A landmark moment for Dubai’s Indian business community as a family-rooted trading enterprise with over a century of history in the emirate has been honoured with one of the city’s most prestigious accolades.Deepak Bhatia, managing director of Uncle’s Shop Building Material Trading, received the Erth Dubai award under the category of Best Private Sector Entity. The award was presented by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE vice president, Prime minister and ruler of Dubai, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai.
The business was founded in 1922 by the late Uttamchand Bhatia, fondly known as ‘Vattra’, making it one of the oldest Indian-origin enterprises in the UAE and now in its fourth generation of family leadership. The recognition honours more than a hundred years of contribution to Dubai’s trade, construction sector, heritage preservation, and community development. The recognition reflects the important role played by long-standing private sector establishments in shaping Dubai’s growth story and highlights the enduring relationship between Dubai and the Indian business community.
Deepak Bhatia described the honour as deeply meaningful, saying: “This award is not only a recognition of our company, but a tribute to our founder, our family legacy, and the generations who contributed toward Dubai’s progress with commitment and sincerity. We remain proud to call Dubai our home and will continue contributing to the UAE’s future growth.”
The Erth Dubai award is one of the emirate’s most distinguished honours, established to celebrate individuals, families, and organisations that have played a defining role in shaping the city’s identity, heritage, and growth. The awards recognise long-standing contributions across both public and private sectors, with a particular emphasis on preserving Dubai’s cultural memory and documenting its journey from a historic trading port to a global metropolis.
