SubscribeSign In
LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
Hussain Sajwani
Global Rank
#192

Image: Farees Jamal | CC0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Hussain Sajwani

CEO, Real estate
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$15.283B
Estimated based on Real estate stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
73
Source
Real estate
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Biography

Hussain Sajwani, a prominent Emirati businessman, is the founder and chairman of DAMAC Properties, a leading real estate development company. Born in the early 1950s, Sajwani's source of wealth stems primarily from his ventures in real estate. His career began in the finance department at Abu Dhabi Gas Industries, and later, he founded a catering venture. In 2002, he established DAMAC Properties, which has significantly shaped Dubai's luxury real estate market. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $15.3 billion. Sajwani's achievements include expanding DAMAC globally and forming partnerships with luxury brands.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Hussain Sajwani was born in Dubai in the early 1950s. His parents were entrepreneurs. His father owned a shop in the local souk. Sajwani obtained a government scholarship to attend medical college in Baghdad but later moved to the United States and studied industrial engineering at the University of Washington.

Rise to Success

Sajwani began his career in the finance department at Abu Dhabi Gas Industries in 1981. In 1983, he started a catering venture, Global Logistics Services, which is still operational. He founded DAMAC Properties in 2002, capitalizing on Dubai's burgeoning real estate market. DAMAC Properties quickly became a major player in luxury residential and commercial real estate.

Key Business Strategies

DAMAC Properties focused on luxury developments and formed partnerships with global luxury brands like Versace and Bugatti. Sajwani expanded DAMAC's projects beyond Dubai, with developments in Saudi Arabia, the UK, the US, and other international cities. The company has also diversified into hospitality through DAMAC Hotels & Resorts.

Philanthropy

Sajwani is involved in philanthropic initiatives through the Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Foundation. The foundation supports education, youth empowerment, and skills development across the Arab world.

Career Milestones

1981

Began career

Joined the finance department at Abu Dhabi Gas Industries.

1983

Founded Global Logistics Services

Started a catering venture that is still operational.

2002

Founded DAMAC Properties

Established DAMAC Properties, a real estate development company.

2015

DAMAC Properties listed on Dubai Financial Market

DAMAC Properties was publicly listed on the Dubai Financial Market.

2022

Took DAMAC Properties private

Sajwani took DAMAC Properties private.

2025

Announced $20 billion investment in US data centers

Announced plans to invest $20 billion in US data centers through EDGNEX Data Centers by DAMAC.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Humanitarian Aid

1 Billion Meals Campaign

$XB

Pledged support to the 1 Billion Meals campaign.

Education

Dubai Future Foundation's One Million Arab Coders Initiative

Unknown

Supports this initiative.

Humanitarian Aid

Arab Hope Makers initiative

Unknown

Supports this initiative.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"It [success] has been a combination of luck and vision. Someone would open the door, and I would run and grab the opportunity."

Leadership Principles

Vision

Identifying opportunities and capitalizing on them.

Partnerships

Collaborating with global luxury brands.

Innovation

Pioneering the market expansion

Controversies & Challenges

2011

Egyptian court conviction

Sentenced in absentia over corruption charges, though the sentence was later suspended.

Compare Hussain Sajwani

Net Worth Face-off
Hussain Sajwani vs Elon Musk
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Hussain Sajwani vs Jeff Bezos
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Hussain Sajwani vs Mark Zuckerberg
Compare Wealth →