Sonu S Raj
Sonu S. Raj is an Indian entrepreneur and business professional based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He is known for his work across the education, hospitality, entertainment, and information technology sectors in India, the UAE, and Qatar.
He has been actively involved in developing student-focused education services, restaurant and cinema operations, and resort-based hospitality projects, along with ventures in information technology services. In addition to his professional pursuits, he is also known for extensive independent travel across multiple countries.
Early life
Sonu S. Raj was born on 16 January 1990 in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala, India. He spent his early years in India and later relocated for education and professional opportunities, living in multiple regions within India and abroad. His family roots trace back to Delhi, India.
His early exposure to diverse cultures, regions, and working environments influenced his interest in international business, overseas education services, and cross-border ventures.
Education
Sonu S. Raj holds a Bachelor of Systems Engineering degree, which he pursued at the Central University of Nicaragua. He later completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Information Technology, strengthening his academic background in both technical and managerial disciplines.
He completed his early education in India and later relocated for higher studies and professional opportunities, living in multiple regions within India and abroad. His educational background provided a strong foundation in technology systems, business processes, and digital operations, supporting his professional work across information technology services, overseas education consulting, and hospitality ventures.
His academic training, combined with international exposure, contributed to his understanding of global markets and cross-border business operations.
Career
Sonu S. Raj began his professional career in technical and administrative roles within the information technology and education sectors. He started his career in the IT industry in Delhi, where he undertook a range of technical roles to gain hands-on experience in system operations, networking, and process management.
He worked as a System Administrator at Genius Group Global, where he was involved in managing IT systems and technical infrastructure. He later served as a Network Systems Administrator at Honda Cars India, gaining experience in enterprise-level network management, system operations, and technical support. These early roles helped establish a strong foundation in IT systems and operational management.
Sonu later relocated to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he continued working in the information technology sector. During this period, he was involved in building IT systems, implementing operational strategies, and supporting organizational growth. With professional encouragement and industry experience, he went on to establish his own IT services firm, Cross Over IT Solutions, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.
Building on his technical and managerial background, Sonu diversified into the education sector by founding Eduwing Education, an education consultancy focused on online and blended learning models. The organization expanded its presence across India and the GCC, offering education-related support services to students.
He later entered the hospitality sector with the establishment of Cine Café Restaurant, a multi-cuisine restaurant concept. This was followed by his expansion into the entertainment industry through Empire Cinemas, a cinema and film distribution venture operating multiple screens in Kerala, India. He is also credited with introducing Kerala’s first dome-shaped theatre as part of his cinema initiatives.
Continuing his diversification into hospitality, Sonu was involved in the development of Royal Empire Resort in Poovar, Kerala, a resort-based hospitality project. His work across these sectors reflects a career integrating technology, education services, hospitality, and entertainment, supported by multi-regional business experience.
Entrepreneurial ventures
Sonu S. Raj is the founder of Cross Over IT Solutions, an information technology services firm based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, providing technology and system-related solutions. He is also the founder of Eduwing Education, an education consultancy offering online and blended learning services to students across India and GCC countries.
In the hospitality sector, Sonu S Raj founded Cine Café Restaurant, a multi-cuisine restaurant located in Poovar, Kerala, India. He later expanded into the entertainment industry as the owner of Empire Cinemas, a cinema exhibition and distribution venture operating multiple screens across districts in Kerala. He is credited with introducing Kerala’s first dome-shaped theatre as part of his cinema initiatives.
Sonu S Raj is additionally the founder and owner of Royal Empire Resort, a four-star hospitality property located in Poovar, Kerala, focused on resort-based tourism and leisure services.
Travel and Personal Interests
Sonu S. Raj is known for his interest in independent travel and has undertaken solo travel across multiple countries, including Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Maldives, Bahrain, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
His travel experiences have contributed to his exposure to diverse cultures, business environments, and operational practices, which have influenced his approach to international business and cross-border ventures.
In his personal interests, Raj is engaged in areas related to technology, entrepreneurship, hospitality, and cinema, reflecting the sectors in which he has been professionally active. He has also shown interest in service-oriented initiatives and business models that combine commercial activity with community engagement.
Personal Life
Sonu S. Raj resides in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and maintains professional and personal ties with India, where several of his business ventures are based.
He lives in a joint family and lost his father during the COVID-19 pandemic. His mother, Suja Sathyaraj, has played an important role in his personal life. He has a younger brother who is associated with the service industry.
Sonu is married to Dr. Maneesha, and the couple has one child, a daughter named Elaina Sonu.
His personal interests include independent travel, entrepreneurship, and exploring diverse cultures, which complement his international business activities.