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.