Hussain Sajwani: The Visionary Behind Dubai’s Luxury Real Estate Boom

Hussain Sajwani, the founder and chairman of DAMAC Properties, has become one of the most influential figures in the global real estate and luxury sectors. From modest beginnings in Dubai to building an international empire of branded residences, fashion labels, and data infrastructure, Sajwani exemplifies the modern Arab billionaire who blends tradition with ambition and a global mindset.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1952/1953 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Hussain Sajwani grew up in a conservative merchant household. His father owned a small watch and pen shop in the city’s souk, and his mother sold fabrics and household goods to neighbors. This early exposure to retail and trade shaped Sajwani’s business instincts from a young age.

He earned a scholarship to the University of Washington in Seattle, USA, where he studied Industrial Engineering and Economics, graduating in 1981. His education in the United States played a critical role in shaping his analytical thinking and global perspective.

Professional Start and First Venture

Sajwani began his career at Abu Dhabi Gas Industries (GASCO) in the finance department. After a few years, in 1982, he left the corporate world to start a catering business. This business, originally called Global Logistics Services, rapidly grew and landed contracts with the U.S. military, Bechtel, and various oil and gas companies operating in the Gulf.

At its peak, the catering business was serving over 150,000 meals a day across multiple countries, laying the financial foundation for his future ventures.

Founding DAMAC Properties: Real Estate Revolution

In 2002, the UAE government allowed foreigners to own freehold property in Dubai. Seeing an opportunity, Sajwani established DAMAC Properties, quickly positioning the firm as a pioneer in luxury real estate development.

DAMAC’s model was aggressive and innovative—offering off-plan properties, enticing buyers with incentives like free Lamborghinis, and heavily marketing luxury living.

Notable Projects Include:

• DAMAC Hills: A golf community anchored by the Trump International Golf Club.

• Akoya Oxygen: An eco-friendly residential project featuring a second Trump-branded golf course.

• DAMAC Towers by Paramount: Branded with the Hollywood studio for high-end hotel residences.

• DAMAC Tower Nine Elms London: Featuring Versace-designed interiors in one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods.

DAMAC has also expanded into Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Diversification: Fashion, Jewelry, Tech, and Hospitality

1. Fashion and Jewelry

Sajwani’s luxury ambitions go beyond buildings:

• In 2019, he acquired the Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli.

• In 2022, he purchased Swiss luxury jeweler de Grisogono.

These acquisitions aligned with his real estate strategy—integrating fashion brands into residential properties and lifestyle developments.

2. Hospitality

Through DAMAC Maison Hotels & Resorts, the company manages over 13 properties across the Middle East. These include branded residences with Radisson, Paramount, and Rotana.

3. Technology & Data Infrastructure

In 2022, Sajwani launched Edgnex, a data center investment company. Edgnex plans to build a $20 billion global portfolio, with projects across:

• Saudi Arabia

• Ireland

• Thailand

• Turkey

• United States

This strategic move diversifies his wealth beyond bricks and mortar into digital infrastructure—a smart bet on the growing cloud and AI economy.

Public Listing & Going Private

DAMAC Properties listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2013 and then on the Dubai Financial Market in 2015. However, in 2022, Sajwani made headlines by taking the company private again through Maple Invest Co Ltd., buying back public shares to regain full control. The deal was valued at over AED 2.2 billion ($600 million).

Net Worth and Business Holdings

As of 2025:

• Forbes estimates Hussain Sajwani’s net worth at $10.2 billion.

• Bloomberg ranks him even higher, estimating over $13.1 billion.

His business empire includes:

• DAMAC Properties (Real Estate)

• DAMAC Maison (Hospitality)

• Roberto Cavalli (Fashion)

• de Grisogono (Jewelry)

• Edgnex (Data Centers)

• DICO Investments (Private Equity and Global Holdings)

Personal Life

Hussain Sajwani is married and has four children—two sons and two daughters. His eldest son, Ali Sajwani, serves as the Managing Director of Operations at DAMAC Group, while his daughter, Amira, is involved in sales and marketing.

Despite his vast wealth, Sajwani is known for being modest and deeply family-oriented. His children are expected to carry forward his business legacy.

Philanthropy and Social Initiatives

Sajwani is a strong proponent of education and digital transformation in the Arab world. His Hussain Sajwani-DAMAC Foundation sponsors multiple initiatives:

• One Million Arab Coders: In partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation, this initiative teaches young Arabs programming skills.

• University Scholarships: Supporting students at the American University in Dubai and beyond.

• “1 Billion Meals” Campaign: Contributions to provide food across the Middle East and Africa during Ramadan and global crises.

He views philanthropy not as charity, but as nation-building—empowering youth to lead in a future economy.

Legacy and Impact

Few businesspeople have had as wide-ranging an impact on the UAE economy as Hussain Sajwani. He not only helped build Dubai’s skyline but also pioneered the concept of branded luxury living in the Middle East. His ventures into fashion and technology illustrate his foresight and desire to stay ahead of global trends.

Sajwani’s legacy will be measured not just by the buildings he constructed but by:

• The jobs he created

• The luxury lifestyle market he defined

• The education and digital literacy he promoted

Conclusion

Hussain Sajwani represents the modern business archetype: visionary, diversified, and purpose-driven. With roots in Dubai and influence spanning continents, he is more than a real estate mogul—he is a global entrepreneur shaping industries as diverse as property, fashion, data, and education.

As the world watches Dubai continue to rise, much of its skyline and story will bear the mark of Hussain Sajwani—a man who dared to dream big and built an empire even bigger.

Ae Businesses