Omar Ali: From humble beginnings to remarkable success

"Work hard and approach everything you do intelligently. Continuously motivate yourself to achieve your goals. Find a path to success even in the face of setbacks. Stay resolute, no matter how many challenges you encounter in your chosen field. If you work diligently, success will undoubtedly come your way one day."

These are the words of Omar Ali, the Chairman of Bin Ali Medical Supplies, one of the largest business chains in the UAE. The very words become a surge of positive energy because they come from the heart. They represent a model of success forged in the furnace of life experiences and the realization of a vast business empire built through overcoming difficulties.

For those aspiring to start their own businesses, those aiming to reach greater heights in their current fields, those seeking a lifeline to escape the pit of failure, and those wholeheartedly committed to hard work, there are numerous lessons to be learned from Omar Ali, a business magnate. Omar Ali explains his journey from humble beginnings to establishing business ventures that have expanded to all corners of the world.

The Start of His Journey in Saudi Arabia

The year was 1983; immediately after completing his degree, Omar Ali embarked on his career in a well-paying government job. He faced no hindrance to his overseas journey, primarily driven by the promise of better living conditions. He took a leave from his government position and boarded a flight to Saudi Arabia. However, the initial phase of migration was far from pleasant, and he had to undertake various arduous jobs. Despite the challenges, he persevered, refusing to give up.

A turning point came when a Sudanese friend helped him secure a position as an attendant in a medical laboratory. There, he immersed himself in learning about laboratory operations, testing methods, and the functioning of testing equipment for nearly a year. He worked up to 14 hours a day, dedicating even holidays to studying and conducting experiments. He acquired knowledge by devouring all the books available in the lab. Through sheer hard work, he eventually rose to become the manager of the same laboratory.

Later, with the assistance of a Palestinian acquaintance he had met earlier, Omar Ali transitioned to a different job. He started as a salesman in a medical supplies company, which was under the supervision of a member of the Saudi royal family. Though he did not initially harbour ambitions of starting his own business, his unwavering commitment and dedication made a difference in his career. Gradually Omar Ali climbed the ranks within the company and ultimately became its general manager. He had come a long way from the hardships of a migrant's life to a more comfortable existence. In the process, it took three years after his arrival in the Gulf for him to return home for the first time.

Family, Life, and Business Tradition

Omar Ali was born as the sixth son of Muhammad Ummar, a member of the Cherukappilly family, a very old Muslim family in Muvattupuzha. He grew up under the guidance of his father, a role model, in a family that owned acres of agricultural land. Agriculture was the primary source of livelihood for the family, and Omar Ali received his primary education from the school under his family. His further studies took place in schools and colleges in the nearby areas. He did not encounter significant challenges, as he enjoyed favourable conditions in terms of religion, education, and finances. His father, a man with wide experience and long-term vision, never discouraged his children from pursuing their own paths. Instead, he provided valuable advice and guidance to encourage them.

In addition to farming, the family was involved in various local business ventures. The most prominent among these was the trade of vehicles. At that time, the business of importing trucks from different parts of the country to Muvattupuzha and selling them was quite lucrative. After completing his degree, Omar Ali went to Bombay to study for a Medical Inspector's course. This not only helped him master Hindi and English but also introduced him to other countries. He leveraged this experience to engage in truck trade. It also enabled him to identify trade opportunities in the region of Daman and Diu, a union territory. Consequently, he purchased vehicles from Daman and Diu, which were exempt from central taxes, and transported them hundreds of kilometres for sale within the country. Simultaneously, he joined government service and later migrated to the Gulf.

His wife, Sinimol, an engineering graduate from the Edavannakad Valiya Veedu family, serves as the operational head of all his companies. She is a steadfast partner who accompanies him on his travels, business meetings, and decision-making. His eldest son, Muhammad Mustafa, a mechanical engineer, is involved in all his father's businesses and also manages his own manufacturing company, Safe Care Medical Industries. His younger son, Dr. Mohiyuddin Alikunju, is pursuing his MD in neurology at Rashid Hospital in Dubai.

From the Shade of Saudi Arabia to the Heat of the UAE

After getting married, Omar Ali returned to Saudi Arabia with family. While continuing to work in Saudi Arabia, he delved deeper into understanding the business opportunities in the UAE, guided by the advice of a friend. Subsequently, his friend offered him a position in a medical supplies business that a UAE citizen was planning to establish. This marked the beginning of Omar Ali's journey to the UAE, accompanied by his family.

The transition from Saudi Arabia to the UAE brought about a significant change in his life. Although he was provided with living facilities, the job was uncertain, and the company's operations had not commenced even after six months. Returning to Saudi Arabia was not a straightforward option, and he had to explore other alternatives. He sent his family back home, and all he possessed was his wealth of experience. He was unafraid to take on any job and decided to collaborate with a Palestinian involved in a small medical supplies business. He worked for meagre wages for several days, all the while immersing himself in understanding the country and its business opportunities.

Memories of his previous successes filled his mind, but obstacles and crises lay ahead. Emptiness seemed to surround him, but he faced the circumstances with unwavering hope and inner strength, never losing faith. Eventually, he made the decision to leave that job and establish his own medical supplies business. Orders began trickling in from various sources, though in small quantities. He reinvested all the profits into his business, hiring a driver and establishing an office with staff. Alongside these efforts, he sold the land he had inherited from his family in his hometown and reinvested the proceeds into his business.

Despite facing opposition from many quarters, he persevered and successfully ascended the ladder of success. He remained undaunted by the challenges of migration, cultivating his business like a seedling, nourishing it with the wisdom of his father, who had offered loving advice: "Be cautious, your survival depends on this."

Business Ventures

Omar Ali's business empire includes a range of establishments that span various countries worldwide, including India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, China, USA, and Germany. Some of these establishments include:

Bin Ali Medical Supplie; Safe Care Medical Industries; Safe Care Technology; Safe Care Medical Product; Care Medical Trading; Al Tilawi General Tradin; Pearl Polymer; Family Pearl Plastic; A.P.J. Abdul Kalam School of Environmental Design; Cardamom Garden

Values

Omar Ali upholds certain core values, and his mantras, in his business endeavours:

Never let money be your sole goal. Provide beneficial and effective services to people; growth will inevitably follow.

Believe in God and persistently seek paths to success, remaining unwavering in the face of trials.

Offer help and support to others to the greatest extent possible.

Policies

He has no hesitation in sharing the key principles for success in life and business with others. These policies include:

Engage in businesses that you deeply understand; acquire comprehensive knowledge about your chosen field, as even minor mistakes can lead to significant failures.

Maintain steadfastness in your chosen business.

Avoid switching to another business with the profit you gain.