Man from Kerala lights up UAE skyline

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An Indian man is behind most of the lluminations and street decorations that light up the UAE skyline and are the symbol of Emirati pride and achievement.

Yoosaf Karikkayil, from Kerala's Thrissur district, is the man who kindles a chain of lights across the UAE come any festive occasion, reported the Khaleej Times.

Being theme-based makes his work stand out, says Karikkayil.

"National Day projects are our specialty. Our awards for National Day street illumination project for Al Ain in 2010 and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce illumination in 2011 are unforgettable. Many sheikhs have appreciated my work. One look at our project, people know the ideation behind it," said Karikkayil, who started his journey 25 years back with first project for Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce.

He does street decoration works in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

High-rise building works are Karikkayil's USP. "Close to 95 percent of lights on display in the high-rise buildings are by my firm - Light Tower," he added.

"We light up towers of Adnoc, Etisalat, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, National Drilling Company, Khalifa Energy Complex, First Gulf Bank and other government-run companies. Also, we do their housing complexes. We have more than 100 clients," said Karikkayil, adding that his firm Light Tower is the "preferred choice" in the UAE because of its experience and technical advancements.

"We have branches in every city and warehouse in Al Ain," he said.

Karikkayil told Khaleej Times that he wants to spread his light works to India. "It's a big market with great potential," said the native of holy town of Guruvayur in Kerala.

--IANS

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