The 100 NRIs – 2026: Kabir Mulchandani, Chairman and CEO, FIVE Holdings
Kabal Mulchandani
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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.
Kabir Mulchandani is redefining Dubai’s hospitality landscape with his visionary approach, blending luxury, entertainment, and innovative design into a vibrant lifestyle ecosystem. As Chairman and CEO of FIVE Holdings, he has transformed the brand into a global icon, known for its high-energy venues, striking architecture, and strong financial results. His ability to push industry boundaries has positioned FIVE as not just a hotel operator, but a cultural phenomenon that attracts discerning travellers and locals alike. Since founding SKAI Holdings in 2013, later rebranded as FIVE in 2017, Mulchandani has overseen the development of some of the region’s most iconic properties, including FIVE Palm Jumeirah, FIVE Jumeirah Village, FIVE LUXE, and ventures in Zurich. His strategic vision has driven FIVE’s expansion across the UAE and Europe, creating a portfolio that seamlessly integrates premium living with entertainment. Notably, under his leadership, FIVE became the first hotel chain in the UAE to operate entirely on renewable electricity, exemplifying his commitment to sustainability and innovation.
In 2023, Mulchandani expanded the company’s global footprint with the acquisition of The Pacha Group, bringing legendary venues like Pacha Ibiza Nightclub and Destino Five Ibiza into the fold. This move solidified FIVE’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse capable of blending nightlife, music, culinary arts, and luxury living into a cohesive experience. FIVE Palm Jumeirah and FIVE Jumeirah Village received the distinguished Gold Tier Stamp for Sustainable Tourism Excellence in the second cycle of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative.
Both properties demonstrate an exceptional commitment to meeting the 19 Sustainability Requirements, a framework developed by DET to align the hospitality sector with international environmental standards, the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 targets, and the Dubai Economic Agenda – D33.
FIVE serves as a launchpad for emerging talent, immersive brand collaborations, and music content, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of experience-led tourism. His dedication to responsible business practices and community initiatives further underscores his commitment to making a positive social and environmental impact while maintaining strong commercial growth.
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.
Kabir Mulchandani is redefining Dubai’s hospitality landscape with his visionary approach, blending luxury, entertainment, and innovative design into a vibrant lifestyle ecosystem. As Chairman and CEO of FIVE Holdings, he has transformed the brand into a global icon, known for its high-energy venues, striking architecture, and strong financial results. His ability to push industry boundaries has positioned FIVE as not just a hotel operator, but a cultural phenomenon that attracts discerning travellers and locals alike. Since founding SKAI Holdings in 2013, later rebranded as FIVE in 2017, Mulchandani has overseen the development of some of the region’s most iconic properties, including FIVE Palm Jumeirah, FIVE Jumeirah Village, FIVE LUXE, and ventures in Zurich. His strategic vision has driven FIVE’s expansion across the UAE and Europe, creating a portfolio that seamlessly integrates premium living with entertainment. Notably, under his leadership, FIVE became the first hotel chain in the UAE to operate entirely on renewable electricity, exemplifying his commitment to sustainability and innovation.
In 2023, Mulchandani expanded the company’s global footprint with the acquisition of The Pacha Group, bringing legendary venues like Pacha Ibiza Nightclub and Destino Five Ibiza into the fold. This move solidified FIVE’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse capable of blending nightlife, music, culinary arts, and luxury living into a cohesive experience. FIVE Palm Jumeirah and FIVE Jumeirah Village received the distinguished Gold Tier Stamp for Sustainable Tourism Excellence in the second cycle of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative.
