Indian-Origin Businessman Vasu Shroff, Known As Dubai's Textile King, Dies At 85

Vasu Shroff, an Indian-origin businessman widely known as Dubai’s “Textile King”, has died at the age of 85. He passed away on Sunday morning at his residence in the Satwa area, according to community sources and local reports. 

Shroff was regarded as one of the pioneering figures in the United Arab Emirates’ retail and textile sector. Reports indicate he died of natural causes between approximately 7:30 am and 8:00 am. Funeral services are scheduled to be held on April 27 at the New Sonapur cemetery in Dubai, with the family requesting privacy during the proceedings. 

Born in India, Shroff moved to the Gulf region in 1960, travelling by boat from Mumbai to Sharjah at a time when the area was still known as the Trucial States. He began working in his family’s textile trade before establishing his own business, founding Regal Traders in Bur Dubai. What started as a single textile store eventually expanded into a major enterprise with multiple outlets across the UAE and beyond. 

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Over the decades, his business grew into a diversified group with interests spanning retail, real estate, manufacturing, and investments. Shroff is widely credited with contributing to the growth of Dubai’s commercial landscape during its formative years, helping shape the emirate into a global trading hub. 

Beyond his business achievements, Shroff was also known for his philanthropic work. He supported educational institutions, healthcare initiatives, and community organisations, particularly within the Indian diaspora in the UAE. His contributions earned him a reputation not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as a committed community leader. 

Tributes have poured in from across the business community, with industry leaders and associates remembering him as a humble and visionary figure. Many described his legacy as one that inspired generations of entrepreneurs in the region, noting that his influence will continue to be felt across the UAE’s business and social spheres.

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