Hussain Sajwani

$15.28 B

Ranked #178 in World

About Hussain Sajwani

Hussain Sajwani, the esteemed Emirati billionaire and founder of DAMAC Properties and DAMAC Group, has solidified his influence in the global market, securing the Forbes 2017 top spot for rapidly expanding companies. With a substantial net worth of $2.7 billion, the tycoon's ventures extend from property development—delivering over 27,400 homes with numerous projects in progress—to luxury brand acquisitions like Roberto Cavalli in 2019. A respected philanthropist, Sajwani's initiatives support coding and COVID-19 relief. Despite a historical controversy, his leadership garners continuous recognition in the real estate and hospitality sectors.

Born

March 01, 1953

Age

73 years

Source Of Wealth

Real Estate

Industries

Real Estate

Citizenship

United Arab Emirates

Residence

Dubai

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, University of Washington

Children

Hussain Sajwani was born in 1952 or 1953 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He was the eldest of five children born to entrepreneurial parents. His father owned a shop at the local souk, exposing Sajwani to the world of business from a young age.

Sajwani obtained a government scholarship to attend medical college in Baghdad, Iraq. However, he later moved to the United States, where he studied industrial engineering at the University of Washington.

Hussain Sajwani: Family

Hussain Sajwani is married and has four children. His son, Ali Sajwani, is the Managing Director of operations at DAMAC Group. His daughter, Amira Sajwani, is the Senior Vice President – Operations at DAMAC.

Hussain Sajwani: Career Highlights

Sajwani's career began in 1981 when he joined the finance department of Abu Dhabi Gas Industries. In 1983, he launched a catering venture that is still operational today as Global Logistics Services.

In 2002, Sajwani established DAMAC Properties, which has since grown into one of the largest property development companies in the Middle East. Under his leadership, DAMAC Properties has delivered approximately 27,400 homes and has over 35,000 units under development.

In 2011, Sajwani launched DAMAC Maison Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality division of DAMAC Properties. The company went public on the Dubai Financial Market in 2015.

Sajwani has collaborated with renowned brands such as Tiger Woods, Versace, Fendi, Roberto Cavalli, and Paramount Hotels and Resorts for various projects. He also invested £600 million in London through the Versace-branded DAMAC Tower London.

In June 2021, Sajwani resigned as chairman of DAMAC Properties and offered to take the company private. He has since announced plans to develop Cavalli residences on a $120 million plot in Miami and acquired the renowned jeweler De Grisogono in 2022.

Hussain Sajwani: Companies

DAMAC Properties
DAMAC Group
Global Logistics Services
DAMAC Maison Hotels & Resorts
Roberto Cavalli
De Grisogono

Hussain Sajwani: Major Achievements

DAMAC Properties ranked #1 on Forbes 2017 Global 2000 list for fastest-growing global companies.

Listed among the 100 most globally influential Arabs by Gulf Business and Arabian Business.
Acquired Italian fashion group Roberto Cavalli in 2019.

Hussain Sajwani: Awards & Achievements

Ranked #15 on Hotelier Power 50 - CEO Middle East Awards 2017.
Property CEO of the Year – CEO Middle East Awards 2017.
Real Estate Legend 2018 - Arabian Business Real Estate Awards.
Real Estate Business Leader of the Year 2018 - Gulf Business Awards 2018.
Ranked 26th on Construction Week's Power 100 list in 2019.
Listed in Cityscape Intelligence's most influential people in MENA real estate industry in 2020.
Recognized as one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Global Hospitality by International Hospitality Institute's Global 100 in 2022.

Hussain Sajwani: Personal Life & Legacy

Hussain Sajwani lives in Dubai with his wife and four children. He is known for his philanthropic efforts through the Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Foundation, which supports various initiatives such as the Dubai Future Foundation's One Million Arab Coders Initiative and the Arab Hope Makers initiative's Humanitarian Cause of the Year.

Sajwani's legacy lies in his significant contributions to the real estate industry in the Middle East. He has transformed DAMAC Properties into a global powerhouse and has played a pivotal role in shaping the region's real estate landscape.

Hussain Sajwani: Trivia

Sajwani was convicted by an Egyptian court over corruption allegations in a 2006 land deal. He was sentenced to five years in prison but reached a settlement with the Egyptian government through arbitration.
In 2020, Sajwani pledged AED 3 million to the Arab Hope Makers initiative's Humanitarian Cause of the Year.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sajwani pledged Dh 1 million to the '100 million meals' campaign.

Wealth History

Timeline

1952 or 1953

Hussain Sajwani is born, the eldest of five children.

