From Mumbai's alleys to Dubai's heights: The incredible rise of entrepreneur Anis Sajan

Mint

2 days ago

The vice-chairman of the Danube Group, is a shining example of the 'UAE dream', which has come to fruition because of three decades of hard work.
From the cramped bylanes of a Ghatkopar chawl in Mumbai to the towering skyline of Dubai, Anis Sajan's journey is a testament to resilience, foresight, and an unwavering belief in building trust, one brick at a time. Today, as vice chairman of the Danube Group, Sajan leads one of the most recognised names in the Middle East's building materials and real estate sectors. But his beginnings were humble. 'I started selling decorative lights during Diwali in our neighbourhood. Earning ₹ 300 at the time felt like a fortune,' he recalls with a smile.
His early years were shaped by struggle and sacrifice. After their father passed away in 1979, his elder brother Rizwan dropped out of college to support the family. He began by making box files and eventually became a salesman in Kuwait. After the Gulf War, he moved to Dubai in 1993 and laid the foundation for the Danube Group with a small trading business focussed on Building Materials.
'My brother is my mentor and my biggest inspiration,' says Sajan. 'But he didn't hand me anything on a plate. I had to earn every bit of my place.' And he did. Sajan quickly distinguished himself with a sharp instinct for spotting market gaps. One pivotal moment came with the introduction of shattaf (jet sprays) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is a basic necessity in the Arab and Asian cultures. Every household in these countries ensures that the first thing they install is a shattaf. 'I saw an opportunity and I capitalized on it,' he explains. This Shattaf gave wings to the brand Milano, which is now the heart of Danube Building Materials. Today, Danube sells over 100,000 jet sprays a month. It was a turning point that marked Sajan not just as a salesman but as a problem-solver.
Today the company has evolved into a diversified empire, spanning sanitaryware, hardware, electricals, furniture, and real estate. This expansion mirrors the broader transformation of the UAE, where Danube has become a trusted name. For Sajan, however, success isn't just about scale. It's about relationships. 'In construction, things can go wrong. But when customers call, we pick up. Even if there's no immediate solution, we respond. That's how trust is built and maintained,' he explains. This is more than a philosophy. It is a personal ethic. 'My brother still visits project sites every Saturday, even in the 50-degree heat. That's the kind of leadership we believe in—hands-on and transparent.'
The real estate market experienced major booms from 2001 to 2007 and again in the past five years, during which the building materials sector remained Sajan's stronghold, capturing 25% of the Middle East market. Danube, now the leading brand in building materials, has thrived in Dubai's free port environment, attracting global buyers with the flexibility of mixed container shipments.
Danube Properties, the Group's real estate arm, has seen consistent growth, and India is becoming a core part of its strategy. Offices have opened in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Gurugram, and Kochi. 'We've seen a sharp increase in Indian investors looking to Dubai not just as a holiday destination but as a second home and a smart investment hub,' says Sajan.
The Group's standout 1% monthly payment plan has made luxury real estate accessible to thousands. 'It's not just a catchy idea—it's a serious financial solution. People don't just dream of owning property in Dubai now; they actually can,' he explains. Their projects reflect this vision: fully furnished, centrally located homes with over 50 lifestyle amenities, including doctor-on-call and nanny services. 'Our goal is to create value—emotional, functional, and financial. And this model has struck a real chord, especially with Indian professionals, NRIs, and entrepreneurs.'
Danube's growth has also been driven by keen market insight. Sajan notes that today's buyers seek smart layouts, flexible payment models, and community-centric living spaces. The end-user segment is expanding, particularly among families. As new supply stabilises prices, the Dubai real estate market is expected to remain strong until at least Q4 of 2026. 'We're also seeing growing interest from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India. There's a sense of aspiration, and Dubai meets those aspirations with returns, security, and lifestyle.'
Marketing has also been a cornerstone in Danube's success. 'We believe in visibility. From hoardings across Mumbai to branding on flights and major cricket events—if you're not seen, you're not sold,' Sajan says plainly. He adds, 'The campaign with Kartik Aaryan wasn't just marketing. Danube Hai Na was our way of telling Indian buyers: we've got you covered.' This bold marketing approach, combined with reliable execution, has created a brand that resonates across borders.
Even with decades of experience behind him, Sajan shows no signs of slowing down. With both his sons now actively involved in the sanitary business—Azhar Sajan, founder of Casa Milano, catering to the luxury and elite segment, and Sahil Sajan, Director of Milano, focused on offering premium sanitary solutions to the masses, Danube is preparing for its next chapter. 'The journey is far from over,' he says. 'In fact, it's just beginning. The most important thing is to stay grounded, learn from every experience, and never, ever break the client's trust. That's how you build something that truly lasts.'
'We are also seeing growing interest from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India. There's a sense of aspiration, and Dubai meets those aspirations with returns, security, and lifestyle," said Anis Sajan, vice chairman of the Danube Group