Rizwan Sajan Biography
Rizwan Sajan is the founder and chairman of the Danube Group, a successful building materials company.
He is an inspiring first-generation entrepreneur with a net worth of about ₹20,830 crore (approximately US$2.5 billion).
His incredible journey from the slums of Mumbai to creating a billion-dollar business showcases his resilience, hard work, and strong leadership.
Forbes Middle East has recognized him as one of the ‘Top 100 Indian Leaders in the UAE.’
Early Life and Struggles
Rizwan was born into a middle-class family in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. His childhood was full of challenges.
He lived in a small space, sharing a bathroom with 40 other families. To help his family, he sold books, fireworks, rakhis, and even delivered milk.
Tragically, when he was just 15 years old, his father passed away, putting a financial burden on him.
Determined to support his family, Rizwan reached out to his uncle in Kuwait for a job.
In 1981, he started working as a trainee salesman at his uncle’s building materials shop.
Although he worked long hours for little pay, he learned valuable lessons about hard work and perseverance.
The Struggle to Establish a Business
Rizwan spent several years in Kuwait, but the 1991 Gulf War forced him to return to India. Starting over was tough.
With limited resources, he sold goods door-to-door on a scooter, earning just ₹500 a day. Despite the challenges, he remained focused on his goal of success.
Seeing the construction boom in the Middle East, he decided to take a risk. In 1993, he moved to Dubai and founded the Danube Group, a trading company for building materials.
The early years were tough due to competition and skepticism from suppliers, but Rizwan’s determination never wavered.
The Birth of the Danube Group
Rizwan’s business strategy was simple: he bought materials on credit from suppliers in Kuwait and sold them in Dubai, where construction was booming.
His big break came when he secured exclusive rights to sell galvanized corrugated sheets in Dubai.
Even with limited capital, he built strong relationships and focused on quality service. By 1999, Danube Group earned ₹16 crore in revenue and made a profit of ₹1 crore.
Business Expansion and Overcoming Challenges
As his business grew, Rizwan expanded Danube Group into home décor, sanitary ware, tiles, and electrical products by 2005.
Even during the 2008 global financial crisis, his resilience helped the company grow, reaching ₹1,300 crore in revenue by 2010.
He adapted and innovated, maintaining quality while managing costs.
In 2014, he launched Danube Properties, tapping into Dubai’s booming real estate market.
His unique “1% rule” allowed buyers to pay a small down payment and only 1% of their salary in monthly installments, making homeownership possible for many middle-class families.
The Rise of a Global Empire
By 2016, Danube Group had reached impressive revenues of ₹9,000 crore.
Owning both the building materials and real estate sides of his business enabled Rizwan to offer homes at nearly half the market price, which fueled further growth.
Today, Danube Group operates in over 30 countries, including the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, with a total revenue of ₹16,709 crore.
Rizwan Sajan Net Worth
Rizwan Sajan’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹20,830 crore (approximately USD 2.5 billion). He is one of the wealthiest Indians in Dubai.
Personal Life
Rizwan Sajan is married to Mrs. Sameera Sajan, and they have two children: Adel Sajan (son) and Dr. Sana Sajan (daughter).
He is known for his commitment to family and philanthropy, often giving back to the community that supported him during tough times.
Recognition and Achievements
Rizwan’s remarkable success has earned him numerous accolades, including a place on Forbes Middle East’s list of ‘Top 100 Indian Leaders in the UAE.’
His journey from selling milk on a bicycle in Mumbai to building a global business empire serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere.
Conclusion
Rizwan Sajan’s story is a testament to determination and vision. From humble beginnings to owning a ₹20,830 crore business empire, his journey inspires aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Danube Group, which began as a small trading firm, has become a multinational conglomerate due to Rizwan’s leadership and innovative thinking.
