Vishaal Shah, is an entrepreneur and visionary who is the face behind executing and managing exponential growth for Panache International. At the age of only 22, Shah served as a board member and currently runs three companies in four countries.
Vishaal completed his higher education in Kenya and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Accounting and Management from Cardiff University in the United Kingdom. Multi-lingual, Shah can converse in English, Swahili, Gujarati and Hindi.
His Dubai venture, Panache International, produces a wide range of disposable plastic and packaging products that are highly appealing to consumers worldwide, ranking among the world’s leading manufactures in terms of the quality and support provided to partners globally.
Replicating the success strategy of Panache in the UAE, Vishaal plans to penetrate the brand further into the USA, Australia and India, adding innovational concepts throughout. The company currently employs over 170 employees from eight different nations, touching the lives of people in 27 different countries.
Dr. Nasrine Abushakra had the opportunity to discuss with Vishaal Shah his motivations, plans for expansion and what it’s like to head up an internationally successful organization.
Where were you born? Born and brought up in Nairobi Kenya
How long have you been in the Middle East? I moved to Dubai from Nairobi on 1st Dec 2005, so I shall be completing 10 years soon.
Neighborhood: Green Community
Occupation: Founder and CEO of Panache International FZ LLC
Favorite Restaurant: Zuma
Best Sushi: Nigiri and Maki
Best Italian: Bussola
Best Dessert: Ras Malai
Best place for a romantic date: EauZone Dubai
Best Sunday Brunch: Saffron Atlantis
Best place for a power business meeting: World Trade Centre Tower
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Al Qasr
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Dubai Mall
Best Spa: Talise Spa
Favorite Cultural Event: Diwali
Favorite Cultural Institution: India Club
Best Steakhouse: I am vegetarian, so I’ve not been to a steakhouse
Best Pizza: Signor Pomodor Pizza Funghi
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Le Meridian Airport
Describe your city in three words: Futuristic, Fast and Furious
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Baku, Azerbaijan
All-around favorite spot in Dubai: DownTown Dubai
Best Aspect of AD/UAE Dubai /Middle East: Connecting the world
