P.K. Shailajan
Group CEO,
Al-Saidiya LLC, Muscat Oman
In the ever-evolving landscape of Oman’s construction and infrastructure development, few names resonate with the depth of experience, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit as that of P.K. Shailajan. With a professional journey that spans over four decades in the Sultanate, Mr. Shailajan, the Group CEO of Al-Saidiya, stands as a symbol of integrity-driven leadership and pragmatic vision. From his humble beginnings in Kerala to the helm of one of Oman’s dynamic project management firms, his story reflects the tenacity of a first-generation entrepreneur who has navigated the region’s shifting business tides with determination and skill.
Today, Mr. Shailajan oversees high-impact projects, including prestigious ventures like the Trump International Resort development in Yiti and significant PDO infrastructure projects across Marmul, Qarn Alam, and Nimr. Yet, behind this present stature lies a journey marked by persistence through setbacks, a deep commitment to quality, and an enduring reputation for excellence across Oman’s government and private sectors.
Born on May 5, 1959, in Nandiyode, a serene village near Palode in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district, P.K. Shailajan was raised in a household rooted in modest values. His father, Keshavan, a businessman, and mother, Devaki, a homemaker, instilled in him the discipline and ambition that would later define his professional journey. A keen sportsman during his student years, Mr. Shailajan was also active in athletics, participating in district-level competitions during his time at Iqbal College, Peringammala. He later pursued mechanical engineering.
His professional journey began in 1981 with an internship at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. He followed this with stints at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai from 1982 to 1984 and later at Hawkins as a quality inspector. In 1984, driven by ambition and the lure of international opportunities, he moved to the UAE to work with the Sunny Varkey Group.
On April 2, 1985, Oman became his new home. He joined Century Contracting LLC but soon moved to Taylor Woodrow in 1987, contributing to prestigious projects like the construction of the U.S. Embassy in Muscat. The years that followed were both challenging and formative. His journey through various sponsors shaped his understanding of the Omani market and its intricacies.
The real turning point came in 1995 when Oman eased restrictions for foreign investors. Mr. Shailajan responded to a newspaper advertisement from Thomas Xavier, an IIT Mumbai graduate and founder of Global Commercial Services. As the first to express interest, he was welcomed as a partner. Despite initial promise, the company faced legal and financial hurdles that eventually led to its closure.
In 2004, with unwavering determination, Mr. Shailajan once again navigated the difficult terrain of business, founding Caesar LLC. Although sponsor-related issues plagued the company, his reputation as a dependable contractor ensured a continuous flow of projects. At one point, he employed over 120 people, delivering construction works for prestigious institutions such as the Central Bank of Oman, Omantel, Oman Air, Civil Aviation, Zubair Group, and Sultan Qaboos University. From 2004 to 2014, he operated under an employment visa but managed to build a formidable presence thanks to his professional credibility and delivery excellence.
Today, Mr. Shailajan leads a compact but effective project management team of 12 staff. The model is simple yet robust: he hires skilled workers on contract to execute specific assignments. This lean approach gives him the freedom and flexibility he always desired in business. His proudest accomplishments include work in highly sensitive government locations, a testament to the trust he has cultivated in Omani circles.
In the past three years, as Group CEO of Al-Saidiya LLC, he has steered the firm into new growth trajectories. Noteworthy among the ongoing projects are the Trump International Resort development in Yiti, featuring 66 luxury villas, and major Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) projects in Marmul, Qarn Alam, and Nimr.
Al-Saidiya Group, chaired by HH Soud Al Said, is a distinguished business conglomerate comprising over seven active companies, with several additional commercial entities poised to join its expanding portfolio. With strategic plans underway to further broaden its footprint, the Group is set to enter a new phase of growth. Notably, the name ‘Al-Saidiya’—a title reserved exclusively for members of the Royal Family—was personally authorized for use by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, underscoring the Group’s unique heritage and standing in the Sultanate.
His business vision also found expression in Blue Bay SPC, launched in 2019 as a full-spectrum civil engineering and construction company. Focused on turnkey projects, Blue Bay offers services in road building, telecommunications, water and wastewater management, marine development, and general construction. Under Mr. Shailajan’s stewardship, the company has earned a reputation for timely delivery, affordability, and quality, serving both public and private sector clients across Oman.
Blue Bay SPC prides itself on being a forward-thinking company that blends technology with traditional construction practices. Its project management systems are designed to ensure smooth execution regardless of project size or complexity. With a team comprising professionals from various engineering and functional backgrounds, the company excels in identifying bespoke solutions that align with client needs.
What sets Blue Bay apart is its philosophy of long-term partnerships. The company places immense value on interpersonal relationships, trust, and client satisfaction. Its core strategies include internationalization, innovation, and operational efficiency. The firm is deeply committed to maintaining a balanced approach to growth—one that prioritizes both stability and performance. It aims to be globally scalable, technologically advanced, and governed by efficient, ethical corporate practices.
Today, with a mature business model and a legacy of integrity, P.K. Shailajan stands as a shining example of what perseverance, adaptability, and visionary thinking can accomplish. From the quiet lanes of Kerala to the bustling development corridors of Oman, his journey is one of remarkable courage and conviction. As he continues to lead Al Sadiya and Blue Bay SPC into the future, his story offers not only inspiration but also a blueprint for success in a challenging, ever-evolving world.
A member of the Malayalam Wing of the Indian Social Club, Mr. Shailajan remains deeply connected to his roots, even as he shapes the future of Oman’s infrastructure. His life is a testimony to the timeless values of hard work, integrity, and visionary leadership.
Mr. Shailajan is married to Geeta, who is working in NMC Hospital Abu Dhabi as a Associate Manager in insurance. The couple has two children. Daughter Shruti Shailajan is an architect, who passed out from BMS College of Engineering, Benguluru and is working in a US-based company in the city. Their son Aakash Shailajan is a mechanical engineer having done his studies in Dayanada Sagar College of Engineering, Benguluru. He is employed as a procurement engineer in an oilfield company in Abu Dhabi.
Contact Information
Contact in Oman:
+968 96786969 & +968 78186599
