College: Bentley University; Gemological Institue of America
Occupation: Founder & CEO 818 Vault; Co-Founder VIKJET Fine Jewelry
Current City: Dubai, UAE
Vikram ‘96 has built his life and career on the pillars of trust, friendship, and the transformative connections forged during his years at the American School of Dubai. From his family’s historic journey in the pearl trade to co-founding one of Dubai’s most trusted safety deposit locker businesses, Vikram’s story is one of vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to the ASD community.
Born in Japan and raised in Dubai, Vikram grew up immersed in a family legacy of entrepreneurship. His grandfather, a pioneering pearl trader, laid the foundation, and inspired by his business acumen, Vikram graduated from Bentley University in Boston and attended the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in New York to become a certified Gemologist. After working in the diamond business in New York for five years, he eventually launched a successful career in the precious gemstone industry.
Returning to Dubai in 2005, Vikram married Natasha ‘00, a fellow ASD alumna, and together they built VIKJET, a fine jewelry label specializing in bespoke designs. The couple’s shared passion for precision and creativity is at the heart of their entrepreneurial journey, where meticulous craftsmanship and innovative designs serve as a bridge to forging meaningful connections with their clients and community.
Alongside this success, Vikram and his wife Natasha also co-founded 818 Vault, a customized safety deposit facility, laying a solid foundation for the business. Together, they strategically teamed up with five ASD alumni, each bringing unique skills and expertise to help strengthen the 818 Vault team. “818 Vault is built on trust, and that trust stems from years of friendship and camaraderie,” Vikram shares. The business has quickly gained traction in Dubai, with plans to expand, demonstrating the enduring power of collaboration forged within the ASD community.
Reflecting on his time at ASD, Vikram credits the school with shaping his core values of honesty, kindness, and community.
“The friendships I formed here and the lessons I learned about integrity and collaboration have been the cornerstone of everything I’ve built,” he explains.
As both an alumnus and a parent, Vikram has a unique perspective on ASD’s evolution. He praises the school’s growing diversity and internationalism while emphasizing the importance of preserving its core values. Looking to the future, Vikram envisions ASD becoming a flagship school for entrepreneurship, equipping students to thrive in Dubai’s dynamic and innovative business environment.
“The opportunities that ASD provides are unparalleled, and I hope it continues to nurture the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs,” he says.
Vikram’s life extends beyond his impressive career—he is a proud father of three children, all part of the ASD family. Weekends are often a lively blend of soccer matches, softball games, and gymnastics practices, where he embraces his role as a supportive parent. Alongside cheering for his kids, Vikram also carves out time to stay active, prioritizing fitness as an essential part of his routine.
For Vikram, the values instilled at ASD remain a guiding force. “ASD’s values have shaped every step of my journey,” he reflects. “The friendships I built here remind me of the strength of community and the importance of staying true to one’s principles.”
Vikram’s story is a testament to the lasting impact of the ASD experience—a blend of trust, collaboration, and a commitment to lifelong learning that continues to inspire alumni around the globe.
