| Kairavi Pankaj Khimji Khimji Ramdas Group A progressive thinker who is firmly grounded in the values and business ethos of the family, Kairavi Pankaj Khimji is the 6th generation business leader of the Khimji Ramdas group headquartered in the Sultanate of Oman. Following her education at the Sultan’s School in Muscat, Kairavi obtained her BSc in Urban Planning and Property Management from the University of Westminster in the UK. Upon her return to Oman, she completed an internship at AECOM before making significant contributions to the Supreme Council for Planning. Upon joining the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, she played a pivotal role in driving transformation, ultimately assuming the position of Director of Spatial Strategy and global partnerships, which proved crucial to Oman Vision 2040. Beyond her professional endeavors, Kairavi is a passionate advocate for causes close to her heart. She has represented Oman at the prestigious Y20 summit in 2023, where she championed bold initiatives aimed at addressing global sustainability challenges. Her dedication to fostering youth initiatives underscores her belief in the power of the younger generation to shape policies and drive meaningful progress. As a board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Women’s Development Committee, Kairavi actively promotes gender equality and empowerment, driving impactful change within her community. Kairavi is actively engaged in various creative and cultural platforms, where strives to give back to society and nurture Oman’s rich heritage. Additionally, her passion for adventure tourism has seen her promote Oman’s natural beauty and cultural treasures to the world, further solidifying her commitment to sustainable development and responsible tourism practices. Fluent in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and Kutchi, Kairavi is a true global citizen with a deep appreciation for diversity and inclusivity. Whether on the football field as an Arsenal Soccer School alumna or behind the wheel at Porsche Performance events in Germany, she embodies a spirit of excellence and determination in all her endeavors. |
Your journey from studying Urban Planning and Property Management in the UK to becoming a key figure in Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning is quite remarkable. What inspired you to pursue this path, and how has your education influenced your approach to urban development in Oman?
Kairavi Pankaj Khimji: Growing up in Oman, my schooling experience required early mornings, as my school was about 35 to 40 minutes away. I vividly remember my father waking up for work just as I was about to leave for school. In those early years, I would often wake him up with enthusiasm. However, as I got older, our routines aligned more closely. My father began waking up at the same time as us to attend early meetings with government officials. This change meant that work discussions were a common occurrence at our breakfast table, blending our professional and personal lives seamlessly.
Listening to my father discuss new policies and changes with my mother over breakfast sparked my interest in government work. Despite my father’s career in the private sector, he was deeply connected to government affairs, and this inspired me. I developed a passion for architecture and design, leading me to initially pursue a degree in architecture. However, my interests evolved, and I shifted to urban planning.
My mother often reminded me of our family’s business background, emphasizing the importance of finance and economics. This advice led me to seek a double degree, and I found a university that offered such a program. My journey has been shaped by my family’s influence and my own aspirations to contribute to the public sector through urban planning and economic development.
My goal has always been to work in government. I have always been driven by a desire to make a positive change and believe in my ability to solve problems. Perhaps it’s an inherent quality, but I enjoy multitasking and finding solutions. This motivation has guided my career path and the goals I pursue.
Did being heard and encouraged to share your opinions from a young age help build the confidence needed to manage a pivotal role in Oman’s Spatial Strategy 2040? How did this experience influence other aspects of your leadership?
Kairavi Pankaj Khimji: Absolutely. My upbringing and environment played a crucial role in building my confidence. Growing up in a household where I had an equal say and no question was off-limits shaped my approach to new roles and challenges.
When you take on a new job or manage a new team, there are always initial teething issues. It’s important to ease into it, get to know the team, and address basic concerns without being too harsh. For instance, if the team prefers a certain type of coffee and I prefer almond milk, it’s about finding a balance without making a fuss or feeling judged about it.
Because I was encouraged to speak my mind from a young age, I don’t get nervous or uncomfortable when judged or taunted. This upbringing made me resilient and confident, allowing me to handle various situations without hesitation.Because I was encouraged to speak my mind from a young age, I don’t get nervous or uncomfortable when judged or taunted. This upbringing made me resilient and confident, allowing me to handle various situations without hesitation.
Gender equality and empowerment seem to be important causes for you, evidenced by your involvement in the Women’s Development Committee of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. What specific actions do you believe are necessary to promote gender equality in both the business sector and broader society in Oman?
Kairavi Pankaj Khimji: My transition from government, where I built everything from scratch, to the family business made me realize the privilege I come from. In government, I wasn’t inheriting a position or even a desk; I built everything through my skills and the support of an exceptional team. This experience instilled in me a desire to give back, especially to women facing challenges like mom guilt, which was common in our young team of fresh mothers.
Joining the family business highlighted the privilege I had, and I felt an even greater need to contribute. The Women’s Development Committee Chairwoman, Khalo Areej, whom I fondly call Auntie Areej, shares this sentiment. She often says that after a life of working hard to make a living, it’s now her chance to give back. However, she acknowledges that she can’t do it alone and looks to my generation to step up and inspire others alongside her.
I’ve always thrived in environments shaped by the people around me. My success is deeply rooted in the team, the environment, and the support system I have. I am very much a people-oriented person, drawing energy and inspiration from those I work with.
