Rizwan Sajan
Rizwan Sajan (born December 27, 1963) is an Indian entrepreneur based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He is the founder and chairman of the Danube Group.<ref>Danube Group – Company Profile</ref> He has been identified among the wealthiest Indian expatriates in the UAE. His estimated net worth is approximately US$2.5 billion.<ref>Times of India – Richest Indian in UAE</ref>
Early life and education
Sajan was born in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, India. He faced financial struggles in his early life and worked various jobs including selling books and delivering milk.<ref>Financial Express – Early Life Story</ref>
In 1981, he moved to Kuwait and began his career in building materials. The Gulf War forced him to return to Mumbai.
Career
Sajan founded Danube Group in 1993 as a trading firm in building materials. The company expanded into real estate, home décor, and manufacturing.
Danube Group now operates across:
- UAE
- India
- China
- Canada
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Bahrain
- Oman
He introduced the innovative “1% payment plan” in Dubai real estate, earning the title “Dubai’s 1% Man.”
Awards and recognitions
- Ranked among Top 100 Indian Leaders in the UAE
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Excellence Award
- Economic Times Global Indian Leader (2022)
- Top 50 Most Powerful Indians in the UAE
Philanthropy
Sajan established the Danube Welfare Society to support skill development programs for workers. He donated AED 5 million to the UAE government’s 1 Billion Meals Initiative.
Personal life
He is married to Sameera Sajan and has one son.
References
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