The Voice behind the First Nepali Online Radio in the UAE

In the heart of the Gulf, where cultures converge and dreams find new paths, a Nepali media professional has carved out a unique space for his community. Shekhar Chapagain, the founder of Prabasi Online, is the voice behind the first Nepali online radio station in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—a platform that has quickly become a lifeline for thousands of Nepali migrant workers across the region.

Launched from the UAE, Prabasi Online is more than just a radio station. It is a cultural anchor and Communication Bridge, offering news, music, interviews, and crucial information for Nepalis living far from home.

“The UAE gave me the space to dream, the tools to build, and the freedom to speak,” says Chapagain. “Prabasi Online was born in a country that embraces diversity and supports creativity—no matter where you come from.”

Chapagain’s story began in Nepal, where he developed a background in media and a passion for community engagement. Like many of his compatriots, he migrated to the UAE in search of opportunity. While working in various jobs, he identified a communication gap: there was no dedicated media channel addressing the unique needs, stories, and concerns of Nepali migrant workers.

This realization sparked an idea—to build an online radio station that would inform, entertain, and empower Nepali listeners across the Emirates. With the help of the UAE’s advanced digital infrastructure, open media environment, and access to training and mentorship, Chapagain turned his idea into reality.

Since its inception, Prabasi Online has steadily grown into a trusted source of connection for the Nepali diaspora. From live shows and cultural programming to segments on labor rights, legal awareness, and embassy updates, the platform is designed to support and uplift Nepalis navigating life in a foreign land.

The radio station also serves as a platform for advocacy. Chapagain uses his broadcasts to promote ethical recruitment, highlight community success stories, and collaborate with various organizations—including labor welfare groups and Nepali diplomatic missions in the Gulf.

Chapagain’s success story is also a reflection of the UAE’s broader social framework, which supports innovation, multiculturalism, and inclusive progress. The country’s policies on digital entrepreneurship and migrant engagement have created an environment where initiatives like Prabasi Online can thrive.

The UAE’s emphasis on tolerance and opportunity has enabled Chapagain—and many others like him—to transform personal vision into community impact.

Now a familiar name in the South Asian media landscape in the Gulf, Chapagain is not stopping here. He envisions expanding Prabasi Online into a global storytelling platform that connects Nepali communities across continents—preserving culture, sharing experiences, and strengthening identity.

His journey from a small town in Nepal to founding a pioneering media platform abroad is a testament to what can be achieved through resilience, innovation, and cross-border cooperation.

In a world where migration often comes with silence and sacrifice, Shekhar Chapagain has chosen to speak—and through Prabasi Online, thousands now have a voice.