Exclusive: Danube Founder Rizwan Sajan on Building a Legacy and Growing in Dubai
This story appeared in our December 2025–January 2026 combined issue.
Dubai continues to attract entrepreneurs from around the world, and its business growth shows no signs of slowing. In the first half of 2025, more than 35,000 new companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, marking a 4% increase compared to last year. During the same period, the Chamber helped 60 local companies expand globally, a big jump from 34 companies in 2024. With more than 90% of the UAE’s fast-growing companies based in Dubai, the city remains a top choice for founders. This growth is supported by the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033, which aims to double Dubai’s economy by 2033.
One entrepreneur who has grown alongside the city is Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group. Over the past three decades, Sajan has built Danube into a large business group operating across building materials, home improvement, and real estate. In 2024, Danube recorded total sales of $2.2 billion and offered more than 50,000 products, showing the scale the company has reached.
In November 2025, Danube announced one of its biggest real estate projects so far: a 55-storey premium commercial tower on Sheikh Zayed Road named after Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Called SHAHRUKHZ by Danube, it is the company’s first fully commercial tower and will include over 40 world-class amenities. The tower is set for completion in June 2029. The project marks 33 years of success for both Shah Rukh Khan and Rizwan Sajan. “It is named after a living legend and is truly one of a kind,” says Sajan. The tower sold out completely when it was launched, reaching a total value of $572 million by December 2025.
Sajan’s journey began long before Danube’s success. Raised in Mumbai, he lost his father at the age of 16 and had to support his family by doing small jobs. Later, an opportunity to work in Kuwait through his uncle gave him his first professional experience. “There was no single turning point,” Sajan says. “Selling milk and books taught me discipline and the value of hard work.” After settling into life, the Gulf War forced him to leave Kuwait. That moment led him to Dubai, where his real journey truly began.
After working for a year in the building materials industry, Sajan started his own company in 1993 as a small trading business. Step by step, Danube grew into a leading supplier of building materials. Today, the group operates more than 73 showrooms across the MENA region under brands such as Danube Building Materials, Danube Home, Casa Milano, and Milano. In 2025, Sajan was ranked 10th on Forbes Middle East’s list of the Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders.
Sajan believes his success came from spotting gaps in the market. At the time, the building materials sector was very traditional, offering little advice or product knowledge to customers. Sajan began sourcing products from around the world and introduced new solutions to the market. “New products gave us an advantage and better options for customers,” he says.
The journey was not easy. “The biggest challenge was money,” Sajan admits. “I had no capital, only determination.” He relied heavily on trust and reputation, which he still believes are key to long-term success.
In 2006, Danube launched Milano, focusing on stylish and affordable home fittings. By offering products 30–40% cheaper than premium brands without compromising quality, Milano quickly gained popularity and helped the group expand further.
Despite his background in construction materials, Sajan waited until 2014 to enter real estate. He avoided the mid-2000s property boom, believing it was unsustainable. Once the market became more stable and regulations improved, Danube launched its first real estate project, which sold out quickly.
To help middle-income buyers, Danube introduced the 1% payment plan in 2016, allowing buyers to pay small monthly amounts after a modest down payment. This approach proved successful, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, Danube Properties projects offer more than 40 lifestyle amenities, including pools, gyms, cinemas, and wellness spaces. Over the last decade, the company has launched 40 projects and delivered 18. As of November 2025, Danube has introduced more than 23,000 units worth over $34 billion.
Looking ahead, Sajan remains confident about Dubai’s future. “This market is driven by trust and belief,” he says. “As long as people believe in Dubai, its growth will continue.”
Published: 20th January 2026
For more article like this please follow our social media Twitter, Linkedin & Instagram
Also Read:
Saudi Electricity Company Completes $2.4B Sukuk Offer
Saudi inflation hits 2.1% in Dec on rising rents
Oman’s Economy Grows 2.3% in First Half of 2025, IMF Says
