Name: Naresh Kumar Bhawnani
Designation: Founder & Chairman
Company: Westzone
Naresh Kumar Bhawnani has played a defining role in Dubai’s neighbourhood retail sector, leading West Zone Group from a single supermarket to a network of more than 150 stores across the UAE in just two decades. Under his direction, the brand has become a consistent presence in residential communities, recognised for accessibility, operational discipline and value-driven retail. His grounding in business began early.
At 15, he was already working in his family’s retail enterprise; that early immersion instilled a practical, detail-oriented approach, one that continues to define his leadership style. West Zone was established on 2 December 2005 in Mirdif, aligning its launch with the UAE’s National Day. As the retail platform strengthened, Bhawnani oversaw a deliberate diversification strategy. For two decades, the group has expanded into hypermarkets, logistics facilities, malls, real estate, building materials and contracting, as well as hospitality and FB.
This broadened portfolio reflects a structured growth approach, leveraging retail expertise while building complementary verticals. Today, the Group employs more than 5,000 people, whose contribution Bhawnani frequently acknowledges as central to its sustained progress. Looking ahead, he remains focused on disciplined expansion, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth, strengthening the group’s presence in the UAE and internationally across key markets.
