Sitting comfortably in suite number 1663 at The Oberoi, Mumbai, Puthan Naduvakkatt Chenthamaraksha (PNC) Menon shares his strong commitment: “I plan to retire only if I’m not alive or unable to move.”
At 68 years old, Menon openly admits his love for success, saying, “When you’re successful, you want more and more. It’s a journey without an end. It’s a habit I enjoy.” Forbes estimates his personal net worth at $1.64 billion.
Fueled by this drive, Menon has explored various sectors, including hospitality through his own hotel brand Strada, furniture and lighting with a factory in Abu Dhabi, real estate consultancy, and a multi-billion-dollar real estate fund, Menon Capital. This fund aims to invest in commercial properties across Europe, the UAE, and India, benefiting from Menon’s decades of experience in the building industry.
Presently, Menon’s privately-owned Sobha Group, headquartered in Dubai, is engaged in three real estate projects in the UAE, expected to generate revenues exceeding $10 billion over the next decade. His construction projects include landmarks such as the Dubai Marina Yacht Club, the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat.
Although Menon began his real estate ventures in the UAE in 2011, his construction business has flourished since the mid-’90s. A notable recent project is the $10 billion Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum City-District One project in Dubai, a collaboration with the Meydan Group.
Last year, Sobha Group partnered with the government of Umm Al Quwain in the UAE for the $6.8 billion Firdous Sobha real estate project. Additionally, Menon is involved in an upcoming real estate project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, spanning over 1,200 acres.
Menon’s relentless pursuit of success is evident as he oversees 55 million square feet of real estate development in the UAE. JC Sharma, vice chairman and managing director of Sobha Limited, praises Menon’s exceptional ability to establish organizations and maintain high standards.
Menon’s journey from humble beginnings in Kerala’s Palakkad district to becoming a billionaire entrepreneur demonstrates his determination. A chance encounter in 1976 led him to Muscat, where he co-founded a furniture and interior design firm. Despite initial challenges, Menon’s business flourished, leading to the establishment of Sobha Developers Limited in Bengaluru in 1995.
Today, Menon’s philanthropic efforts reflect his gratitude for his success. A significant portion of his wealth is dedicated to providing free education to underprivileged girls in Palakkad, India, with plans for further expansion. Additionally, Menon remains actively involved in his business ventures, always seeking new opportunities for growth and diversification.
