Media365
Rajiv Meherish, the Indian-origin entrepreneur who founded Dubai-based restaurant chain Raju Omlet, passed away on Sunday, bringing to an end the journey of a businessman who transformed a simple egg-based dining concept into one of the UAE’s best-known homegrown food brands.
Staff at Raju Omlet outlets confirmed Meherish’s death, as reported by Khaleej Times, saying the restaurants continue to operate as usual. Family friends said he had been unwell before his passing.
Meherish launched Raju Omlet in 2013 with the idea of elevating everyday egg dishes into a distinctive dining experience. Over the years, the brand grew into a popular restaurant chain with at least seven outlets across Dubai, becoming a favourite among residents and tourists alike.
Tributes poured in from members of Dubai’s business community, who remembered Meherish as a humble entrepreneur and a visionary who built a successful business around an unconventional idea.
A commerce postgraduate from Mumbai University, Meherish moved to Dubai in 1980, where he began his professional career as a sales executive.
He later worked in media sales, including with Khaleej Times, before leaving the industry in 1989 to venture into publishing and communications. During his career, he worked on projects associated with major organisations including Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Shopping Festival and the Department of Civil Aviation.
His work also extended to several government and corporate entities, including Dubai Municipality, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Chamber and Emirates Airline.
More than three decades after moving to the UAE, Meherish entered the food and hospitality business with the launch of Raju Omlet. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for reinventing traditional egg dishes with innovative recipes and presentation, helping carve out a niche in Dubai’s highly competitive dining market.
Today, Raju Omlet has multiple outlets across Dubai and has become one of the city’s most recognisable homegrown casual dining brands.
