The 100 NRIs – 2026: Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman, Burjeel Holding
Feb 19, 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.
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, is a distinguished healthcare visionary and accomplished entrepreneur who has transformed a single hospital in Abu Dhabi, into a healthcare powerhouse with a portfolio of over 100 assets across the GCC, comprising multiple hospitals and medical centres. His leadership exemplifies dedication and innovative thinking, positioning Burjeel as a prominent player in the region’s healthcare industry.
A trained radiologist with a deep passion for developing medical facilities and enhancing healthcare quality in the Middle East, Dr. Vayalil founded VPS Healthcare in 2007. His vision was to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to those in need. Over the years, VPS Healthcare grew into a vast network spanning the GCC, India, and Europe, operating numerous hospitals and clinics with a large, skilled workforce committed to delivering high-quality care.
In 2022, VPS Healthcare unified its GCC assets under the new holding company, Burjeel Holdings, which now manages a diverse portfolio of healthcare brands. This strategic consolidation has established Burjeel as one of the region’s largest integrated health networks, serving various socio-economic groups through brands such as Tajmeel, Medeor Hospital, Burjeel Hospitals, Lifecare Hospital, and LLH Hospital. LLH Hospital was founded with the aim of delivering specialised, high-quality, yet cost-effective healthcare services.
Beyond his business pursuits, Dr. Vayalil is a committed philanthropist. His community- focused initiatives include the 100 Free Heart Surgeries, dedicated to the memory of H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and extensive breast cancer screening programmes that have benefited thousands across the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. Recognised internationally and locally for his relentless pursuit of excellence, Dr. Vayalil has received numerous awards, including the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, India’s highest civilian honour for Non-Resident Indians. He is a member of the UAE Medical Council and serves on the advisory committee of the University of Sharjah College of Medicine.
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.
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, is a distinguished healthcare visionary and accomplished entrepreneur who has transformed a single hospital in Abu Dhabi, into a healthcare powerhouse with a portfolio of over 100 assets across the GCC, comprising multiple hospitals and medical centres. His leadership exemplifies dedication and innovative thinking, positioning Burjeel as a prominent player in the region’s healthcare industry.
A trained radiologist with a deep passion for developing medical facilities and enhancing healthcare quality in the Middle East, Dr. Vayalil founded VPS Healthcare in 2007. His vision was to provide accessible and affordable healthcare to those in need. Over the years, VPS Healthcare grew into a vast network spanning the GCC, India, and Europe, operating numerous hospitals and clinics with a large, skilled workforce committed to delivering high-quality care.
