Ahmed Buhari: Entrepreneur, Phylonthropist
Ahmed Buhari (born in1969) is a dynamic Indian entrepreneur and phylonthropist known for his innovative approach to social work, business and entrepreneurship.
Ahmed Buhari is the President of the United Economic Forum (UEF), a Chennai-based business and social organization Estd in 1979 by his father Dr. B.S. Abdur Rahman, a leading industrialist, educationalist, philanthropist, to uplift the socio-economic status of the community and society through Economic Empowerment, Education, and Social Development.
Ahmed Buhari holds a Master’s degree in Shipping, Trading, and Finance from Bayes Business School, City - St. George’s University, London, and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Bentley University, Boston, USA. Upon completion, he joined his family enterprise — ETA-ASCON-Buharia Group, founded by his father, Dr. B.S. Abdur Rahman.
Driven by an entrepreneurial vision, Ahmed Buhari later founded the Coal & Oil Group, an India-centric integrated energy company that established a 1,200 MW thermal power plant in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu — a landmark project contributing nearly 6% of the state’s power requirement. This remains one of the largest power plants in South India, symbolizing both industrial progress and community pride.
He also serves as a Director of Buhari Holdings, Trustee of Seethakathi Trust, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chairman of the Tuticorin Development Board, and Founding Trustee of the Keelakarai Town Development Trust.
Since assuming leadership as President of UEF in 2011, AB has transformed UEF into a dynamic business chamber, expanded members' base and successfully organized four international summits where more than 10,000 people participated which includes , Chief Minister, Ministers,high profile dignitaries, speakers from around 30 countries and others.
Through its initiatives, UEF has fostered impactful ventures, including Twin Health, a US based unicorn.
To date, UEF has facilitated projects valued at ~ USD 3. 6 billion.
In line with Viksit Bharat and GOI Startup India initiaitive as also IIT Madras research park he seeks to establish Entrepreneurship Hubs in 45 associated educational institutions as also in rest of India to support entrepreneurship. At their BS Abdur Rahman University's Crescent Innovation and Incubation Centre they have nurtured over 140 Startups, within 5 years, valued at over Rs. 3,000cr
UEF’s initiatives extend to strategic and financial advisory services, knowledge sharing, and organizing international conferences
Beyond his professional pursuits, AB is a deep-sea diver, endurance horse rider, and avid cyclist. He is also passionate about cooking, gardening, reading, and cherishes spending quality time with his family.
