Dubai | Mumbai | July 2025
From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the shimmering skyline of Dubai, Haanif Shaikh has carved an inspiring legacy as a global entrepreneur, luxury curator, and fashion visionary. As the Founder and Chairman of Emirates Holding Group, his journey reflects not only personal ambition but a deep commitment to innovation, mentorship, and cultural elevation.
From Modest Beginnings to Global Footprint
Born in Mumbai into a modest middle-class family, Haanif was raised with discipline, dreams, and determination. After completing his Master’s in Business Administration with a specialization in marketing, he set off for the Gulf, first working in Saudi Arabia and then Oman, honing his skills in advertising and events. By the early 2000s, he moved to the United Arab Emirates, where he would take his boldest step yet—establishing Emirates Holding Group in 2005.
What began as a single-vision enterprise has since evolved into a diversified, multinational conglomerate. Today, Emirates Holding Group spans industries including:
• Oil & Gas
• International Investments
• Gold Mining
• Cryptocurrency
• Films & Entertainment
• E-Commerce
• Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Products
Operating across the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and Europe, the group is known for fusing commercial success with social responsibility.
Pioneering the Event and Fashion Landscape
While his corporate achievements are remarkable, Haanif Shaikh is equally celebrated for redefining the region’s luxury and events industry. Over the past two decades, he has organized and produced more than 500 landmark events—from high-profile expos and trade fairs to government collaborations, lifestyle festivals, and international fashion shows.
Among his most notable ventures are:
• Women of the Universe
• International Fashion Gala
• GMFL (Global Model Fashion League)
• The Fashion Factor
In these, Haanif has not only served as producer and investor but also as a judge, mentor, and creative guide, helping shape the careers of designers, models, and fashion professionals across the region.
The Eternal Runway: Emirates Luxury Show 2025
In July 2025, Haanif’s Emirates Luxury Hub presented one of the year’s most anticipated events—The Eternal Runway, as part of the Emirates Luxury Show series. Held at Marriott Al Jaddaf, Dubai, the show brought together:
• 10 leading fashion designers
• 40 internationally diverse models
• A dynamic fusion of couture, cultural storytelling, and sustainability
The event underscored Haanif’s ongoing commitment to global fashion diplomacy, bridging continents through creativity and craftsmanship while reinforcing Dubai’s status as a world fashion capital.
Awards & Recognition
Haanif Shaikh’s work has not gone unnoticed. He has been honored with over 100 industry and leadership awards, including:
• Pride of UAE Award, presented at the Global Business Symposium (Abu Dhabi, 2023), in recognition of his contribution to commerce and fashion
• Golden Excellence Award in Business & Fashion, awarded by HH Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan
These accolades recognize his dual identity as a successful businessman and a cultural influencer.
Digital Influence & Thought Leadership
Today, Haanif continues to lead signature platforms such as:
• Emirates Awards
• The Fashion Factor International
• Energitech Grin
• Emirates Luxury Show
Through Emirates Luxury Hub, he merges high fashion with entrepreneurship, using social media—particularly Instagram—to engage with global audiences, spotlight new talent, and offer exclusive access to red carpets and runway events.
In interviews and media appearances, he openly shares lessons from his life—from his early struggles as an expatriate to his meteoric rise as one of the Gulf’s most respected business figures.
Legacy of Resilience and Vision
Behind the accolades lies a story of resilience. One of Haanif’s earliest breakthroughs was as Director-General of the Fujairah Exhibition Centre, a government-level role rarely achieved by non-nationals. That experience not only built his credibility but also sharpened his vision for what was possible in the region.
Today, Haanif Shaikh is more than a name—he is a movement. A symbol of what relentless drive, creativity, and ethical leadership can achieve, not just for personal growth but for uplifting entire industries.