Who was Rajiv Meherish? Indian-origin founder of the popular Dubai-based restaurant chain Raju Omlet who passed away

RAJIV Meherish, the Indian-origin founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Raju Omlet, a Dubai-based retro-chic restaurant chain, passed away on 19 July.

The news of his passing was confirmed by staff members at Raju Omlet outlets, who said the restaurants continued to operate as usual, Khaleej Times reported.

A family friend of Meherish also confirmed the news of his death and said, “I am extremely saddened by the news. He had been unwell, and he passed away this morning.” However, they did not reveal the reason behind his death.

Who was Rajiv Meherish?

According to his LinkedIn profile, Meherish was a commerce postgraduate from Mumbai University who moved to Dubai in 1980 and began his career as a sales professional. From February 1982, he spent many years selling media space for Khaleej Times and other leading English and Arabic newspapers.

From 1990 to 2013, he founded and successfully led a media business, where Meherish and his team produced special-occasion publications for leading newspapers in Dubai and for corporate clients, including Dubai Airport, Dubai Chamber, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai, and other leading government and government-related organisations.

Meherish then started Raju Omlet in 2013, which is described as a retro-chic restaurant specialising in egg preparations. Since then, the restaurant has expanded to seven outlets across Dubai, with two more said to be in the pipeline. His long-term vision was to take Raju Omlet beyond the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and build it into a global brand.

Dubai businessmen mourn Meherish's passing

Remembering Meherish, Kamal Vachani, a veteran Dubai businessman, called him a "very nice man" who was always "humble."

Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group, described him as a visionary entrepreneur who transformed simple egg dishes into a much-loved homegrown brand.

Sajan said, "I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rajiv. As a food lover, I had followed the remarkable growth of Raju Omlet over the years. I fondly remember visiting the restaurant and Rajiv personally inviting me to experience some of his signature dishes."

He further said, "What he accomplished was truly special. He took humble, everyday egg dishes and elevated them through creativity and distinctive flavours, transforming a simple concept into a much-loved homegrown brand. His legacy will continue through the brand he created and the countless people he inspired."