IKON Advertising & Marketing Services - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

After earning a master’s degree in journalism and mass communications, Ali, who hails from the ruling family of Surat & Kamadhia, erstwhile princely states of Gujarat, India, began his career with Clarion McCann before moving to Dubai in 1979. One of the most well-known and respected names in advertising, media and marketing in the Middle East/North Africa region as well as a highly successful professional, Ali has been described as The Media Mogul in Saifur Rahman’s book “The Visionaries,” which traces extraordinary stories of the economic miracles of entrepreneurs. Deeply entrenched in both his region, globally and the corporate world, he has travelled extensively.

His three group companies: Ikon Advertising & Promo, IAS Media and Ikon Trade Services operate in the region, with headquarters in Dubai and offices in Bahrain, Qatar, Singapore and London. The group employs hundreds of professionals from the Middle East, India and Europe.

A recipient of many awards and accolades including the Golden Award from IBPC Dubai in recognition of his long stay in UAE and contribution to India-UAE economic relationships, Ali is a member of many professional associations including the International Advertising Association (IAA) UAE Chapter since its inception. An avid advocate of ethical business practices, social awareness and pro bono advertising, Ali was responsible for creating the first ever traffic awareness campaign for the Dubai Police which won the Max Lewis Award.

Ali was also chosen and awarded as one of the Top Leaders in the Arab World 2015 by Forbes Middle East.