Rizwan Sajan, the founder of Danube Group, a Dubai-based construction materials and real estate company, has a net worth of approximately 20,000 crores. Born in a Mumbai slum, Sajan's journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most successful Indian businessmen in the Middle East is a tale of struggle, risk, and incredible perseverance.
Early Life and Struggles
Sajan was born into a lower-middle-class family in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area. His family faced financial difficulties, and his father struggled to afford his school fees. Sajan often felt the sting of poverty when he couldn't afford a snack at the school canteen while his friends enjoyed their treats. This early humiliation spurred him to start his first business at the age of 14.
First Business Ventures
With a loan of 1,000 rupees from his father, Sajan began selling school books in Mumbai's wholesale market. His first season's profit was 200 rupees, which he used to buy snacks for his friends, symbolizing his first taste of success. He continued to engage in various small businesses, including selling Rakhis, fireworks, and even milk delivery, learning valuable lessons from each venture.
Move to Kuwait and the Gulf War
At 18, following his father's death, Sajan moved to Kuwait in search of work. He found a job paying 18,000 rupees a month, a significant sum for him. However, the Gulf War in 1990 created a crisis, and Sajan saw an opportunity. He began delivering telegrams to Indian families in Iraq, charging five dinars per message, and navigating military checkpoints to ensure their safe delivery.
Success in Dubai
After Kuwait, Sajan moved to Dubai with savings of about one lakh dirhams. He meticulously planned his finances, setting aside money for his family, office rent, a car on installments, business licenses, and employee salaries. Within three months, his business was thriving, with monthly earnings growing from 5,000 to 20,000 dirhams.
Danube Group and Beyond
Sajan established Danube Group, which became a prominent name in the Middle East's construction industry. The company expanded into building materials, home interiors, and real estate, operating in multiple countries. Despite his immense wealth, Sajan remains grounded, often stating that money never motivated him; it was the work that inspired him.
Life in a 40,000 Square Foot Palace
Sajan's Dubai home is a 40,000 square foot palace featuring a grand fountain, aquarium, grand piano, private theater, spa, gaming zone, and a casino-style lounge. Despite his luxurious lifestyle, Sajan remains connected to his roots, famously stating that he could start over from scratch even if left in the African jungle.
