Dawoodi Bohra Expo Opens Amid Mumbai Infra Boom

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 20: Against the backdrop of Mumbai’s rapidly transforming skyline, the fifth edition of the Saifee Burhani Expo (Construction 360) was inaugurated this week by Rahul Narwekar, Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. The three-day exhibition is being held from 19 to 21 December 2025 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, welcoming thousands of visitors from across the country.

Organised by the Dawoodi Bohra Community, the event marks the community’s second major trade gathering in Maharashtra this year, following a successful edition in Pune. With a focused theme on Construction and Allied Industries, the expo positioned itself as a serious commercial platform aligned with Mumbai’s ongoing infrastructure expansion.

More than 120 exhibitors from India and overseas showcased products, services and emerging technologies across construction materials, engineering solutions, design innovations and sustainability-led practices. The expo reaffirmed the Dawoodi Bohra community’s long-standing contribution to Mumbai’s commercial ecosystem and its growing role in the city’s next phase of urban development.

Strengthening the Construction Ecosystem

Inaugurating the expo, Shri Rahul Narwekar emphasised the importance of collaborative industry platforms. He noted that Saifee Burhani Expo plays a critical role in strengthening the construction and real estate ecosystem by bringing developers, manufacturers, suppliers and innovators together. As Mumbai and Maharashtra evolve as global infrastructure hubs, such forums enable knowledge exchange, sustainable growth and long-term economic progress, supported by a government committed to encouraging investment and innovation.

A Century-Old Bond with Mumbai

The relationship between the Dawoodi Bohra community and Mumbai’s commercial heartland spans more than a century. Generations of Bohra traders helped shape iconic business districts such as Bohra Bazaar near Fort, Lohar Chawl and areas surrounding Crawford Market—building trust, supporting livelihoods and contributing to the city’s economic fabric.

Reflecting on this legacy, Taikhoom Mohiyuddin, Head of the Economic Development Department of the Dawoodi Bohras, said the expo symbolises a long-standing partnership with the city. He highlighted that the community’s entrepreneurs are now actively participating in Mumbai’s new development cycle, guided by ethics, quality and responsible growth.

Showcasing Urban Renewal and Sustainability

A key highlight of the expo was the emphasis on urban redevelopment, particularly the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Project in Bhendi Bazaar. Exhibitors and speakers referenced the project as a benchmark in disciplined planning and community-driven renewal.

Abizar Patanwala, Group CFO of the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust, explained that the project spans nine sectors, with two completed and multiple sectors currently under development. He noted that the Expo has strengthened SBUT’s supply-chain ecosystem by connecting the trust with innovative and capable vendors, including those beyond established brands.

The redevelopment incorporates sustainability-led features such as solar panels, sewage treatment plants, organic waste management systems and designs that maximise natural light. Advanced technologies, including AI-based site monitoring tools, were also highlighted for improving transparency and execution efficiency across large-scale projects.

Collaboration Over Competition

Speaking on the community’s evolving economic role, Murtaza Jasdanwala of the Economic Development Division said the focus has shifted from fragmented participation to structured, industry-led growth. He emphasised collaboration, relationship-driven business and global engagement as key priorities for the next phase of expansion.

A Timely and Global Outlook

As Mumbai enters one of its most ambitious infrastructure phases—with metro expansions, coastal connectivity projects and large-scale urban upgrades—the expo responded by creating a platform for dialogue and solutions. Sustainability received special attention, with curated exhibitors offering waste-reduction, efficiency-driven and environmentally responsible products.

Industry voices echoed this sentiment, including Manish Dua, who described the expo as a valuable initiative uniting the construction ecosystem while reinforcing sustainability and community engagement.

Blending Mumbai’s heritage with global expertise, the expo also showcased international innovations, including seismic-resistant systems and energy-efficient materials, alongside strong participation from women entrepreneurs and professionals.

As the event opened, the message was clear: the Dawoodi Bohra community continues to play a meaningful role in Mumbai’s progress—bringing together values, enterprise and innovation to help build a stronger, more resilient city.