Dubai ,May 7, 2026 : At a time when global investment markets are facing uncertainty and capital flows are becoming increasingly cautious, four prominent UAE business leaders are stepping forward with a strong vote of confidence in the region’s entrepreneurial future.
Falcons of Majlis, the UAE’s first trust-led startup investment platform produced by NKN Media and mentored by Bollywood actor and entrepreneur Suneil Shetty, has officially announced its four principal investors — influential figures committed to strengthening the UAE’s rapidly evolving startup ecosystem.
With more than 5,600 startups currently operating across the UAE, the country continues to reinforce its reputation as a global innovation hub despite ongoing geopolitical and economic shifts. Industry observers note that the UAE’s combination of strategic growth, investor confidence, and long-term vision has positioned it as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for entrepreneurship and innovation.
According to the platform, Falcons of Majlis is designed not only to reflect this momentum, but to actively accelerate it by connecting high-potential founders with experienced investors, mentors, and strategic guidance.
“This is not the UAE reacting to global uncertainty,” the platform stated. “This is the UAE leading through it.”
Leading Investors Join the Initiative
Maqsood Mohammed
Founder and Chairman, AFM Holding
A self-made entrepreneur with interests spanning artificial intelligence, energy, e-commerce, and media, Maqsood Mohammed says his investment philosophy is rooted in giving emerging founders the opportunities he once sought himself.
“I started with nothing and built everything through resilience and the right people. The UAE gave me that stage. Falcons of Majlis gives today’s founders what no one gave me: the open door. ‘Never give up’ isn’t a slogan. It’s how this country was built.”
Dhiraj Kantilal Jain
Founder and Chairman, 1XL Holdings
Known for building and scaling multiple ventures, Dr. Jain brings a systems-oriented approach to startup development and enterprise growth.
“Build with intent, not for attention. The UAE doesn’t celebrate noise; it rewards foundations. Falcons of Majlis is the first platform I’ve seen that filters for exactly that.”
Rakesh Mirchandani
Co-Founder and CEO, RNR International Real Estate
Co-Founder and Managing Partner, RRS International Development
With extensive experience in global real estate and investor relations, Mirchandani is expected to play a key role in connecting startups with international capital and expansion opportunities beyond the UAE.
Sanjay Dhawan
Founder and CEO, Habitat Real Estate
Co-Founder and Managing Partner, RRS International Development
Bringing more than three decades of cross-market experience, Dhawan emphasized the UAE’s long-standing ability to transform uncertainty into opportunity.
“Dubai doesn’t wait for clarity; it creates it. This city has always turned uncertainty into advantage, and the founders coming through Falcons of Majlis are the next proof of that.”
Mirchandani and Dhawan also shared a joint statement reaffirming their belief in the UAE’s entrepreneurial environment:
“We strongly believe the UAE is a land of opportunity where dreams transform into reality, inspired by visionary leadership that continues to shape its growth.”
Suneil Shetty Takes on Mentor Role
At the center of the initiative is Suneil Shetty, who serves as mentor and guiding force behind the platform’s founder selection process.
Organizers describe his role as one focused on identifying founders with “depth, clarity, and conviction” — entrepreneurs who are prepared not only to launch businesses, but to build sustainable and scalable enterprises.
Rather than emphasizing celebrity appeal, Falcons of Majlis says the platform is built around trust, readiness, and long-term value creation for the UAE’s next generation of startups.
