How Dubai Helped Vivek Oberoi Build Bnw La Perla And A ₹1,200 Cr Business Empire
Vivek Oberoi, once known for his roles in Bollywood, has quietly built a business empire worth more than ₹1,200 crore (about USD 144 million). He says much of this success is thanks to one move—shifting to Dubai.
Today, he runs BNW Developments, a UAE-based luxury real estate company. One of its most ambitious projects is BNW La Perla, a beachfront apartment township on Al Marjan Island.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Vivek and his family moved to Dubai for a short break. But what started as a temporary stay turned into something much bigger.
"It was supposed to be a short-term move," he said. "But Dubai felt like home. We decided to stay."
He found Dubai to be a calm, business-friendly place. His family loved it too. And that's where his second career truly began.
Vivek calls Dubai a "conflict-free, relaxed zone." He believes it gives people room to think clearly and build something meaningful.
"If you follow the rules and respect the culture, you can really thrive here," he explained.
For business owners, this kind of environment matters. Less stress. Fewer roadblocks. More results.
After settling in Dubai, Vivek teamed up with Ankur Aggarwal to launch BNW Developments. Today, it manages over USD 7 billion worth of projects. The company focuses on luxury living, smart design, and strong long-term value.
One of BNW's most talked-about projects is La Perla, located on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. Here's what it offers:
- Total area: 110,873 square feet
- Units: 226 apartments in two towers
- Sizes: 1,030 sq. ft. to 4,589 sq. ft.
- Price: Starts at AED 2.3 million
- Configuration: 1, 2, and 3 BHK options
La Perla is designed for people who want the calm of island life but still need easy access to the city. The project is near the upcoming Wynn Resort, which is likely to boost its value even more.
- Aqua Arc
This ultra-luxury development is also on Al Marjan Island. It's worth around ₹2,300 crore (USD 275 million) and is located close to the future Wynn Resorts hub. - Taj Wellington Mews
In partnership with IHCL, BNW is bringing this premium Indian brand to the UAE. It's a blend of Indian style and world-class comfort.
Vivek Oberoi is not just focused on real estate. He has built businesses across other sectors too:
- EdTech: A loan platform for school and college fees. It grew to serve over 12,000 institutions and 4.5 million students, and is valued at USD 400 million.
- Fintech & Agritech
- Sustainable Jewellery
- Road Safety Tech
- Alcoholic Beverage Brands
He has already taken nine companies public and plans to list four more.
His work has earned recognition across the UAE and India:
- Named among Top 150 Real Estate Icons of UAE in 2025
- Won at the UAE Ultimate Realty Awards 2024
- Featured in Forbes' 40 Under 40 Philanthropy List
More than money, Vivek believes in "profit with purpose." He wants his businesses to make a difference, not just returns.
Moving to Dubai changed Vivek Oberoi's life. It gave him the freedom and space to create something lasting. His company, BNW Developments, and its flagship project, La Perla, are proof of that.
For others looking to invest or build in the UAE, his story shows that with the right vision and the right place, big things can happen.
