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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Kalaburagi: Two die in suspected asphyxiation while cleaning septic tank
Kalaburagi (PTI): Two men died of suspected asphyxiation while manually cleaning a septic tank, police said on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at a house in Madarasanahalli, near Babalada Road in the Hirapur area.
The deceased have been identified as Shivakumar Nandurkar (51) and his friend Ratan Hotkar (58).
“Shivakumar Nandurkar entered the septic tank for cleaning earlier in the day and was unable to come out. Ratan Hotkar also entered the tank, and both succumbed to asphyxiation,” police said, citing the complaint.
Authorities said the two were friends and had previously undertaken septic tank cleaning work together.
Shivakumar Nandurkar was a resident of Madarasanahalli, while Ratan Hotkar lived in Indira Nagar.
“A case of unnatural death has been registered at Ashok Nagar Police Station, and further investigation is underway,” police added.
