Rizwan Askerali Sajan, born on December 27, 1963 in the slums of Ghatkopar, Mumbai, faced severe financial hardship after losing his father at age 16. He dropped out of school and worked odd jobs—selling books, milk, and firecrackers—to support his family At 18, he moved to Kuwait to join his uncle’s building materials business as a sales trainee, earning ₹18,000 and later rising to sales manager—until the Gulf War prompted his return to India.
🚀 The Birth of Danube Group
In 1993 Sajan relocated to Dubai and founded Danube Group as a modest trading firm in building materials. Under his leadership, the company evolved into a diversified multinational conglomerate with operations in building materials, home décor, real estate development, hospitality, sports, and more, spanning over 50 locations across the Middle East, India, China, Canada, Africa, and beyond.
🛠️ From Building Materials to Home & Interiors
Danube’s flagship entity, Danube Building Materials FZCO, offers over 50,000 products and is recognized as one of the largest suppliers in the GCC. In 2008, Sajan launched Danube Home, its home décor arm, which now spans across GCC territories.
🏗️ Disrupting the Dubai Real Estate Market: The Rise of Danube Properties
Sajan entered real estate in 2014 with Danube Properties, launching the Dh500 million “Dreamz” project in Al Furjan—a novel approach targeting middle-income expatriates.
He pioneered the 1% monthly payment plan, which revolutionized property purchasing in Dubai—earning him the nickname “Dubai’s 1% Man”.
📈 Growth, Scale & Milestones
- Danube Group achieved annual revenues of ~$2 billion (AED 5.13 billion), and the net worth of Rizwan Sajan is estimated around US $2.5 billion (~₹20,800 cr).
- Danube Properties has launched over 20 residential projects, including Viewz, Gemz, Bayz 102, Diamondz, and Sparklz—delivering thousands of fully furnished apartments with 40+ amenities and unmatched on-time delivery records.
- Operations as of 2025 span 75 locations, employing over 4,500 people.
🏆 Recognitions & Awards
- Ranked among Top 100 Indian Leaders in UAE by Forbes Middle East (12th).
- Honours include Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Excellence Award, Dubai Quality Award, and recognition as one of the Top 10 Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders of 2025 by Forbes ME.
- One of the first non-Emirati recipients of a 10-year UAE residence visa in recognition of his contributions.
🤝 Philanthropy & CSR
Rizwan Sajan’s philanthropic vision is channelled through the Danube Welfare Society, offering free training and language skills for unskilled workers to better their opportunities. He also supported the UAE’s 1 Billion Meals Endowment Initiative with a Dhs 5 million donation and funded a mosque in Dubai Studio City—affirming strong community engagement.
📌 In His Own Words
Rizwan summed up his strategy simply: convert 80–90% of expats who rent into homeowners. His innovative approach to financing, quality delivery, and inclusive luxury has redefined Dubai’s residential landscape.
📊 Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Rizwan Sajan (b. 1963, Mumbai) |
| Founded | Danube Group in 1993 |
| Major Verticals | Building materials, home décor, real estate |
| Notable Project | Dreamz—affordable housing with 1% plan |
| Innovations | 1% monthly payment scheme |
| Presence | ~75 locations across GCC, Africa, India, China |
| Employees | ~4,500 (real estate arm) |
| Net Worth | ~US $2.5 billion |
| Philanthropy | Danube Welfare Society, 1 Billion Meals, mosque donation |
✳️ Final Thoughts
Rizwan Sajan’s compelling journey—from selling milk in Mumbai to leading a multinational conglomerate—exemplifies grit, vision, and innovation. His legacy lies not only in enterprise but in democratizing luxury and creating lasting socio-economic impact. His bold idea of a 1% payment plan reshaped Dubai’s real estate market and empowered thousands to become homeowners. Through unwavering commitment, he has built a business and a reputation grounded in trust, excellence, and generosity—truly a modern tale of entrepreneurial success.