Dubai, 14 May 2025 – Known as the “Masala King,” Dr. Dhananjay Datar has expressed his willingness to assist budding entrepreneurs from Maharashtra in exporting their products to Dubai and the UAE. He stated that he is committed to wholeheartedly guiding those who wish to expand their businesses from Dubai to the global market.
A delegation of local entrepreneurs, led by Solapur MLA Subhash Deshmukh, recently met Datar in Dubai and presented agricultural products such as Solapur’s signature shenga chutney (peanut chutney), crisp jowar (sorghum) flatbreads, premium quality sorghum, rice, and pulses. An innovative bag manufacturer also showcased unique packaging solutions. Datar praised the quality of these products and even expressed readiness to procure some of them for his retail chain, Al Adil Group of Superstores.
Datar offered the delegation detailed guidance on various aspects of the export process, including necessary documentation, legal requirements, packaging standards, and marketing practices. He noted that exports from India to the Gulf countries—particularly the UAE—primarily happen through sea transport, which is cost-effective but takes about 20 days. Hence, products with very short shelf lives are not ideal. He recommended selecting products with a shelf life of at least six months to a year.
“We deliver pure, hygienic, and authentic products to Gulf markets through our chain of superstores. Currently, there’s a strong demand for organic products. Packaging must be secure and tamper-proof. For example, under our Peacock brand, we recently launched nutritious khapli wheat, which has received excellent customer response here. Similarly, sending natural, chemical-free, adulteration-free, and health-oriented food products can be both beneficial for customers and financially rewarding for producers,” he added.
He also cautioned that the Gulf countries have stringent laws and policies against adulteration, customer deception, and unhealthy products. Exporters must therefore maintain strict compliance.
Speaking on future opportunities for Maharashtra’s producers and entrepreneurs, Datar pointed out that Vadhavan, a new international port, is being developed near Mumbai in Palghar district and is expected to be fully operational within the next decade. Along with JNPT, Maharashtra will then have two major international ports, enhancing global export capabilities. He emphasized that Maharashtra’s infrastructure is rapidly improving, including projects like the Samruddhi Expressway linking Vidarbha with Mumbai.
“To take advantage of these upcoming developments, entrepreneurs must start preparing now—learn about import-export procedures, pursue related courses, and begin setting up businesses with a goal to start exporting in two to three years. By doing this, they can become well-established contributors to Maharashtra’s growth over the next ten years,” Datar said.
He expressed a personal vision: “There are many poor but hardworking and ambitious young people in Maharashtra who dream of entrepreneurship and prosperity. I want to see thousands of them become successful entrepreneurs. I’ve been working for the past 30 years in Dubai to promote Marathi culture and enterprise. Just like Solapur, youth from other cities in Maharashtra should also step forward with innovative products and ideas. I will definitely guide them.”
The delegation included MLA Subhash Deshmukh, Director of Solapur Garments Manufacturers Association Amit Jain, CEO of Udyam PAHSUI Foundation Dr. Rajesh Gurani, Alpesh Sanklecha, Vijay Patil, Yash Jain, Pradeep Jain, Anand Zhad, and Chandrashekhar Jadhav, among others.
