From $7.50 to a real estate empire

HOW P.N.C. MENON'S REFUSAL TO FOLLOW CONVENTIONAL WISDOM FUELLED THE RISE OF SOBHA GROUP

- BY NIVETHA DAYANAND

It has been a great journey for me, because I came to Gulf with $7.50. I love work. I come to office every day, it gives us excitement, and we want to always challenge ourselves and try to do better.

(P.N.C. Menon | Founder, Sobha Group)

Puthan Naduvakkatt Chenthamaraksha Menon, popularly known as P.N.C. Menon, arrived in Oman in 1976 with just $7.50 in his pocket. From those modest beginnings, he founded an interior decoration firm that quickly gained prominence, securing contracts for royal palaces and ornate mosques across Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. Today, as founder of Sobha Group, Menon oversees a multinational real estate and construction powerhouse that supports thousands of families worldwide.

Menon made his most recent public appearance at the opening of The Gallery by Sobha Furniture. He lit up the room, leaning on humour rather than ceremony. His down-to-earth manner set the tone.

Despite his billionaire status, he carried a charm that felt unforced. He was approachable, present, and curious in return.