Vijayakumar K
General Manager
Ramal Ibri Trading, Muscat
In the fast-growing landscape of Oman’s construction industry, where precision, quality, and vision define long-term success, Ramal Ibri Trading & Contracting stands tall as a name synonymous with trust, engineering excellence, and sustained growth. At the heart of this success is Vijayakumar K., the dynamic General Manager whose journey from a small town in Kerala to leading one of Oman’s reputed contracting companies is a tale of determination, technical brilliance, and resilience. His career path, spanning more than three decades, mirrors the evolution of Oman’s infrastructure sector itself—rooted in tradition, yet constantly embracing innovation and progress.
Hailing from in Vadakara, in Kozhikode district of Kerala, Vijayakumar grew up in a household that valued enterprise and integrity. His father, the late Kunjiraman, was a textile businessman in Vadakara, instilling in him an early appreciation for entrepreneurship and hard work. His mother, Janu, was a homemaker whose values of discipline and compassion left an indelible impression on her son.
After completing his schooling, Vijayakumar pursued a Diploma in Civil Engineering from the Government Polytechnic, Kozhikode, graduating in the 1983–86 batch. The choice of civil engineering was more than just a career decision; it was a step into a field that was witnessing transformation in the Gulf region, with Oman emerging as a hub of construction and infrastructure development.
Fresh out of college, Vijayakumar wasted no time in venturing into entrepreneurship. From 1986 to 1989, he ran his own civil construction company in Vadakara. This period gave him valuable lessons in project execution, manpower management, and customer relations. Though modest in scale, the firm gave him his first taste of leadership in a competitive field.
However, as opportunities in Oman’s construction sector grew, he decided to broaden his horizons. Armed with technical skills and entrepreneurial grit, he moved to Muscat to build a career that would eventually shape his life.
In 1990, Vijayakumar joined National Engineering Office (NEO) in Wattayah, Muscat, as a Civil Engineer. NEO, an independent Omani-owned multi-disciplinary firm established in 1981, was known for its quality consulting services across engineering, architecture, and project management. During his stint at NEO, Vijayakumar worked on diverse projects that demanded both local adaptability and adherence to international standards. The role honed his technical expertise while exposing him to Oman’s rapidly expanding infrastructure requirements.
From 1993 to 1999, he further advanced his career at Muamir Engineering Consultancy, also based in Wattayah, as a Senior Site Engineer. Muamir was one of Oman’s leading consultancies, recognized for tailoring complex, multi-disciplinary projects to customer needs. Here, Vijayakumar’s attention to detail, ability to innovate, and skill in aligning client expectations with technical realities earned him professional credibility. These years cemented his reputation as a reliable engineer capable of handling large-scale and high-stakes projects.
The dawn of the new millennium saw the establishment of Ramal Ibri Trading in 2000, a company that started humbly with just ten staff members, including one engineer. With a strong focus on civil and electro-mechanical construction, maintenance, and contracting, the firm steadily carved out a niche in the Sultanate. By combining professionalism with a deep understanding of local requirements, the company expanded its team to 60 staff members, including six engineers, foremen, and site supervisors.
Vijayakumar joined Ramal Ibri Trading in 2000, and under his stewardship as General Manager, the company witnessed remarkable growth. What started as a modest operation quickly evolved into an “Excellent Grade” construction company, recognized for its ability to deliver high-quality projects on time while prioritizing safety and customer satisfaction.
Over the years, Ramal Ibri Trading has executed a wide portfolio of projects across Oman. Its expertise spans government contracts, industrial construction, mosques, warehouses, machinery foundations, retaining walls, luxury villas, and commercial complexes. Among its most notable achievements are: The half-a-million OMR Shanfari Marble Factory Project, a large-scale industrial undertaking; Construction of the Marble Factory in Ibri and several projects for the International Marble Company; Prestigious contracts for clients such as Ali Bin Hassan Sulaiman, Stone World International LLC, Towell Auto Centre LLC, and several Omani dignitaries; and High-profile projects like mosques, residential villas and large-scale warehouses in various areas.
The company’s reputation for precision and accountability has helped it secure repeat contracts with both ministries and private organizations.
At the core of Ramal Ibri Trading’s philosophy is a relentless commitment to quality, punctuality, and safety. The company believes in not only constructing buildings but also building long-lasting relationships—with clients, employees, and stakeholders. Its emphasis on adopting innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency ensures that it remains competitive in an ever-evolving industry.
The company has diversified its services to include civil and MEP maintenance, facility management, waterproofing, anti-termite treatment and form work services. This breadth of expertise positions Ramal Ibri Trading as a one-stop solution provider in Oman’s construction sector.
Looking forward, the company envisions being recognized as a leading construction company in Oman, distinguished by its engineering excellence and legacy of customer satisfaction. Its focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices reflects a forward-thinking approach that balances tradition with modernity. The company is looking forward to expand its services in the UAE and India.
Despite his demanding professional commitments, Vijayakumar remains deeply connected to his cultural and social roots. He is actively involved in organizations such as the Vadakara Sahruda Vedhi, where he is an executive member, and the World Malayalee Federation, and he was also a former member of the Indian Social Club Malayalam Wing in Oman. His passion for social work reflects his belief in giving back to the community that has supported his journey.
Vijayakumar is a member of Sree Narayana Medical College and a former Director Board member of Sree Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences (SNIMS), Chalakka, North Kuthiyathodu P.O., Ernakulam District, Kerala.
Vijayakumar is the Managing Director of Arona Builders and Developers Pvt. Ltd., established in 2021-2022. The company has now be renamed as Eden Elite Builders and Developers Pvt. Ltd. based in Kozhikode district. He is also a member of Rotary Club (Calicut Cyber City).
An avid reader and traveller, Vijayakumar values continuous learning and global exposure, which he brings back into his professional outlook.
On the personal front, he is married to Sindhu Vijayakumar, who was earlier a teacher at Vattoli National High School. The couple has two sons who are following ambitious career paths of their own. The elder son, Sayooj Vijayakumar, holds a B.Arch from SRM University, Chennai (2013–2018) and a Master’s in Construction Management from University College London (2019–2020). After working with his father, Sayooj Vijayakumar started his own firm, Tattva Architects & Interior, and is its Managing Director. His wife, Keerthana, has completed her Master’s in Food Technology from Calicut University. The younger son, Sourav Vijayakumar, has completed his B.Sc. in Logistics Science, a four-year program, with plans to venture into entrepreneurship in the near future.
The journey of Vijayakumar and Ramal Ibri Trading & Contracting is more than just the story of a successful company—it is a chronicle of ambition, perseverance, and vision. From his humble beginnings in Vadakara to spearheading one of Oman’s respected contracting firms, Vijayakumar’s life reflects the classic entrepreneurial arc: learning, adapting, growing, and leading with purpose.
Under Vijayakumar’s guidance, Ramal Ibri Trading has not only constructed buildings but has also laid the foundation for trust, reliability, and excellence in the Sultanate’s construction sector. As the company looks ahead to greater heights, embracing sustainability, innovation, and customer-centricity, it continues to embody its core mission—to deliver projects that stand the test of time and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Contact Information
Address in Oman: P.O Box: 1951, P.C: 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman.
Contact in Oman: +968 99378663
