Indian-born Dr BR Shetty arrived in the UAE in 1973. As a trained pharmacist he quickly spotted an opportunity in the country’s healthcare sector and in 1975 opened his first pharmacy. This was quickly followed by the establishment of the New Medical Centre, which also included a dedicated dental department, in 1977.

In 2003, the group became the largest hospital chain in the UAE following the acquisition of the National Hospital in Abu Dhabi. Today, it has hospitals and clinics across the emirates and treats more than one million patients a year.

In addition to its hospitals and clinics the NMC Group has a string of diversified business interests covering financial services, trading in pharmaceuticals, education and advertising.

In addition to his business activities, Shetty is also involved in several philanthropic activities. He was an investor in a medical institution in the north Indian state of Uttaranchal, is the founder and patron of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association in the emirates, and is a member of the Advisory Board (Financial Sector), Economic Department, Government of Dubai, UAE and the Pharmaceutical Committee, Dubai.