The 100 NRIs – 2026: Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare
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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.
Under his transformative leadership, Dr. Azad Moopen has significantly advanced healthcare across the GCC, India, and beyond, setting new benchmarks for innovation and excellence. With nearly fifty years dedicated to revolutionising healthcare, his approach combines innovation, compassion, and service.
Born in Kerala, India, in 1953, Dr. Moopen graduated with an MD in General Medicine as a Gold Medalist and earned a diploma in Chest Diseases. His journey into healthcare leadership was shaped by a visit to Dubai in 1987, which revealed the urgent need for accessible, high-quality healthcare, particularly among expatriates. What began as a single clinic in Bur Dubai has grown into Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the GCC and India.
Under his guidance, Aster DM Healthcare has expanded into a global network with over 963 facilities across seven countries. Aster DM Healthcare GCC, one of the Gulf’s largest healthcare providers, operates 15 hospitals, 125 clinics, and 340 pharmacies with over 17 million patients a year across five GCC nations. Beyond infrastructure, Dr. Moopen has consistently emphasised education, research, and training as essential components of sustainable healthcare. In 2017, he founded Aster Volunteers which has positively impacted more than 7 million lives through initiatives in healthcare, education, disaster response, and social empowerment.
Central to its efforts are over 95,000 dedicated volunteers, supported by Aster DM Healthcare, the Aster DM Foundation (India and International), the Dr. Moopen Family Foundation, and various partner institutions. Together, they strive to deliver not only aid but also hope, dignity, and the prospect of a brighter future. Dr. Moopen’s philosophy that “profit is a by-product, not the purpose” underpins his work. Through the Aster DM Foundation and Dr. Moopen Family Foundation, he has committed 20 percent of his personal wealth to philanthropy, supporting healthcare, education, and community development. His contributions have earned numerous awards, including India’s Padma Shri and the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, and recognition among the 100 Most Inspiring Leaders in the Middle East.
Related: Entrepreneur Middle East Reveals “The 100 NRIs” List
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.
Under his transformative leadership, Dr. Azad Moopen has significantly advanced healthcare across the GCC, India, and beyond, setting new benchmarks for innovation and excellence. With nearly fifty years dedicated to revolutionising healthcare, his approach combines innovation, compassion, and service.
Born in Kerala, India, in 1953, Dr. Moopen graduated with an MD in General Medicine as a Gold Medalist and earned a diploma in Chest Diseases. His journey into healthcare leadership was shaped by a visit to Dubai in 1987, which revealed the urgent need for accessible, high-quality healthcare, particularly among expatriates. What began as a single clinic in Bur Dubai has grown into Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the GCC and India.
