From Fruit Seller to Billionaire: Meet Dubai's Richest Indian

Sunny Varkey's Success Story: From Humble Beginnings to Global Education Leader

India is home to many billionaires who have significantly contributed to the nation's economy, but one of the wealthiest Indians making waves internationally is Sunny Varkey. As the founder and chairman of GEMS Education, the world’s largest private K-12 school network, Varkey has achieved remarkable success in the education sector. Based in Dubai, he is a prominent figure whose business has flourished in recent years. Yet, his journey to building a multi-billion-dollar empire wasn’t handed to him—Varkey’s entrepreneurial story began at the age of 11.

Early Life and Beginnings in Business

Sunny Varkey was born on April 9, 1957, in Kerala, India. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in education, with both of his parents, Mariama and KS Varkey, working as teachers. In 1959, the Varkey family moved to Dubai, where his parents opened Our Own English High School in 1968. This laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong commitment to improving education.

As a young boy, Varkey’s entrepreneurial spirit was already emerging. At just 11 years old, he began selling fruits in India to help support his family. Little did he know, this early taste of business would shape his future success.

The Birth of GEMS Education

After completing his schooling at Jesus Anglo-Indian Boys School and St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Dubai, Varkey went on to pursue higher education before starting his career at Standard Chartered Bank. However, his true calling came in 2000 when he decided to launch his own business—Global Education Management Systems (GEMS Education). GEMS was created to continue his family’s work in education while offering diverse curricula, including CBSE, ICSE, IB, British, and American programs.

Today, Varkey serves as the executive chairman of GEMS, and his two sons, Dino and Jay, are heavily involved in the business. Dino serves as CEO, while Jay works as an executive director, ensuring the family legacy is carried forward.

Pioneering the Most Expensive School in the UAE

Varkey’s GEMS Education continues to push the boundaries of innovation in the education sector. The company is set to open the Gulf’s most expensive private school, the GEMS School of Research and Innovation, in Dubai Sports City later this year. This state-of-the-art institution is expected to cost around USD 100 million and will feature high-end amenities such as a 600-seat auditorium, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, cutting-edge laboratories for robotics and science, and learning centers equipped with augmented and virtual reality technology.

Tuition Fees: A High-Value Investment in Education

The cost of attending this prestigious school reflects its luxurious offerings. Initial annual tuition fees are estimated to be around AED 116,000 (approximately Rs 27,27,533), with the potential to increase to AED 206,000 (around Rs 48,43,723) by graduation.

GEMS Education’s Global Reach and Varkey's Net Worth

Under Varkey’s leadership, GEMS Education has expanded its reach globally. In 2003, the company opened its first school in England, followed by a branch in India in 2004. Today, GEMS operates over 80 schools worldwide, further solidifying Varkey’s position as a global education leader.

As of January 2025, Sunny Varkey’s net worth is estimated at a staggering $3.8 billion, according to Forbes. His story is a testament to how hard work, vision, and a deep commitment to education can transform an industry and create a lasting legacy.