Rizwan Sajan
Rizwan Sajan (born 27 December 1963) is an Indian entrepreneur based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He is the founder and chairman of the Danube Group, a diversified conglomerate operating in building materials, home décor, real estate development, and hospitality.
| Rizwan Sajan | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 27 December 1963 Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Businessman |
| Known for | Founder & Chairman of Danube Group; “Dubai’s 1% Man” |
| Organization | Danube Group |
| Net worth | Approx. US$2.5 billion (reported) |
| Spouse | Sameera Sajan |
| Children | 1 (Adel Sajan) |
| Residence | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
He is widely known in media as one of the wealthiest Indian expatriates in the UAE and is popularly referred to as “Dubai’s 1% Man” for introducing innovative 1% real estate payment plans in Dubai.
Early life and education
Rizwan Sajan was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He grew up in Ghatkopar in a modest household and faced financial challenges during his early years.
At the age of 16, he lost his father and began working various jobs, including selling books and delivering milk, to support his family.
In 1981, he moved to Kuwait and started working as a trainee salesman in his uncle’s building materials business. Following the Gulf War in 1991, he returned to Mumbai before relocating to Dubai.
Career
In 1993, Rizwan Sajan founded the Danube Group as a small trading company specializing in building materials. Under his leadership, the company expanded into a diversified business group with operations across:
- United Arab Emirates
- India
- China
- Canada
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Bahrain
- Oman
The group later expanded into real estate through Danube Properties, hospitality, media, and retail sectors.
He is credited with introducing the 1% monthly real estate payment plan in Dubai, a model that significantly influenced property sales strategies in the region.
Business ventures
Danube Group operates through multiple verticals including:
- Danube Building Materials
- Danube Home
- Danube Properties
- Milano (sanitary solutions brand)
- Danube Hospitality
- Danube Sports
The group offers over 25,000 products and serves markets across the GCC and internationally.
Awards and recognition
Rizwan Sajan has received multiple recognitions for his entrepreneurial achievements, including:
- Ranked among Top Indian Leaders in the UAE by Forbes Middle East
- Recognized among the Most Influential Indians in the GCC
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Excellence Award
- Dubai Quality Award
- Real Estate Industry Leadership Awards
Philanthropy
Rizwan Sajan is involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives through the Danube Welfare Society.
In 2023, he contributed AED 5 million to the UAE government’s “1 Billion Meals Endowment Initiative.” He also supports worker welfare programs and community outreach initiatives.
Personal life
Rizwan Sajan is married to Sameera Sajan. The couple has one son, Adel Sajan.
He resides in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.