Rizwan Sajan: From Street Vendor to Real Estate Tycoon – The Man Behind Danube Group

Rizwan Sajan, founder and CEO of Danube Group, is one of the UAE’s most admired business leaders—a man whose journey from modest beginnings to building a billion-dollar empire continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs across the globe.

Born in Mumbai, India, Rizwan Sajan’s early life was filled with challenges. After the loss of his father at just 16, he started working odd jobs—selling books and fireworks—to support his family. His hard work and determination led him to Kuwait in search of better opportunities. However, the Gulf War forced him to return to India.

Refusing to give up, Rizwan set his sights on Dubai. In 1993, he arrived in the UAE with little money, but with a clear vision and strong resolve. He began Danube Group as a small trading firm dealing in building materials. Through tireless effort, innovation, and leadership, the company flourished, eventually becoming a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate with a significant presence across the Middle East and beyond.

Today, Danube Group is recognized as the UAE’s leading building materials company, with diversified interests in real estate, home furnishings, and hospitality. One of Rizwan’s most revolutionary contributions to real estate was the introduction of the “1% payment plan” through Danube Properties—a move that made luxury home ownership more accessible and democratized luxury living in the UAE.

Rizwan Sajan's success hasn't gone unnoticed. He has been featured in Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Indian Leaders in the UAE, and was named among the Top 10 Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders of 2025 by Forbes ME. His story is a shining example of resilience, smart strategy, and the power of believing in one’s dreams.

As Rizwan once said:
“We realized that 80 to 90 per cent of expats were still renting, and I wanted to convert them into buying their own properties. Now I am democratizing luxury.”

From selling books on the streets of Mumbai to building one of the region’s most trusted business empires, Rizwan Sajan’s journey is a living testament to the idea that anything is possible with courage, vision, and relentless effort.