Being hospitable and making others comfortable is a quintessential Omani quality. Whether entering a room with millions of people or just a few, I believe in extending a warm welcome and ensuring everyone feels at ease. This is part of what it means to be Omani: greeting everyone with a heartfelt “Salaam Alaikum” and making sure they feel included and valued.
You represented Oman at the Y20 summit in 2023, advocating for bold initiatives to tackle global sustainability challenges. What were some of the key initiatives you championed at the summit, and how do you envision Oman’s role in driving sustainability efforts on the global stage?
Kairavi Pankaj Khimji: In the Y20 Summit, Oman was not a voting or executive power but played a significant role in fostering dialogue among various nations. As a champion of environmental sustainability and climate change, I focused on issues that I am deeply passionate about. Although my current role diverges from these areas, I believe that any position can incorporate principles of sustainability.
The initiatives I championed were rooted in my background in urban planning. Addressing issues like fossil fuels and carbon neutrality requires an understanding of the demographic and the people we aim to serve. Different areas, such as neighborhoods and industrial zones, require distinct approaches. For example, declaring a goal of carbon neutrality can transform industrial areas into ghost towns, impacting the future of those who work there and their families. Understanding the needs and aspirations of communities is essential for any successful initiative.
For me, integrating urban planning with sustainability was key. The happiness and well-being of communities mattered more than merely meeting numerical KPIs. During the formation of Vision 2040 and the National Spatial Strategy, my team and I at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning decided on the slogan “Lively Communities,” reflecting our focus on community well-being.
Parallel to my work with Vision 2040, the family business, Khimji Ramdas, also emphasized the importance of people. I vividly remember my father’s commitment during the COVID-19 outbreak: he announced that no employee would be let go of, regardless of the challenges. This commitment to people is a core Omani value and has been a cornerstone of my upbringing.
In every role I’ve undertaken, whether social or professional, the focus has always been on the people around me. Ensuring their well-being and fostering a supportive environment is fundamental. This people-oriented approach is a defining aspect of my work and life philosophy.
Being fluent in multiple languages and having a deep appreciation for diversity, how do you believe this linguistic and cultural diversity contributes to your leadership style and ability to collaborate on international projects?
Kairavi Pankaj Khimji: I speak six languages: Hindi, Kutchi, Marathi, Gujarati, Arabic, and English. While I read and write only Arabic and English, my linguistic abilities span a range of Indian languages, with Kachi being a dialect without a script.
The interplay of languages in my life is fascinating and sometimes overwhelming. I often describe it as having a “biryani of languages” in my head, where I can recall words in one language but not another.
Transitioning from government to the family business posed significant challenges. In government, I started in a junior position and worked my way up, gaining a reputation for my proficiency with basic technology. Joining the family business was daunting due to the high leadership standards set by my father, sister, and brother. However, I’ve learned to simplify my approach.
Recently, I’ve adopted a straightforward mindset. Overthinking how to approach others or conduct myself in meetings felt inauthentic. I believe in keeping things simple and being true to myself. In some situations, my role is just to listen, while in others, I need to provide answers and guidance. This balance has become my new motto: keep it simple and authentic.
As an alumna of the Arsenal Soccer School and a participant in Porsche Performance events, you seem to have a passion for sports and adventure. How do you think your experiences in sports have influenced your approach to leadership and problem-solving in your professional life?
Kairavi Pankaj Khimji: Growing up, my family dynamic was quite unique, my mother developed our unique personalities while instilling basic culture and manners. My sister and I are opposites—she’s very girly, while I’m not. Our younger brother is the quintessential mama’s boy. My father emphasized practical life skills, insisting we learn how to drive a manual car, change a tire, and handle situations like getting stuck in sinking sand. These lessons were crucial in Oman, given our varied terrains.
Driving became a point of pride. It was thrilling to drive my grandfather’s vintage manual car or one of my father’s beloved cars. However, this privilege came with conditions. For instance, to drive my dad’s car, we had to pass both theoretical and practical tests at Porsche. This often meant flying to Germany for intensive weekend training, then returning straight to work by Monday morning.
Our upbringing instilled discipline and responsibility. Public holidays didn’t mean lounging at home. We accompanied our dad to the office, carrying his notebooks and respecting the professional environment—no jeans or open-toe sandals allowed, even at seven years old. These experiences weren’t about strict conditions but fostering discipline and respect for work which is something sports teaches you.
What advice would you give to young professionals, especially women, who aspire to leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated fields such as urban planning and business?
Kairavi Pankaj Khimji: My advice to young people today is simple: trust your conscience and don’t feel guilty about your decisions. If you feel something is right, go for it. Guilt is the worst feeling to live with, so try to live without regrets.
When I decided to join the government, I was the first in my family to do so. Everyone questioned my choice, thinking I wouldn’t last. Even I doubted myself, wondering if they kept me only because they couldn’t find another graduate willing to accept the perks. But eventually, I decided to embrace the opportunity and give it my all.
Another piece of advice is to stop speculating. Don’t get caught up in “what if” scenarios. If you think something is right, take action and move forward. Speculating too much leads to stagnation and prevents progress. So, just try, move, and trust your instincts. The “what ifs” will only hold you back.