Ravi Shastri Hails Sheikh Mohammed For Transforming Dubai's Fortunes

“That's gone like a tracer bullet” - it's a line cricket fans instantly associate with Ravi Shastri. But this time, the charismatic Indian cricketer-turned-commentator was not talking about a ball racing to the boundary. He was referring to Dubai, a city that has transformed at the same incredible speed.

The former India coach carries with him not just the stories from the pitch but memories that stretch back over four decades with the UAE.“I first came here in 1980,” he recalled during a freewheeling chat with Khaleej Times.

Shastri was recently in the UAE as the brand ambassador for Nestwood Realty, a role that perfectly aligns with his vision of Dubai and the region's booming real estate sector.

“The growth here is like a T20 game, where it started slow, and suddenly you see runs accumulating quickly,” he said in classic Shastri style.“From Deira to Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah to Palm Island and Emirates Hills, I have seen it all grow. I have seen a new building come up every 15 to 20 yards.”

For him, partnering with a real estate brand wasn't just a promotional gig, it's personal.“I have seen Dubai become one of the most dynamic places on the planet. You don't need to sell it, it sells itself,” said Shastri.

He calls the UAE his second home, one where sport, lifestyle, and opportunity all come together for a perfect lifestyle.

'The way Dubai has evolved... it's phenomenal,” he said before showing his admiration for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“The vision of Sheikh Mohammed is incredible. He has made Dubai a financial hub, a real estate marvel, a sporting destination for the world and an ideal place for everyone. Whether it's cricket, golf, tennis, or horse racing, everything is here.”

He recalled the old days when the cricket fraternity would land in Dubai and head straight to Marbella Beach Resort in Sharjah.“Back in the day, we shopped at Rolex Towers in Deira,” he said.“Then came Bur Juman, and Deira City Centre. Now the malls are so big you need a few days to cover them.”

According to Shastri, there is 'no doubt' that interest among Indian sports personalities to invest in the UAE is growing rapidly.

“These players have played a lot of cricket here. They have seen what the place has to offer - safety, great infrastructure, tax-free income, proximity to India, ease in doing business, and world-class healthcare, universities and lifestyle,” he said.“For someone who's travelling frequently between cricketing nations, the location of UAE is ideal. I wouldn't be surprised if many of them buy homes here.”

A member of India's 1983 World Cup-winning team, Shastri also heaped praise on Ras Al Khaimah's steady rise as a tourist and business hub.

“If Dubai is the high-octane pace bowler or a hard-hitting batsman, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the patient all-rounder, quietly building momentum,” said Shastri.

“RAK is a growing market. What's coming up there is mind-boggling. Wynn Casino is launching in 2027, with over 15,000 rooms. That's huge. It's not just RAK that will benefit, it'll lift the whole country.”

Shastri is also a corporate ambassador of the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ).

“RAK has tourism, natural landscapes, and adventure, it's got its own character. And now with real estate expanding between Abu Dhabi and RAK, it's like you are driving through a slideshow of development. Every 10 minutes, there's a new hoarding of a stunning new project,” he said.

After leading India to some famous victories as a coach, including the team's incredible 2021 Test series triumph in Australia, Shastri is now back to doing what he loves: commentary.

“Coaching was tough, but fulfilling. When you win, the joy is unmatched. When you lose, all fingers point to the coach and captain. But I never shied away from responsibility. Once the team was picked, it was my job to make it happen,” said Shastri.

He believes India's white-ball team, which won the 2024 T20 World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy last month, will win many more trophies and calls IPL 'the force of entertainment, competition and global appeal'.

For Shastri, love for the UAE goes beyond stadiums.“I love the golf courses here. I go and hit a few. And this time, I had an exhilarating time at Ferrari World. My daughter was explaining to me all the new rides. It's got something for every age,” he said.

“For me, the UAE will always be special. It's vibrant, and the cuisine here is amazing. The country's got everything a tourist, a resident, or an investor could ask for. So you'll see more and more people coming in for a better life.”

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