M.K.K. Mohamed
Partner and General Manager,
MARK Trading LLC; Marks Tours,
Oman; Mark Rent-A-Car and Mark Limo Services, Oman.
From the quiet village of Ariyanoor near the iconic Guruvayoor Temple in Kerala to the bustling heart of Muscat’s commercial and cultural life, the life of M.K.K. Mohamed — fondly known as Kunhi Mohamed — is a testament to grit, vision, and unrelenting passion. A first-generation entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mohamed’s rise from humble beginnings to the helm of a diversified business empire is a story that inspires as much as it informs.
Born on June 3, 1949, Mohamed’s early life was shaped by adversity. His father, a modest farmer, passed away when he was just four, leaving the family in the care of his courageous mother, who instilled in young Mohamed values that would become the bedrock of his character: honesty, humility, and an unwavering work ethic. After completing his pre-university education, Mohamed looked beyond the coconut palms of his native Kerala to the vast horizons of the Gulf.
In 1971, accompanied by four companions, Mohamed arrived in Muscat and began working at Al Falaj Hotel as a front office receptionist—the first step in what would become a remarkable life journey. He was soon promoted to front office manager within a short span of time. Over the next 19 years, he would rise through the ranks to become room division manager and then sales manager — roles that not only sharpened his management skills but also gave him an insider’s view of Oman’s emerging tourism and transport needs.
It was during this tenure that Mohamed spotted a gap in the market. The steady influx of tourists and business travelers meant there was a growing demand for reliable transportation and destination services. Inspired by brands like Avis that operated within the hotel premises, Mohamed decided to chart his own course.
The 1990s saw the birth of MARK Trading LLC — a name that would soon become synonymous with excellence in Oman’s car rental and tourism sectors. Beginning with just five vehicles and backed by partners like Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al Kindy, Mohamed began building what is now one of Oman’s most respected transport and tourism companies. With steadfast support from industry veterans such as Raphael Parambi of Muscat Financial Company and Aftab Patel of Al Omani financial services, the fleet rapidly grew to over 500 vehicles, including economy cars, luxury sedans, and high-end limousines.
As Oman embraced global tourism in the late ’90s, Mohamed responded with Mark Tours — a destination management company that would raise the bar in the industry. Within three years, it was named “Best Tour Operator” by the Government of Oman, a recognition that would be repeated multiple times in the years to follow. Today, Mark Tours serves clients from Europe, the Gulf, and beyond, offering customized travel experiences that blend Oman’s rich heritage with modern luxury.
Operating out of prestigious locations like Grand Hyatt in Muscat and Kyriad hotel in Salalah & main office in Ruwi, Mark Tours employs a dedicated team of over 100 professionals and boasts a formidable fleet of vehicles. The company offers a wide range of services, from guided tours and self-drive packages to MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) solutions. What sets Mark Tours apart is its deep-rooted local expertise and commitment to personalized service.
Complementing the success of Mark Tours is Mark Rent-A-Car — one of Oman’s most trusted car rental services with a clientele that includes multinational corporations, embassies, banks, and educational institutions. With 28 years of experience, the company is also a registered contractor with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), underlining its reputation for reliability and regulatory compliance.
For those seeking elevated experiences, Mark Chauffeur offers a luxury fleet of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and V-Class minivans — each driven by well-trained, professionally groomed chauffeurs. Whether it’s airport transfers, business delegations, or VIP events, the service has become a benchmark in luxury transport in Oman.
Mohamed’s entrepreneurial pursuits are not confined to the Sultanate. In India, he launched Master Car in Kochi, extending his transport legacy to the homeland. More significantly, he is a major shareholder in Rivulet Resort, Munnar, Kerala — a pioneering eco-luxury retreat that reimagines hospitality in harmony with nature.
Spread across 20 acres of lush terrain, Rivulet is built with less than a quarter of the land occupied by concrete. Designed to coexist with nature, the resort offers immersive experiences like riverside walks, bamboo rafting, plantation tours, and cultural cooking demonstrations.
Guests can stay in rustic yet elegant cottages, honeymoon suites with private river views, and enjoy amenities such as a gym, archery range, cycling trails, ayurvedic spa and evening bonfires.
A defining philosophy of the resort is encapsulated in Mohamed’s words: “We didn’t build a resort in a forest; we built a forest around a resort.” This vision of sustainable luxury is a rare blend of ecological responsibility and indulgent comfort — a model for future tourism ventures.
Over the decades, Mohamed’s companies have received numerous accolades: the Oman Award for Excellence from the Ministry of Tourism, repeated honors as the Best Tour Operator, and double recognition from the Ministry of Manpower for outstanding Omanisation efforts. MARK Group is also the official airport transfer operator for leading five-star hotels and national airlines in Oman for the past 15 years — a testament to the trust and dependability Mohamed has cultivated.
Yet, Mohamed’s legacy goes far beyond business. A man of deep cultural interests, he is also an actor, a film producer, and a patron of the arts. His engagements with cinema and performance reflect a lifelong love for storytelling and aesthetics — interests that add depth to his multifaceted personality.
He is also a compassionate mentor and benefactor, Mohamed has played a quiet but impactful role in uplifting individuals and communities. From helping jobseekers find opportunities in Oman to supporting charitable causes, his contributions are heartfelt and often under the radar.
He is also a member of INMECC (Indo-Gulf Chamber of Commerce) and Majlis Charitable Trust.
His involvement in community initiatives spans educational scholarships, disaster relief, and support for healthcare. He has also been instrumental in facilitating job placements for young professionals from India and has sponsored numerous cultural festivals that celebrate the rich heritage of the Indian expatriate community in Oman.
Mohamed has also been a guiding force for aspiring entrepreneurs, frequently mentoring small business owners and start-up founders in Oman and Kerala. His belief in inclusive growth is evident in the diversity of his workforce and his consistent efforts to upskill and empower local talent.
At the heart of his life is his family. His wife, Aisha K. Mohamed, has been his steadfast partner. His daughter, Shaheena Abdul Nassar, is a commerce graduate and artist, married to Abdul Nassar, the Operations Manager at Mark Tours. His son, Shaheen K.M., an engineering graduate from Caledonian College of Engineering in Muscat, works alongside him as Secretary and PA to the General Manager. Shaheen is married to Zeenath, and the couple’s sons, Rehan pursuing his graduation in Kerala, and Zahan, studying at Indian School Muscat.
Kunhi Mohamed’s story is a stirring reminder that dreams, when backed by purpose and persistence, can shape empires. From humble beginnings in Kerala to building an award-winning business empire in Oman, he has traversed geographies and industries with unmatched
determination. His life’s canvas, painted with hues of entrepreneurship, cultural enrichment, and
compassion, continues to inspire those who seek success not just in numbers but in impact.
Whether he is steering a fleet across Oman’s desert highways, welcoming guests at an eco-resort nestled in Munnar’s misty hills, or supporting the dreams of a new entrepreneur, M.K.K Mohamed remains driven not by profit alone, but by a passion to leave the world better than he found it. A rare blend of commerce, culture, and conscience — his legacy is still unfolding, one purposeful step at a time.
Contact Information
Contact in Oman: +968 99381623
Address in Oman: Mark Tours, Al Iskan Street P.O.Box 3310, Postal Code 112, Ruwi Sultanate of Oman.
Email: https://www.marktoursoman.com
