An Exclusive Conversation with Rohit & Hrishikesh Datar
For decades, Adil Trading has been a trusted name in the UAE, bringing the flavors and traditions of Indian culture to the region. Today, the next generation—Rohit and Hrishikesh Datar—is steering the company forward while preserving the strong foundation built by their father, Dr. Dhananjay Datar. In this conversation, they share insights into their leadership approach, strategies for innovation, and their vision for the future of Adil Trading.
What aspects of the business do you focus on most?
Hrishikesh: I oversee HR, commodity procurement, budget setting, and overall organizational efficiency. Additionally, I focus on long-term goal setting for our retail and wholesale divisions. This year, I have also prioritized improving company culture, enhancing employee retention, and fostering motivation to create a more engaged workforce. I prefer focusing on the big picture—my decisions may not yield immediate results, but they have a compounding effect over time, creating sustainable and impactful change.
Rohit: My role is centered on operations, legal compliance, product portfolio diversification, e-commerce, B2B partnerships, and delivery partner relations. I also oversee strategic operations, supplier relationships, and compliance with municipal and customs regulations for our exports and imports. On the digital front, I lead our e-commerce initiatives and oversee our website and mobile app operations. Additionally, I manage product sourcing, distribution, and merchandising strategies to ensure our offerings meet market demand.
How do you bring fresh perspectives and new strategies to the table while honoring the traditions your father built?
Hrishikesh: Both Rohit and I started on the ground level—as cashiers, then as sales executives, and eventually took on leadership roles. This hands-on experience shaped our perspective and allowed us to witness firsthand the challenges of implementing new changes.
One defining moment for me was when we upgraded our point-of-sale software to improve efficiency. While the change was beneficial, I saw how difficult the transition was for our staff and how it temporarily impacted customer experience. This made me realize that as we move up in leadership, we naturally become more distanced from ground-level challenges.
To bridge this gap, I launched the “Grow Adil Together” initiative, an internal program that welcomes ideas from all employees. This has helped us implement fresh perspectives while staying aligned with our core values. Instead of rigidly following outdated methods, we uphold the ideology our father instilled in us—”The customer is our god.” This principle allows us to honor tradition while being flexible in our approach.
How do you divide responsibilities to ensure the business runs smoothly?
Rohit: We divide our responsibilities based on our expertise. I handle operations, legal compliance, product portfolio diversification, e-commerce, B2B partnerships, and delivery partner relations to ensure smooth business operations.
Hrishikesh: My focus is on customer engagement, store operations, and marketing strategies, making sure our customer experience aligns with our brand values. We collaborate on key decisions, combining our strengths for a cohesive strategy.
E-commerce and digital platforms are reshaping the retail industry. How is Al Adil adapting to these trends?
Rohit: Digital transformation is a major focus for us. We have launched a user-friendly e-commerce website and mobile app (available on the App Store and Play Store) to provide a seamless shopping experience. This allows us to cater to a broader audience and offer convenience like never before.
We have also partnered with all major delivery service providers to ensure fast and reliable deliveries across the UAE. On the marketing side, we are implementing targeted digital campaigns to better engage customers and showcase our diverse product portfolio.
Hrishikesh: Our goal is to blend the trust and legacy of Al Adil with the agility and innovation of digital platforms. By embracing e-commerce, we ensure that we meet the evolving needs of our customers while staying true to our heritage.
What innovations or changes are you implementing to make Al Adil Trading future-ready?
Hrishikesh: To ensure Al Adil remains future-ready, we are focusing on five key initiatives:
- Digital Transformation – Implementing advanced technology in supply chain management, inventory systems, and customer service to enhance efficiency.
- Product Diversification – Expanding into organic, vegan, and health-focused product categories to cater to changing consumer preferences.
- AI & Data Analytics – Utilizing AI-driven insights for better market forecasting, customer personalization, and operational efficiency.
- Global Expansion – Strengthening our presence in international markets while promoting Indian culture through food and accessories.
- Employee Development – Investing in training programs to empower our workforce and drive innovation.
Sustainability is becoming a priority for consumers. How is Al Adil integrating eco-friendly practices?
Rohit: Sustainability is a key focus for us. We have reduced single-use plastics and are exploring biodegradable alternatives. Additionally, we’ve introduced reusable jute bags, which is a step towards sustainable retail practices.
The Indian diaspora deeply connects with Al Adil as a symbol of home. How does this emotional bond influence your business strategies?
Hrishikesh: We don’t just sell products—we create an experience. From the store ambience to product selection, every element is designed to make our customers feel at home.
Rohit: This emotional connection is at the heart of everything we do. It motivates us to ensure every product on our shelves is authentic and evokes nostalgia. By sourcing directly from India, we maintain quality, trust, and cultural significance.
What challenges have you faced as part of the next generation of leadership, especially in continuing such a strong legacy?
Rohit: Balancing tradition with innovation has been one of the biggest challenges. Our father built a strong foundation, and it is our responsibility to uphold his legacy while modernizing the business.
Hrishikesh: Managing a rapidly growing business in a fast-paced retail industry is complex. Ensuring that our vision aligns with the company’s principles requires thoughtful planning, but it also presents an opportunity to create a lasting impact.
What are the biggest opportunities for Al Adil Trading today?
Rohit: E-commerce and digital transformation present enormous opportunities. Expanding our online presence allows us to serve a larger audience both locally and internationally.
Hrishikesh: There is also a growing demand for authentic Indian products. By expanding our product portfolio and focusing on quality, we can further strengthen our customer relationships.
What has been the most rewarding moment for you at Al Adil?
Hrishikesh: Meeting a customer who has been shopping with us for over 30 years was a deeply fulfilling moment. She simply said, “Thank you for making Indian food and culture accessible to us.” That reaffirmed the importance of our work.
Where do you see Al Adil Trading in the next 10 years?
Rohit: Our vision is to make Al Adil a global brand synonymous with authentic Indian products. We plan to achieve this through technological advancements, strategic expansions, and strong supplier partnerships.
Hrishikesh: On a local level, we aim to enhance customer experience through retail innovation and stronger community connections.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
Rohit: I want to build a sustainable, tech-driven business that carries forward our grandfather’s legacy.
Hrishikesh: My goal is to strengthen customer loyalty and make Al Adil a symbol of trust, quality, and cultural pride for generations to come.
