In the bustling slums of Mumbai, few could have predicted that a young boy’s dreams would one day touch the heights of luxury real estate. Rizwan Sajan’s journey from these modest beginnings to a prominent figure in Dubai’s grand property market is exceptional and motivating.
Born in the crowded streets of Ghatkopar, Mumbai, Sajan's early life was marked by struggle. His family, though resilient, was troubled by financial hardships. Despite his father’s best efforts—strengthened by a stroke of luck from a subsidised lottery—the family could barely make ends meet. With ₹15 in pocket money for his siblings, Sajan found inventive ways to contribute to his family's income. He started small, buying and selling school books and later venturing into milk delivery and selling festival goods.
At just 16, Sajan’s world was rocked by tragedy when his father passed away. Forced to leave school, he took on the responsibility of supporting his family. With a small loan from his late father’s savings, he began a modest box file manufacturing business. Though initially successful, it wasn’t enough to lift his family from poverty.
A significant turn came when Sajan’s uncle offered him a job in Kuwait. This opportunity was a lifeline. His salary in Kuwait, starting at 150 dinars, soon grew significantly, and with it, so did his ambitions. He bought a Toyota Land Cruiser, a house in Bandra, and even helped his sister get married. However, his newfound stability was short-lived. The Gulf War in 1990 forced him back to Mumbai, bringing him to rock bottom once more.
Determined to turn his fortunes around, Sajan relocated to Dubai in 1993, where he founded a trading firm. His business cleverness led him to diversify, establishing ventures in building materials, sanitary solutions, home furnishings, and more. By 2008, he launched Danube Home, and in 2014, he made a significant move into real estate with the launch of Danube Properties.
Sajan’s approach to real estate, particularly his 1 per cent monthly payment plan, revolutionised the market. This plan made luxury more accessible by allowing buyers to pay just 1 per cent of the property’s price each month until the building was completed. This initiative aimed to convert renters into homeowners, increasing accessibility to high-end properties. The strategy proved successful, significantly easing the path to homeownership for many.
While Sajan has faced challenges in the Indian real estate market, his focus remains on expanding his Middle Eastern empire. Dubai’s real estate market, with its trustworthiness and growth potential, continues to be his primary arena. Sajan remains committed to making luxury more attainable and is fervently expanding his business to meet this goal.
