KP Abdul Kader Haji, a native of Cherukunnu, Kannur, arrived in Dubai in 1971 during the early days of migration from Malabar to the Gulf. However, what set Abdul Kader apart from the rest was his educational background. Having completed his B.Sc. degree from Farooq College, Kozhikode, he was one of the few individuals from Malabar with such an education at the time.
After completing his degree in 1962, Abdul Kader briefly worked as a teacher at Cherukunnu School before heading to Mumbai to seek better job prospects. When he couldn't find a suitable opportunity there, he turned to his father and expressed his wish to go to the Gulf. With his father’s support, he secured a visa and embarked on a life-changing journey to Dubai by ship.
Abdul Kader recalls the seven-day journey aboard the Rohini ship, a journey that left a lasting impact on him. Upon arriving at Port Rashid, Dubai, in the early 1970s, he found the city in its developmental stages, with limited job opportunities and harsh conditions. Despite these challenges, Abdul Kader remained determined to succeed.
After spending several months searching for work, Abdul Kader secured a position as a salesman at Oriental Stores, a Rado watch dealer. The owner, Abdullah Al Musa, saw potential in him, and this relationship blossomed into a lasting bond of trust and friendship. Abdul Kader's dedication and hard work soon earned him a promotion to General Manager.
A Leap into Business:
In 1975, with the support of his sponsor, Abdul Kader ventured into the business world by starting Fashion Fabrics, a textile shop in Bur Dubai, alongside four partners. His decision to enter the textile business was influenced by his father, Hamza Kunhi Haji, who had owned a small textile shop in their hometown. Abdul Kader followed in his father's footsteps, starting a business that was different from the usual food or grocery ventures common among Malabaris.
After working at Oriental Stores for 26 years, Abdul Kader took the bold step to leave his job in 1998 and focus entirely on his business. With the help of his brothers, the business grew, and Fashion Fabrics expanded with branches in Al Fahidi Street and Sabka, Deira. By 2003, Abdul Kader’s business had diversified into supermarkets, restaurants, and tailoring, making Fashion Group one of the most recognized names in the region.
A Legacy of Growth and Expansion:
Abdul Kader’s business success didn’t stop there. He soon began exporting goods to countries such as Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Africa, and continued to thrive in an industry dominated by South Indians and Sindhis. Through all these years, Abdul Kader has remained grounded in his values and focused on creating opportunities for future generations.
Today, Abdul Kader’s legacy lives on through his children. He and his wife, Aysha (late), are proud parents of seven children—four boys and three girls. His four sons—Muhammad Shafi, Hamza, Naushad, and Fahad—now run the business under his guidance. The family has grown to a strong team of over 100 employees, continuing the work that Abdul Kader started.
Abdulkhader Haji’s story is more than just a business success—it is an inspiring example of how determination, vision, and a strong sense of family can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. His journey is a source of inspiration for everyone in the KP Family, proving that with the right mindset, no dream is too big to achieve.