The 100 NRIs – 2026: Faizal E. Kottikollon, Founder and Chairman, KEF Holdings
Feb 21, 2026
This article forms part of The 100 NRIs, a special edition by Entrepreneur Middle East spotlighting the most influential non-resident Indians shaping business, innovation, and investment across the region.
Faizal E. Kottikollon is the visionary Founder and Chairman of KEF Holdings, a globally recognised conglomerate known for its innovative approach across multiple sectors. With an academic background in engineering and management, Kottikollon began his career in the United States before establishing transformative ventures in India and the UAE. His entrepreneurial journey commenced with the founding of Al Ahamadi General Trading in Ajman in 1995.
In 1997, he established Emirates Techno Casting FZE in Sharjah, which quickly gained international recognition as a leader in foundry manufacturing for the oil and gas industry. The strategic sale of this company to Tyco International in 2012 catalyzed the expansion of KEF Holdings, positioning it as a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning infrastructure, investments, healthcare, and wellness.
Beyond his business pursuits, Kottikollon and his wife, Shabana, founded the Faizal and Shabana Foundation in 2007, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility. The foundation focuses on transforming lives through education, healthcare, and humanitarian initiatives, including the award-winning Meitra Hospital, delivered in just 18 months, and Tulah, a US$100 million holistic healthcare centre.
Under his leadership, KEF Holdings evolved from a modest scrap metal trading business into a multi-faceted enterprise. Notably, he pioneered KEF Infra’s off-site construction parks in India, including the world’s largest integrated prefabricated manufacturing facility on a 42-acre site, equipped with advanced robotics and automation. This venture was later acquired by the SoftBank-backed Katerra in 2018.
Currently, Kottikollon continues to drive innovation in healthcare, spearheading Meitra Hospital, India’s first ‘Hospitel’—a 37,161.2 m² tertiary care facility built in just 18 months using advanced off-site manufacturing techniques. Through his unwavering commitment to innovation and social impact, he continues to redefine industry standards and create a healthier, more equitable future worldwide.
This article forms part of The 100 NRIs, a special edition by Entrepreneur Middle East spotlighting the most influential non-resident Indians shaping business, innovation, and investment across the region.
Faizal E. Kottikollon is the visionary Founder and Chairman of KEF Holdings, a globally recognised conglomerate known for its innovative approach across multiple sectors. With an academic background in engineering and management, Kottikollon began his career in the United States before establishing transformative ventures in India and the UAE. His entrepreneurial journey commenced with the founding of Al Ahamadi General Trading in Ajman in 1995.
In 1997, he established Emirates Techno Casting FZE in Sharjah, which quickly gained international recognition as a leader in foundry manufacturing for the oil and gas industry. The strategic sale of this company to Tyco International in 2012 catalyzed the expansion of KEF Holdings, positioning it as a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning infrastructure, investments, healthcare, and wellness.