1981

Sajwani starts his career in the finance department of Abu Dhabi Gas Industries.

1983

Sajwani launches a catering venture, which is still operational as Global Logistics Services.

2002

Sajwani establishes DAMAC Properties, one of the largest property development companies in the Middle East.

2006

Sajwani is convicted by an Egyptian court over corruption allegations in a land deal.

2011

Sajwani launches hospitality division DAMAC Maison Hotels & Resorts.

2015

DAMAC Properties is publicly listed on the Dubai Financial Market.

2017

DAMAC Properties is ranked #1 on Forbes 2017 Global 2000 list for fastest-growing global companies.

2017

Sajwani is ranked #15 on Hotelier Power 50 - CEO Middle East Awards.

2017

Sajwani wins Property CEO of the Year at the CEO Middle East Awards.

2018

Sajwani is named Real Estate Legend at the Arabian Business Real Estate Awards.

2018

Sajwani is awarded Real Estate Business Leader of the Year at the Gulf Business Awards.

2019

Sajwani is ranked 26th on Construction Week's Power 100 list.

2019

Sajwani acquires Italian fashion group Roberto Cavalli.

2020

Sajwani is listed in Cityscape Intelligence's most influential people in MENA real estate industry.

2020

Sajwani pledges AED 3 million to Arab Hope Makers initiative's Humanitarian Cause of the Year.

2021

Sajwani resigns as chairman of Damac Properties and offers to take the company private.

2022

Sajwani is recognized as one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Global Hospitality by International Hospitality Institute's Global 100.

2022

Sajwani acquires jeweler De Grisogono.

Hussain Sajwani : FAQs

What is Hussain Sajwani's current net worth?

Hussain Sajwani's current net worth is $15.28 billion.

What is Hussain Sajwani's current global rank among billionaires?

Hussain Sajwani holds the 178th position globally among billionaires.

What is Hussain Sajwani's current ranking within the United Arab Emirates?

Hussain Sajwani holds the 1st position in United Arab Emirates.

What was the change in Hussain Sajwani's net worth compared to the previous year?

Hussain Sajwani's net worth increased by 5.05 billion dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 10.23 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Hussain Sajwani's net worth?

Hussain Sajwani's net worth increased by 0.91 million dollars recently, a 0.01% increase, with his net worth standing at 15.28 billion dollars.

What are Hussain Sajwani's main sources of wealth?

Hussain Sajwani's main source of income comes from Real Estate.

In which industry does Hussain Sajwani primarily operate?

Hussain Sajwani is primarily involved in the Real Estate industry.

What is Hussain Sajwani educational background?

Hussain Sajwani holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from the University of Washington.

How old is Hussain Sajwani?

Hussain Sajwani is 73 years old.

How many children does Hussain Sajwani have?

Hussain Sajwani has 4 children.

Who is Hussain Sajwani and what is he known for?

Hussain Sajwani is an Emirati billionaire businessman, renowned as the founder of DAMAC Properties and the DAMAC Group. He gained recognition when DAMAC Properties was ranked #1 on Forbes 2017 Global 2000 list for fastest-growing global companies and has been listed among the 100 most globally influential Arabs.

What significant milestones mark the early career of Hussain Sajwani?

Hussain Sajwani started his career in 1981 at Abu Dhabi Gas Industries before launching a catering venture in 1983, which is still operational. He later established DAMAC Properties in 2002 and expanded his business portfolio by developing high-profile projects and creating a hospitality division, leading DAMAC Properties to list on the Dubai Financial Market in 2015.

What are some of the key contributions Hussain Sajwani has made to corporate social responsibility?

Hussain Sajwani has made significant contributions to CSR through the DAMAC Foundation, sponsoring initiatives like the One Million Arab Coders Initiative and pledging financial support to the Arab Hope Makers initiative as well as the '100 million meals' campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How has Hussain Sajwani's commitment to philanthropy been reflected in his personal contributions?

Hussain Sajwani's commitment to philanthropy is evident through his personal contributions, including a pledge of AED 3 million to the Arab Hope Makers initiative and Dh 1 million to the '100 million meals' campaign, demonstrating his dedication to humanitarian causes.

What are some awards and recognitions received by Hussain Sajwani?

Hussain Sajwani has received numerous awards and recognitions, such as ranking #15 on Hotelier Power 50, winning Property CEO of the Year at the CEO Middle East Awards 2017, being named Real Estate Legend at the Arabian Business Real Estate Awards 2018, and being recognized as one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Global Hospitality in 2022.