It’s no suprise people who have left their home countries to work in the Sultanate and stayed here for a bit of time and fell in love with Oman call it a home away from home — such is the peace, security and amenities they enjoy here amid the wonderful warmth extended by Omani citizens — but for this businessman who landed here retracing his family footsteps this is his “only home”.
“My land of adoption ‘Oman’ has blessed us with its tranquility and security, its acceptance of all religions, its great landscape and most importantly its humble and hospitable government and citizens.”Kiran Asher
Kiran Asher came to Oman in 1974 along with his wife.
Co-Founder and Group Managing Director of Al Ansari Group of Companies Kiran Asher came to the Sultanate to retrace his family’s business history here.
Asher’s great grandfather who lived in Oman was bestowed the title ‘Kazi’ (judge) by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s grandfather, His Majesty Sultan Taimur.
Al Ansari, founded in 1975 and having more than 3,000 employees, is involved in various activities across different industries and in multiple regions in the Middle East with projects being carried out globally. Asher’s daughter Jesal Asher has also joined her father in running the business, taking on the role of Executive Director of the group.
Among the business activities of the group are: supply and installation of commercial kitchen and laundry equipment; heating and ventilation works; supply and installation of sanitary wares, swimming pool and water feature works; engineering products and services; civil construction projects; water treatment projects; sewage treatment plant projects; MEP projects; building materials trading; rebar cut and bend services; instrumentation and calibration; electroplating; modular building solutions; supply and installation of natural stones and marbles; printing and steel fabrication as well as facilities management services.
A revered personality, Asher is known for his benevolence and charity work towards the Indian diaspora. He was conferred the prestigious ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Samman’ in 2012 by the President of India for his philanthropic deeds to the community. It is one the highest recognitions given to a non-resident Indian by the Government of India.
Asher is associated with a number of organisations in the country, including the Indian Merchants’ Community, Indian Social Club, India Economy Forum and various charitable organisations.
A cricket enthusiast, Asher is the treasurer of the Oman Cricket Board. A founder board member of the Indian schools, his association dates back to 1979.
Commenting about the development of educational facilities in Oman, Asher says the opening of several schools, colleges and technical institutes has enhanced knowledge and skills at work of the people in the country.
Looking back at the commendable growth that Oman has witnessed over the last 50 years, Asher says: “Oman has made an enormous amount of progress on the socio-economic front which has enabled prosperity for all its citizens and residents. Infrastructure and road development is world-class.
More than 1000km of road connectivity has been constructed. Travel time to each of the city has been reduced significantly which has enabled economic development and trade. RO plants, electricity and water supply across all the major cities in Oman are outstanding. All of its residents enjoy this uninterrupted supply at low costs.”
He adds: “There has been a huge push in Duqm over the last few years to make it a world-class port to enable trade.
I can proudly say Oman has developed at a rapid pace in the last 50 years and Al Ansari has played a vital role in many of the projects that have put Oman on the world map.”
