Dakshina Kannada's Zakariya Jokatte named in Entrepreneur Middle East 100 NRI’s of the year
Jubail: Zakariya Jokatte, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of ALMUZAIN Gulf Saudi Contracting Company, has been named in this year’s “The 100 NRIs” by Entrepreneur Middle East.
The annual feature by Entrepreneur Middle East recognises 100 outstanding Non-Resident Indian entrepreneurs, and Jokatte has earned a place on the prestigious list.
Alongside Zakariya Jokatte, prominent NRI’s including Dr. Vivek Oberoi, Prashant Goenka, Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Faizal E. Kottikollon are also in the list.
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Zakariya Jokatte is widely regarded as one of the most respected names in the Beary community and among Kannadigas abroad.
Zakariya Jokatte’s story is one of grit and determination, rising from grassroots beginnings to global entrepreneurial success. Born on May 10, 1958, and raised in Jokatte of Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, he is the son of Haji Sheikunhi and Khatijamma and was named after his grandfather, Late Zakariya Haji, who led the Geni Guthu family and held sway over the area now known as Bajpe Town. Despite belonging to a well-known family, Zakariya Jokatte’s family fell on hard times, forcing him to discontinue his studies.
Taking responsibility for supporting his parents and siblings, Zakariya Jokatte initially started a small business selling jaggery door-to-door. The seasonal nature of the trade soon led him to work as a welding helper at New Mangalore Port in 1971 for a salary of Rs. 4. This experience eventually opened the door for him to join a Saudi-based dredging company, marking the beginning of his long-term dream of working abroad. In Saudi Arabia, his early years involved arduous construction work, including carrying cement over 21 floors and assisting in road concreting. Despite these challenges, he focused on learning new skills and seizing every opportunity for growth.
Zakariya Jokatte later joined a Dutch industrial services company, being selected as one of only 13 candidates out of 500 applicants. Within six months, he underwent intensive training in Holland, and in the following two years, he earned five promotions, reaching the highest position possible at the company. This experience inspired him to establish ALMUZAIN in 1996, which has grown into a leading industrial services company catering to the complex demands of the petrochemical and refinery sectors in Saudi Arabia.
Today, ALMUZAIN employs approximately 7,000 contractual workers, many from India’s coastal belt, with plans to expand to 15,000 employees by 2025. Zakariya Jokatte has also supported around 1,500 Kannadigas as employees and helped 200 companies, reflecting his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and providing opportunities for others.
Beyond business, Zakariya Jokatte has been an active advocate for NRI welfare and women’s employment in Saudi Arabia. He is deeply involved in education and social service through his initiatives, including the Zara Charitable Foundation, and serves as Chairman of M Friends Charitable Trust, Mangalore. He also contributed to founding AlKhaadisa and previously chaired Hidaya Trust. His philanthropic work has earned him numerous awards, including the Star of Bearys Award, Vishwamanya Kannadiga Award, and the Successful NRI Entrepreneur Award.
A strong advocate for youth and community education, Zakariya Jokatte frequently conducts drug awareness programmes and encourages Muslim families to prioritize both religious and secular education for their children.
Notably, Zakariya Jokatte was awarded the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award under the Non-Resident Indian category in 2025.
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Modi should leverage his ties with world leaders to de-escalate war in West Asia: Omar Abdullah
Jammu (PTI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said India can play a meaningful role in de-escalation in West Asia, given Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong relations with the warring countries and their neighbours.
He said Pakistan was leveraging ties with Iran and the United States, and that any effort towards ending the war should be welcomed.
"As I said in the House (Assembly), we would like the war to end as soon as possible. The role that the prime minister can play may not be possible for anyone else because of his good relations with all these countries," Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
He, however, said any escalation would not be easy to manage.
"Any such move by US President Donald Trump, despite the long history of Iran resisting external domination, would not be easy," the chief minister said.
Asked about Pakistan mediating in the war, he said, "I will simply say that if any country can play a role in preventing this war, no one should have any objection to it."
He added, "I will repeat what I said … our prime minister has good and close relations with all countries — whether it is Israel, the United States, Iran, or the countries around Iran. If those relationships can be used to make some progress and help ease the situation, it would be a good thing."
Abdullah said attacks by terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed in India, as suggested by a report from the United States, are not unlikely.
Meanwhile, he asserted that any efforts to end the war, be it from Pakistan, must not be resisted.
"Pakistan is using its good relations with Iran and the United States to its advantage, and it has done so. How can we object to that? If that angle helps in stopping the war, would you want them not to act and let the war continue? We want the war to stop. If any country can play a role in that, it should. And if we can play an even better role, then we should do so," he said.
On unemployment in J-K, the chief minister said the issue cannot be resolved overnight, and government jobs alone are not the solution.
He stressed the need to explore alternative avenues, highlighting the importance of Mission Yuva in promoting entrepreneurship.
"Mission Yuva provides not just funding but also support in preparing DPRs and post-startup assistance, such as marketing. In just nine months, distributing Rs 1,000 crore and approving numerous schemes is a significant achievement," he said.
Abdullah credited the coordination between the government and Jammu and Kashmir Bank for the scheme's progress.
