“The journey of life is filled with ups and downs. Sometimes you have highs, and sometimes you have lows. But nothing is forever.”
Vijay Bhatia is the Managing Director of Jules Tourism, a 52-year-old businessman, and an owner of five different companies in different parts of the globe. He is a Singaporean national but an Indian by race.
Fresh out of high school in 1989, Vijay Bhatia said he started working at Emirates, the largest airline and one of two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates.
Being a man of business has been in his nature. Before having Jules Tourism, he had been a trader. According to him: “Jules Tourism belongs to my business partner from Nigeria. What happened was, one day, we just met and talked. She told me that Jules Tourism Company was not doing well; that time, she also asked for a partnership.”
“I have been in Dubai for almost 50 years. The motivation that keeps me going is when Dubai does something different. That is why, I admire the ruler of this city. In this emirate, every day is a different day, and every hour is a different hour,” he added.
“It is constantly changing,” he said. Taking inspiration from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, every day is different for him, he explains.
He also added that he looks at the ruler of Dubai as his guiding person and inspiration.
Keeping a positive frame of mind
“You should diversify. You can’t have one business. If something happens to it, you will be down and out.”
Vijay started his tourism business amid a pandemic, and many people are questioning him about his decision to open up an enterprise in a volatile moment. But as a man of independence, he solidified his self-trust.
Vijay said, “Do not put your eggs in one basket. You should diversify. If something happens to it, you will be down and out. We have diversified. So, we have this, and we have plans to open other businesses as well, like a cleaning company and a limo service company.”
When asked about his plan, he said he did not know yet. But he is happy that he has already achieved his dreams even at a young age. Vijay said he had traveled a lot – 56 countries and 126 cities, to be exact.
But there’s one place, he says, he keeps coming back to the Philippines.
“I used to go there every year,” he said. “My second home will be the Philippines when I grow old. I am 52, so like when I am 60…65…70, I want to stay in Makati.
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This story has been featured in the 11th issue of Dubai Vibes Magazine. To get a copy, you may contact Ms. Elaine “Bella” Marbella at +971503196856. If you have an inspiring story or know someone with one, please send an email to us at eic@dubavibesmagazine.com
