Ashish Vijay, Founder and Chairman of the AV Group, has been recognised as part of The 100 by Entrepreneur Middle East, a prestigious annual list celebrating the most influential business leaders shaping the future of the GCC. Featured in the Special Edition – December 2025, this recognition underscores Ashish Vijay’s impact across luxury gemstones, fine jewellery, real estate, and investment management, as well as his role in advancing ethical, transparent, and values-driven entrepreneurship in the region.
The 100 is Entrepreneur Middle East’s definitive guide to the individuals whose leadership, innovation, and vision continue to influence the economic and entrepreneurial landscape of the Gulf. Ashish Vijay’s inclusion reflects not only commercial success, but also sustained leadership built on trust, integrity, and long-term value creation.
A Legacy Rooted in Expertise and Vision
Born in New Delhi into a family with deep generational roots in the precious stone industry, Ashish Vijay was introduced at an early age to the art and science of sourcing, evaluating, and trading rare gemstones. This early exposure laid the foundation for his enduring passion for quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship.
Recognising Dubai’s emergence as a global hub for luxury, trade, and international investment, Ashish Vijay relocated to the emirate and established what would evolve into the AV Group — a multi-vertical enterprise blending heritage expertise with modern global business practices. Today, the group’s operations span gemstone sourcing, high-end jewellery, international auctions, real estate advisory, and structured investment platforms.
Building the AV Group
As Founder and Chairman, Ashish Vijay leads the AV Group with a hands-on approach, remaining closely involved in maintaining quality standards, ethical practices, and long-term relationships across the luxury value chain. The group’s gemstone and jewellery verticals are recognised for their precision sourcing, design excellence, and disciplined curation of both polished and unpolished stones — a highly specialised segment of the global gemstone market.
Beyond luxury assets, Ashish Vijay has strategically expanded the group into real estate and investments, reinforcing his philosophy of tangible, long-term value creation.
Through AV Real Properties, the group plays an active role in Dubai’s premium real estate sector, offering advisory, investment, and property solutions focused on high-quality residential and commercial assets. This vertical reflects a disciplined approach to real-world assets in high-growth markets.
Complementing this is AV Investment, a structured investment platform focused on opportunities across real estate, private investments, and alternative assets. Operating on principles of market intelligence, transparency, and prudent risk management, the platform serves private investors, high-net-worth individuals, and strategic partners seeking sustainable, long-term returns.
Leadership Beyond Business
Ashish Vijay is widely respected for combining traditional relationship-driven business values with modern governance and innovation. His leadership philosophy centres on integrity, trust, and responsible growth — principles that have allowed his businesses to endure and evolve across cycles and markets.
In addition to his commercial pursuits, Ashish Vijay has consistently demonstrated a commitment to mentorship, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth. He is a strong advocate for women-led enterprises and emerging entrepreneurs, supporting initiatives that promote access to capital, guidance, and long-term opportunity.
His influence extends beyond boardrooms, with frequent recognition and features in leading international publications, including Forbes, The Times of India, and Business Insider. As a sought-after voice in luxury and investment circles, Ashish Vijay continues to contribute to industry dialogue around transparency, ethical sourcing, and sustainable business practices.
Recognition That Reflects Impact
Being named among The 100 by Entrepreneur Middle East is a milestone that reflects Ashish Vijay’s multifaceted contributions to the region’s business ecosystem. It acknowledges a career defined not only by growth and diversification, but by the ability to build enterprises that uphold standards, create lasting value, and contribute meaningfully to the broader economy.
Today, Ashish Vijay stands as a representative of Dubai’s evolution into a global centre for luxury, investment, and innovation — a leader whose work bridges heritage and modernity, ambition and responsibility.
As the AV Group continues to expand its footprint across sectors and geographies, this recognition serves as both an honour and a reaffirmation of its founding vision: to build businesses that endure, inspire trust, and leave a lasting legacy.
FAQs
1. What is The 100 by Entrepreneur Middle East?
The 100 is an annual special edition published by Entrepreneur Middle East that recognises the most influential and impactful leaders across the GCC. The list highlights individuals whose leadership, innovation, and strategic vision shape key industries and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
2. Why was Ashish Vijay selected for The 100?
Ashish Vijay was selected for his sustained leadership across luxury gemstones, fine jewellery, real estate, and investment management. His ability to build a diversified, multi-vertical enterprise grounded in integrity, transparency, and long-term value creation played a key role in his inclusion.
3. What industries does the AV Group operate in?
The AV Group operates across multiple sectors, including luxury gemstones, high-end jewellery, international auctions, real estate advisory and development, and structured investment platforms. Each vertical reflects the group’s focus on quality, ethical practices, and sustainable growth.
4. What distinguishes Ashish Vijay’s leadership approach?
Ashish Vijay is known for combining traditional relationship-driven business values with modern governance and innovation. His leadership philosophy prioritises trust, integrity, ethical practices, and responsible expansion, ensuring businesses that are resilient and enduring.
5. How does this recognition impact the AV Group’s future direction?
This recognition reinforces the AV Group’s long-term vision and commitment to excellence. It strengthens the group’s position as a trusted partner for investors, clients, and collaborators, while motivating continued expansion across luxury assets, real estate, and investment management with a focus on sustainable value creation.