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The House of Bhatia: Roots in Dubai, across Middle East

Managing Director Rajeev Bhatia talks to Business Elite about the House of Bhatia and its legacy of success.

Managing Director Rajeev Bhatia.

The House of ST Bhatia is a multi-faceted business group, which was established by Suresh T Bhatia in 1969. Gaining widespread fame and recognition for its innovative approach to trading, distribution, logistics as well as hospitality, the company is mainly known for its pioneering operations in the Duty Free sector.

Not surprisingly, the company has retained the top spot as a travel retail solutions provider for 30 odd years and even more. Bhatia Traders is an entity that encourages initiative by reacting positively to change and thrives on challenges. Talking about the company’s legacy, the Managing Director opines: “I strongly believe that the most significant challenge is to keep up with the pace of growth around you. When you have a long-standing empire with deep-rooted traditions, it really boils down to how you retain your legacy. We are leaders in what we do because we know how to maintain the right balance in business. Bringing in new blood and at the same time respecting our established values is indeed a winning combination we realised long ago,” he said.

The company’s core competence is providing cutting-edge seaport duty free operations, solid logistics services and offering a robust distribution network to a formidable list of clients across the region. Considered key players in the logistics sector with a long list of bonded warehouses located all over the UAE, Bhatia Traders’ operations span across the Middle East, India, Far East as well as Africa. “Depending on the location, we provide expertise not only as an individual business entity, but also as a joint venture, focusing primarily on business requirements of specific areas,” said the Managing Director.

Setting standards in the hospitality sector, the Group has also been serving guests for more than a decade through its stellar list of seamen clubs. The clubs offer remorselessly superior services, spectacular cuisines and entertainment facilities – all making up for a spectacular experience. In addition to this, the hospitality division has recently launched an uber chic lounge and restaurant affiliated with the world’s most recognised brand – GQ. “With our all encompassing knowledge and diversity in business, it was only natural to step up and reach a whole new level. The GQ bar is a completely new concept in the F&B business. We did not want to open just another restaurant, keeping in mind our legacy and also the reputation that we have acquired over time. We sought to create a relationship with a strong partner especially because of the magnitude of our business. We look at GQ as a phenomenal brand and together with Conde Nast International we have built something unique and world class. The GQ Bar is a highly promising venture, oozing an attitude that matches GQ magazine’s very own panache or what it stands for. And at the same time, we also make sure that it matches the standard of Dubai today,” he said.

Optimistic about growth and the widening opportunities across the Middle East, the trailblazing visionary foresees phenomenal progress for the House of Bhatia by setting standards in the business of serving people.