction Week
In 1982, Mulk started with a small interior decoration company called Hassan Ali Abdullah Interior Decorations. It performed well, and in 1990, he partnered with Al Nekhreh Contracting to enter the modular building industry. After 2000, his company expanded into many new fields.
Major Business Ventures under Mulk International
Alubond
The First manufacturing plant was set up in the Ajman Freezone with 3 production lines in the UAE. Further expanding in Europe, the USA, Canada, Egypt, the UK and Saudi Arabia. Today, it has become a major player in the building industry, with Alubond as the world’s largest MCM and ACP Brand, a 25 million sq m production capacity across various production bases.
Mulk Healthcare
In 2010, Global Hawk Imaging and Diagnostics LLC was established with Telemedicine capabilities, and Farha Mulk founded the Mulk Physiotherapy Centre. The group also launched Mulk Med Healthcare Virtual Hospital, offering different ICT verticals and Healthcare solutions.
Mulk Properties
It is the global real estate arm of Mulk International, specialising in large-scale planned communities, mixed-use towers, commercial assets, and modular living solutions across the UAE, Africa, and the USA, redefining modern urban living.
Mulk Commodities
With a vision of being a global leader in responsible sourcing and sustainable trading of strategic minerals and energy resources, the group established Mulk Commodities.
T10 Sports Managment
The cricket enthusiast Mulk, founded T10 Sports Management to organze various T10 cricket leagues, in Abu Dhabi, Zim Afro, and many other countries. Mulk is also the member of the Emirates Cricket Board and is actively involved in promoting cricket.
Zimbabwe Global Investments
In 2022, the investment arm of the group was established, responsible for managing Zim Cyber City, with a focus to create a significant and innovative real estate presence in Zimbabwe. Thus, many investments opportunities were attracted in Zimbabwe’s real estate market.
ZIM Cyber City
It is a real estate development project of $500 million in Zimbabwe aimed to create a self-contained intelligent city with high quality infrastructure. The city is designed to be a hub of modern technology and urban development, including both residential and commercial properties, along with a blockchain and digital assets special economic zone.
Metal Plast
Founded in 2008, it is a leading manufacturer of raw materials for various industries such as aluminium composite panels, packaging, cable, chemical compounding, and many more.
Today, Mulk International is a global enterprise recognised for its diversified portfolio of innovation and excellence. With a strong presence in real estate, sustainable energy, healthcare, and sports, it operates in 11 countries. The Alubond USA -metal composites has grown into the world’s largest Metal Composite brand with operations in 11 countries. Employing over 7000 people across Europe, the US, Russia, India, Pakistan and the Middle East.
Conclusion
Today, Shaji Ul Mulk is recognised as one of the most powerful Indians in the GCC. His journey from a young man from Kurnool to a visionary multi-billion dirham global empire stands as a symbol of courage, strategic vision, and relentless ambition. Building Mulk International from the ground up and transforming it into a global empire will inspire many aspiring entrepreneurs around the world.
