Indian expat who built UAE education group after 1968 voyage dies at 84

Daniel Lazar, an Indian engineer who gave up a secure job with Tata in 1968 and sailed to the UAE in a small boat, later building an education group across the Northern Emirates, has died at the age of 84.

Lazar, a Dubai resident and founder of the Lazar Group and North Point Education Group of Schools, died recently in Kerala, his home state in India.

He is survived by his son, Lanson Lazar, chairman of the group, and daughter Lincy D'Souza, its director of operations.

A risky voyage that changed his life

Remembered as an engineer, entrepreneur, educator and visionary, Lazar began his career as an electrical engineer with the Tata Group in Pune. In a life-changing decision, he left his job and set sail for the UAE from Gujarat on April 8, 1968.

The 10-day journey across the Arabian Sea was fraught with uncertainty and hardship. He eventually reached Khor Fakkan, marking the beginning of a new chapter built on perseverance, ambition and faith.

After arriving in the UAE, Lazar worked in the power sector before turning his attention to entrepreneurship. In 1969, he established the Lazar Group, which expanded into several business sectors, including construction, facility management, and garments and fashion.

Yet his most enduring contribution would emerge from a shared commitment to education.

From home tutoring to a network of schools

Lazar's wife, Sosamma Lazar, who co-founded the Lazar Group, began teaching children from different backgrounds at her home in 1979. Recognising the need for accessible English-language education, she helped lay the foundation for the family's educational legacy.

The couple established Little Flower Nursery in Ajman in 1985. A year later, they opened Ajman Intermediate English School, which has since become The Royal Academy, Ajman.

Today, North Point Education operates three schools: The Royal Academy and The Bloomington Academy in Ajman, and The Hope English School in Sharjah.

Following Sosamma's death in 2012, her contribution to education continued to be honoured through the Sosamma Lazar 100% Scholarship Award for Academic Excellence, which supports outstanding students pursuing higher education.

Affordable education remained his mission

Although Lazar was not a teacher himself, he developed a close bond with students and believed that quality education should remain affordable and accessible to expatriate families.

For him, education extended beyond classrooms and academic results. It was about shaping character, instilling values and giving children opportunities to build better futures.

"Educating children gives me happiness. Watching them grow into successful individuals is the greatest reward of my life," he often said.

That philosophy became central to the institutions he helped establish, which have touched the lives of thousands of students, families and educators over the decades.

Lazar also remained deeply grateful to the UAE, the country he made his home and where his ambitions took shape. According to the group, he sought to repay that trust through a lifetime of service to its communities, particularly through education.

Colleagues and students remember a father figure

Tributes poured in from across the group's schools and businesses following his death. Schools held condolence meetings on Thursday, with students and teachers offering prayers in his memory.

Dr Prema Muralidhar, principal of The Royal Academy, remembered Lazar as more than a founder, describing him as a father figure whose affection for the school would never be forgotten.

Kripalatha, a veteran teacher at the school, recalled spending three decades witnessing his vision shape generations of learners through education and values.

Asmaa Hossny praised his diplomacy, integrity, loyalty and humanity, recalling how he welcomed her into the North Point Education family.

Hussaina Begum Noor Sherrief, principal of The Bloomington Academy, paid tribute to his vision and commitment to creating educational opportunities for countless children and families.

Dr Terry Burwell, principal of The Hope English School, said Lazar's legacy extended far beyond the institutions and buildings he had established.

Members of The Yellow Bus team, the group's school transport network, remembered him as a humble and compassionate leader who treated everyone with equal respect and care.

Staff at Royal General Maintenance and Contracting LLC (RGMC) also recalled his support during personal hardships, describing him as a father figure who offered encouragement, kindness and steadfast support.

From a perilous sea voyage in 1968 to building schools that shaped generations, Lazar's life reflected a belief that opportunity, hard work and education could transform lives.