Shareef Muhammed is an excellent example of resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit in the fast-growing logistics and business world. As the Founder and Managing Director of Cubes International Group, Shareef’s journey from a middle-class family in Kerala to one of India’s leading young business leaders is truly inspiring. His ability to expand into different industries has helped him build a successful global business with operations in India, Qatar, and the UAE. This article explores his incredible journey, the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the great success he has achieved.
Shareef Muhammed Profile
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Shareef Muhammed |
| Nickname | Shareef |
| Profession | Founder & Managing Director, Cubes International Group |
| Date of Birth | June 2, 1986 |
| Birth Place | Thalikulam, Thrissur, Kerala, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Kerala |
| School | Update Soon |
| College/University | IATA Training and Development Institute, Commerce (Undergraduate) |
| Educational Qualification | IATA Training, Bachelor’s in Commerce |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Affairs/Wife | Jumana Sherif |
| Children | Freya Mariam, Ayah Mariam |
| Social Media | Instagram: @sherifvr1 |
Early Life and the Seeds of Resilience
Born into Adversity
Shareef Muhammed’s story begins in Thalikulam, Thrissur, Kerala, where he was born on 2 June 1986. Raised in a middle-class family, Shareef faced the tragic loss of his father when he was only six years old. This early adversity could have shattered the spirit of many, but for Shareef, it was the catalyst for his resilience. His mother, Laila, took on the responsibility of raising Shareef singlehandedly, instilling in him the values of hard work, determination, and perseverance.
The Role of His Mother in Shaping His Character
His mother’s unwavering support and guidance profoundly impacted Shareef’s character during his formative years. Through her sacrifices and unrelenting spirit, Shareef learned the importance of resilience, a quality that would serve him well in the years to come.
Early Struggles and Turning Points
The Sports Business Venture
Shareef’s first foray into entrepreneurship was when he ventured into the sports business in his late teens. Though the venture didn’t materialize, it ignited his passion for business and honed his entrepreneurial mindset. His passion for sports remained undiminished, and this early experience taught him valuable business strategy, persistence, and risk-taking lessons.
Educational Pursuits and Career Transition
After completing his higher secondary education in 2005, Shareef initially wanted to pursue a career in Physical Education. However, influenced by family expectations, he shifted gears and aimed for an aviation career. In 2006, he joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Training and Development Institute, where he trained as a flight attendant. His pursuit of further education culminated in a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce in 2008.
Moving to Dubai: Struggles and Opportunities
The Quest for Better Opportunities
In late 2008, Shareef moved to Dubai, hoping to find better career prospects. However, his initial days were marked by a series of setbacks. Despite his qualifications, Shareef struggled to land a stable job due to a lack of experience. However, he didn’t give up and eventually secured a position as a sales coordinator. Here, he realized that if he wanted to achieve his dreams truly, he needed to create his opportunities.
A Bold Step Forward
Shareef’s stint in Dubai laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey. After experiencing the disappointment of a delayed job offer in 2009, he decided to take a leap of faith and relocate to Qatar to start afresh. This decision marked the turning point in his career, as he shifted his focus towards entrepreneurship.
The Birth of Cubes International Group
Starting from Scratch in Qatar
Shareef’s entrepreneurial journey faced multiple hurdles when he first arrived in Qatar. His first job lasted only three months, as the company needed to pay his salary. Despite this setback, Shareef’s resilience kept him moving forward. In 2011, he ventured into labour contracting, starting a workforce consultancy service with his hard-earned savings.
Growing the Business
Shareef’s first business endeavour, Manpower Consultancy, faced numerous challenges, but his commitment to hard work and perseverance paid off. Within a short time, his business expanded from 300 drivers to 1300. He made crucial partnerships, including a deal with a vehicle leasing firm’s client, which laid the foundation for his future success. This initial success in labour contracting propelled Shareef into the larger business arena.
Diversification and the Birth of Cubes International Logistics
In 2018, Shareef expanded his business further by establishing Cubes International Logistics, based in Kerala, India. The introduction of Goods and Service Tax (GST) in India provided an ideal environment for the growth of the logistics sector, and Shareef capitalized on this opportunity. Under Shareef’s leadership, Cubes International quickly became a logistics industry leader.
Expanding Horizons: Media, Construction, and More
Venturing into Media Production and Construction
Shareef’s entrepreneurial vision continued beyond logistics. He skillfully diversified into several other verticals, including media production, architecture, civil and MEP engineering, general trading, and construction. By integrating these diverse sectors under the Cubes International banner, Shareef demonstrated his ability to innovate and seize opportunities across various industries.
Creating a Global Empire
Today, Cubes International operates across three countries—India, Qatar, and the UAE—and is becoming one of the region’s most prominent logistics and business conglomerates. Shareef’s success has come from strategic diversification, hard work, and the ability to adapt to changing market dynamics.
Personal Life: Family and Legacy
Marriage and Family
On 9 December 2012, Shareef Muhammed married Jumana Sherif, the Executive Producer at Cubes Entertainment, a subsidiary of Cubes International Group. Together, they have two children—Freya Mariam (born on 19 March 2015) and Ayah Mariam (born on 24 October 2016). Shareef’s family has been a source of immense support throughout his entrepreneurial journey.
Fulfillment of a Dream
The establishment of Cubes International in Kerala was not just a business decision for Shareef but also a fulfilment of his late mother’s dream. His mother’s influence on his life and career remains a guiding force, motivating him to reach new heights and leave a lasting legacy.
Conclusion: A Journey of Resilience and Success
Shareef Muhammed’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of resilience. From his humble beginnings in Kerala to becoming a successful entrepreneur with a global presence, Shareef has defied the odds and built an empire across multiple industries. His ability to diversify, adapt, and persevere through adversity has made him a respected figure in the business world.
Through his leadership at Cubes International Group, Shareef continues to set new benchmarks in the logistics, construction, media, and engineering sectors, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs. His journey serves as a reminder that success is not just about talent or resources but the strength of the will to overcome obstacles and pursue one’s dreams with determination.
