From cricket aspirations to jewellery innovation
Rahul Sagar, Founder of DIAN Jewellery and Dubai’s first 24K Gold Note Souvenir, shares his journey of legacy, innovation, and community.
Spend FIVE MINUTES getting to know Rahul Sagar.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m a fifth-generation jeweller and the founder of Dubai’s first 24K Gold Note Souvenir.
As the founder of DIAN Jewellery and a director in my family business, Shantilal Jewellers since 1969, I bring a fresh perspective and innovative spirit to the legacy established by my family.
I graduated from the University of Nottingham in the UK with a degree in Industrial Economics.
Initially, I aimed for a professional cricket career, but a cricket injury changed my path. This led me to redirect my passion toward the family jewellery business.
Drawing on my academic background and entrepreneurial drive, I ventured into creating my own brand, DIAN Jewellery.
Through this venture, I’ve carved out a niche in the industry with exquisite craftsmanship and visionary designs.
How and when did you move here, and what inspired the move?
I was born in Dubai and have proudly called it home for the last 26 years.
My family made the move from Bahrain in 1969 because my grandfather had a bold vision for the jewellery business here. He took that leap of faith, and the rest is history.
I’m truly grateful for this, as it’s shaped our incredible journey.
How has living in Dubai shaped your sense of belonging and community?
Dubai is an incredible place to live because of the diverse cultures that come together here.
I’ve learned so much from interacting with people from all over the world, and it’s really enriched my perspective.
The vibrant mix of traditions and ideas makes Dubai feel like a true global hub, and being part of this dynamic community has been an amazing experience.
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Can you tell us about a particular person in Dubai who has had a significant impact on your life and why?
My father, Vijay, has had a significant impact on my life.
Having lived his entire life in Dubai, he’s been a pillar of wisdom and guidance for me. He’s played a huge role in shaping my values, perspective, and the way I see life and do business.
His dedication, integrity, and the way he navigates the complexities of the jewellery industry have taught me invaluable lessons.
I’m incredibly grateful for his influence, which has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
What is your favourite thing about the emirate and why?
My favourite thing about Dubai is the rapid change and progress the city has made.
It’s amazing to see how quickly Dubai has evolved to become one of the best cities to live in.
The vision of the leaders here is unparalleled, driving innovation and growth at an incredible pace. Being part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking place is truly inspiring.
A myth about Dubai that you would like to bust
A myth about Dubai that I’d like to bust is that it has very strict and restrictive rules for living here.
While there are indeed rules in place to ensure it’s one of the safest places in the world, these rules actually enhance the quality of life.
You can wear your jewellery and watches without worrying, unlike in many big cities these days.
Besides these necessary rules to keep the place safe, living in Dubai is amazing, and I’ve never really felt restricted.
Could you share a memorable moment when you felt the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Dubai community in your own life?
One memorable moment was during my school years.
There were numerous times when we were given the opportunity to help those in need in the UAE and around the world by creating care packages and support boxes.
Everyone came together in these moments for the betterment of humanity, regardless of where we were from or our faith. It was truly inspiring to see such unity and compassion within the community.
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