Billionaire Profile
Shamsheer Vayalil
Global Rank
#2114

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Shamsheer Vayalil

CEO, Burjeel Holdings
IN
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.8B
As of December 2025
Age
48
Source
Healthcare
Industry
healthcare
Citizenship
IN

Biography

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil is a prominent healthcare entrepreneur and philanthropist, recognized for founding and leading Burjeel Holdings, a leading healthcare provider in the Middle East. With an estimated net worth of $1.8 billion, Shamsheer's wealth stems from his investments in the healthcare sector. His career began as a radiologist, but he transitioned to entrepreneurship, establishing his first hospital in 2007. Through Burjeel Holdings, he has built a network of hospitals and medical centers across the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Shamsheer is also known for his philanthropic initiatives, contributing to healthcare access, education, and community development.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Shamsheer Vayalil was born in Kozhikode, Kerala, India, on January 11, 1977. He pursued his MBBS at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, and later obtained an MD in radiology from Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai. After completing his medical studies, he worked as a radiologist.

Rise to Success

In 2007, Shamsheer founded LLH Hospital in Abu Dhabi. Recognizing the need for quality healthcare, he expanded his business, eventually establishing Burjeel Holdings. His journey led him to build a significant healthcare network, including hospitals, medical centers, and pharmacies across the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Burjeel Holdings' listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in October 2022 boosted his net worth.

Key Business Strategies

Shamsheer focused on quality and building capacity, prioritizing areas lacking healthcare facilities. He aimed to create a healthcare ecosystem with an integrated delivery approach, controlling various aspects from patient care to supply chain. He has also expanded geographically, with the aim of providing advanced care.

Philanthropy

Shamsheer is dedicated to philanthropy, with initiatives in healthcare access, education, and community development. He has launched health-focused campaigns and initiatives, like the 100 Free Heart Surgeries dedicated to the memory of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the Breast Cancer Screening Programme. In June 2024, he announced ₹6 crore (approximately $720,000 USD) in financial aid for the families of medical students and doctors affected by the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.

Career Milestones

2007

Founded LLH Hospital

Established his first hospital in Abu Dhabi, marking the beginning of his healthcare venture.

2014

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman

Received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman for developing a healthcare business in the UAE and promoting UAE-India ties.

2014

Honorary Doctorate

Received an Honorary Doctorate (D.Litt. & DSE Honors Degree) from Aligarh Muslim University.

2022

Burjeel Holdings IPO

Burjeel Holdings listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, boosting his net worth.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Healthcare

100 Free Heart Surgeries

$XB

Dedicated to the memory of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, providing free heart surgeries.

Healthcare

Breast Cancer Screening Programme

$XB

Initiative to provide breast cancer screening.

Disaster Relief

Air India Crash Aid

$0.72

Pledged ₹6 crore (approx. $720,000 USD) in aid for families of victims in the Air India crash in Ahmedabad.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""It's all about listening to your heart, your gut feeling, and what you really would like to do.""

""I knew that if I can give good service to people, they would stay back.""

"“Our goal is not to build more hospitals or borders to keep people outside of hospital."

Leadership Principles

Focus on Quality

Emphasizing quality and good doctors to drive revenue.

Visionary Leadership

Blending strategic thinking with practical execution, with a commitment to innovation and patient care.

Effective Communication

Emphasizing proper communication and quick decision-making in leadership.