Once A Milk Seller In Mumbai, Now Runs A Rs 10,000 Crore Empire: Rizwan Sajan's Journey

News18

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Starting small, Danube Group grew rapidly under Rizwan Sajan's vision, now posting $1.3B revenue with ventures in real estate, decor, and major projects across the Middle East
The story of Rizwan Sajan—a teenager who once sold milk and stationery in the narrow lanes of Mumbai—is now a global source of inspiration. Today, he stands as the richest Indian-origin businessman in the UAE, with a net worth of around Rs 18,000 crore. He is the founder of the Danube Group, a global brand in building materials, real estate, and home décor.
Born into a lower-middle-class family in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, Rizwan's journey was anything but easy. His father, a supervisor at Nathani Steel Private Limited, earned just Rs 7,000 a month, struggling to support four children. As the eldest, Rizwan walked 7–8 kilometres daily to attend school in Vidya Vihar. Life took a harsh turn when his father passed away when Rizwan was just 16, forcing him to take on the responsibility of supporting his family at a young age.
Undeterred, Rizwan began selling books, stationery, and even delivering milk door-to-door. He recounted in an interview with Gulf News how challenging it was to manage school fees and household expenses. His relentless efforts and his uncle's support led to a job opportunity in Kuwait in 1981, where he started as a sales trainee earning Rs 18,000 monthly.
How The Gulf War Changed His Life
After eight years of hard work, Rizwan became a sales manager, but the Gulf War in 1990 disrupted his life again. Returning to Mumbai empty-handed, his resilience did not falter. He soon found work in a Dubai brokerage dealing in construction materials, where he gained crucial market insights. In 1993, he founded the Danube Group.
Starting small, Danube Group quickly became a key supplier to the UAE's construction industry thanks to Rizwan's vision and business acumen. Today, the company's turnover exceeds $1.3 billion (around Rs 10,800 crore), with ventures spanning real estate, home decor, kitchen solutions, and infrastructure, including luxurious towers in Dubai and major construction projects across the Middle East.
At 55, Rizwan Sajan's life is not just a tale of success but a narrative of resilience and integrity. Rising from Mumbai's slums to the billionaires' list in Dubai, he remains a beacon of hope for many aspiring youths with limited resources. Reports from Navbharat Times highlight his relentless hard work and determination that made him the wealthiest Indian businessman in the UAE.
Personal Life And Philanthropy
Rizwan resides in Dubai with his family and is actively involved in philanthropy. He supports numerous educational and health initiatives, particularly for children facing hardships similar to his own. Despite his immense success, his simplicity and humility remain his defining traits.
First Published:
June 26, 2025, 14:45 IST