Dubai advertising veteran sets Guinness World Record for longest career

Ramesh Babu, a 77-year-old advertising entrepreneur based in Dubai, has been recognized by the Guinness World Records for having the longest career in the advertising industry, Gulf News reported.

Babu arrived in Dubai in 1974 and quickly identified a market gap with the rise of English newspapers. Over the past five decades, he has been a pioneer in the Gulf’s advertising industry, beginning with hand-drawn print ads and later expanding into radio, cinema, and television campaigns.

Before the digital era, Babu personally crafted advertisements using traditional tools like calligraphy pens and spray guns, creating some of the earliest ads published in Gulf newspapers such as Gulf News. Throughout his career, he worked with several clients across the UAE, delivering campaigns across multiple media platforms, including outdoor and open-air cinemas.

Despite challenges like long walks after late-night deliveries, Babu remained committed to his craft, often managing most of the work himself until adopting digital tools later in his career, the report added.

Babu credits his family, including his wife and two daughters, for supporting his long career. According to the report, he now looks back at his contributions with pride, describing himself as a pioneer who helped build the foundation of advertising in the region.