From Baramulla to Dubai: Kashmiri Engineer Builds Smart Home Future

Baramulla/Dubai: Growing up in Baramulla, frequent power cuts were a normal part of life for Syed Aamir Ashraf Kirmani. Sitting by candlelight, he often wondered how homes could be made more reliable and efficient. Years later, that curiosity would lead him to Dubai, where he now runs a company focused on exactly that.
Kirmani is the founder and CEO of Walnut Infrastructure Technology FZCO, a Dubai-based firm that designs and installs smart home systems. His company works on lighting automation, energy management, and connected devices that help make everyday living simpler and more efficient.
A graduate of SRM University, Kirmani began his career as a mechanical engineer before turning toward technology and design. “In Kashmir, you learn early that reliability is precious,” he said. “Every flicker of light has meaning. That’s what I bring into every home we automate.”
Kirmani says his early experiences in the Valley taught him the importance of consistency and planning. “When I automate a home, I’m giving people freedom from the uncertainty I grew up with,” he said.
Now based in Dubai, Kirmani represents a growing number of Kashmiri professionals making their mark abroad. He hopes his story encourages others to look beyond local limitations. “Kashmir has talent that the world hasn’t fully seen yet,” he said. “If we take the first step, there’s no reason we can’t compete anywhere.”
Walnut Infrastructure Technology plans to expand operations to London and Riyadh by 2026, aiming to bring its focus on reliability and design to more international markets.
From power cuts in Baramulla to digital control panels in Dubai, Kirmani’s journey reflects how persistence and purpose can turn small sparks of curiosity into global innovation.