Club History & Timeline

Our story, year by year

From a first meeting in Deira to a club of Rotarians serving the UAE and Kerala — every Rotary year, its President and the milestones that shaped us.

How it began

The first e-Club in District 3211

The club was conceived in 2017–18 by Rtn. Suresh Mathew, then Governor of Rotary District 3211, after a district study found that Keralites working abroad were a community Rotary had yet to reach. With the support of Rtn. PAG Mohammad Shaffeeque of the Rotary Club of Alappuzha, nearly fifty prospective members in Dubai were introduced to Rotary, and the e-Club model was chosen so members could meet in person and online.

Nearly 200 Rotarians travelled from Kerala for the charter ceremony at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, with former RI Director C. Basker as chief guest. The club held its first meeting at Pearl Suite, Deira, under Charter President Ayyappan Radhakrishnan, and a first family meet followed there on 16 November 2018.

Chartered on 27 December 2017 with 23 charter members.

A founder's account

From Vision to Reality: The genesis of our club

By Rtn. Suresh Mathew, District Governor 2017–18

Read the full story →

Rotary years: 10
Presidents recorded: 9 / 10
Projects recorded: 5
Charter President: Ayyappan Radhakrishnan MPHF

Timeline

Every Rotary year since our charter

Rotary years run from 1 July to 30 June. Years still being researched are marked — if you have photos or memories, the Club Historian would love to hear from you.

2017–18
Charter year
?
Club President
President
The club was chartered on 27 December 2017 with 23 members, at a ceremony at the Inter-Continental Dubai Festival City.
Key projects and milestones for this year to be added
2018–19
Details being verified
Club President
Rtn. Ayyappan Radhakrishnan MPHF
Charter year. The club held its first meeting at Pearl Suite, Deira, Dubai, under Charter President Ayyappan Radhakrishnan.
- First club meeting
  The founding members met for the first time at Pearl Suite, Deira, Dubai.
- First family meetNov 2018
  Rotarians and families gathered at Pearl Suite, Deira, on 16 November 2018.
2019–20
VS
Club President
RTN. Varghese Samuel PHF
This year is being compiled.
The Club Historian is gathering the President, Board and key projects for 2019–20. Share memories or photos.
2020–21
PK
Club President
Rtn. Prathap Kumar
This year is being compiled.
The Club Historian is gathering the President, Board and key projects for 2020–21. Share memories or photos.
2021–22
Club President
Angelo Shelton Nigli
This year is being compiled.
The Club Historian is gathering the President, Board and key projects for 2021–22. Share memories or photos.
2022–23
SM
Club President
RTN Sugathan Mangalasseril PHF
This year is being compiled.
The Club Historian is gathering the President, Board and key projects for 2022–23. Share memories or photos.
2023–24
Details being verified
Club President
Rtn. Sudhi Jameela Sahib
Key projects and milestones for this year to be added
2024–25
Details being verified
Club President
Rtn. Roy Kurien
Key projects and milestones for this year to be added
2025–26
Details being verified
Club President
Rtn. Binoj Sebastian
Board (3)
Rtn. Vinu George · Secretary
Rtn. Vinu Peter · Treasurer
The OPPOL District Project year: four signature projects, 800+ direct beneficiaries and membership up from 20 to 26.
- Artificial Limb · Oppol AshaOct 2025
  An artificial limb for a Sri Lankan woman, sourced by Asianet and delivered jointly with the Kottayam club and a UAE sponsor.
- Smart Classroom · Oppol VidyaOct 2025
  Laptops, projectors and speakers with full classroom refurbishment at Govt. Town LPS, Karunagappally.
- Stitching Centre · Oppol ShreyaDec 2025
  The Asha Rotary Stitching Centre for children with special needs, building skills and self-reliance.
- Eco Agro Outlet · Oppol BhumikaDec 2025
  A student-run Asha Rotary Eco-Agro outlet: income for students and fresh vegetables for the community.
- Membership grew from 20 to 26
  Six new members, including an induction held on a yacht at sea.
- First-ever club Sports DayNov 2025
  30 Rotarians and family members took part.
- Literacy Award to Reena P.G.
  For her book Choondakari, presented at the Sharjah International Book Festival.
2026–27
Current yearDetails being verified
RI President Rtn. Olayinka Hakeem Babalola · District Governor Rtn. Krishnan G Nair · District theme “Keep Rotary Simple”
Club President
Rtn. Vinu George
Board (9)
Rtn. Gisha Rajan · Secretary
Rtn. Mathew Joseph · Treasurer
Rtn. Binoj Sebastian · Committee Chair
Rtn. Boby Krishna · Vocational Chair
Rtn. Jaishankar Unnikrishnan · Membership Chair
Rtn. Prince Skaria · Administration Chair
Rtn. Vinu Peter · Public Image Chair
Rtn. Vishnu Sreedharan · TRF / Projects Chair
The SAMARPANAM roadmap: nine service verticals for the Rotary year.
- New Board installedJul 2026
  The 2026–27 Board led by President Vinu George took office.
- Environment Samrakshanam: Nurturing treesOctober 2026
  A tree-nurturing project that takes trees from seed to seedling, sapling and planting, under the guidance of Rtn. Roy Kurien. All Rotarians and families take part.
- Orumichoronam — Onam 2026Sep 2026
  Onam games, cultural programmes and Sadhya at Dubai Grand Hotel, Qusais.