Haute Secrets: Vishaal Shah, CEO of Panache International

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