Exclusive interview with BR Shetty part 1 – Sheikh Zayed’s vision and why Modi is great for Indian businesses

Mustafa Alrawi, Assistant Editor in Chief talks exclusively to BR Shetty the founder of NMC Healthcare, Finablr and Neopharma, as well as the Founder and Chairman of BRS Ventures. In the first part of the interview, Mr Shetty shares some anecdotes about building up a fledgling business in Abu Dhabi in the 1970s and 1980s including how one morning he had to get behind the wheel of an ambulance himself to get to the scene of a medical emergency.  He recounts his memories of the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed. And he also explains how everyone told him not to build a pharmaceutical factory in Abu Dhabi but he proved them wrong. Mr Shetty says he is sure that joining the Bill and Melinda Gates Giving Pledge was a good thing for him and his family. He also says Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is great for business but that he doesn’t miss his first career in local politics back home. Read more on our website: • Exclusive: NMC Health eyes profit increase in 2018, fuelled by $2bn warchest • 'This is an unbelievable dream': BR Shetty granted 10-year UAE visa •My Ramadan: For Hindu billionaire BR Shetty, the holy month is about giving • Finablr makes London stock market debut at reduced price