Hussain Sajwani, the founder and chairman of DAMAC Properties, stands as a towering figure in the global real estate industry.
With a legacy of transforming Dubai’s urban landscape through luxury developments, Sajwani’s entrepreneurial journey is a story of vision, persistence, and strategic acumen.
From humble beginnings in the UAE to becoming one of the wealthiest individuals in the Middle East, his journey epitomizes success in the world of real estate.
But Hussain Sajwani’s story is not just one of financial success—he is also known for his strategic collaborations, most notably with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Their partnership, particularly in the realm of luxury real estate, has captured global attention. Let’s dive deeper into the life and legacy of Hussain Sajwani, his rise to prominence, his business ventures, and the remarkable tie he shares with Donald Trump.
Early Life and Career: The Foundation of Success
Born in 1952 in Dubai, Hussain Sajwani grew up in a modest household where his father was a prominent merchant, importing goods from China and selling them in Dubai’s bustling markets.
Sajwani’s exposure to business from a young age fueled his entrepreneurial ambitions. After completing his education, he earned a scholarship to the University of Washington, where he graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering and Economics in 1981.
Sajwani’s early career saw him working with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), where he learned the ropes of the business world.
However, his entrepreneurial spirit couldn’t be contained, and by the late 1980s, he had founded his own business, the Global Logistics Services. Through this venture, he made his first significant profits by catering to the growing demand for catering services in the UAE’s oil and gas sector.
While successful in catering, it was his venture into the real estate sector that would change the course of his life forever.
DAMAC Properties: The Birth of a Real Estate Empire
In 2002, Hussain Sajwani founded DAMAC Properties, a company that would become a driving force behind Dubai’s iconic skyline.
At the time, the Dubai government had just launched a series of reforms, including allowing foreigners to own property in certain areas of the city. Sajwani capitalized on this new opportunity by investing in land and residential properties.
The first major success for DAMAC was the development of the DAMAC Tower, followed by the launch of various luxury residential projects in some of Dubai’s most prestigious areas.
Over the years, DAMAC Properties grew exponentially, specializing in the development of luxury villas, high-rise towers, and golf course communities.
DAMAC’s portfolio includes signature developments such as DAMAC Hills, Akoya by DAMAC, and The Trump International Golf Club Dubai, which further cemented Sajwani’s reputation as one of the most influential real estate moguls in the Middle East.
Hussain Sajwani’s Net Worth: A Billionaire’s Journey
Hussain Sajwani’s strategic investments, combined with his vision for luxury real estate, have made him one of the wealthiest individuals in the UAE. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be over $4 billion, according to Forbes.
Much of his wealth comes from his ownership of DAMAC Properties, which has become a leader in luxury real estate development. The company has expanded its reach beyond the UAE, with projects in other key markets, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and the UK.
DAMAC’s success has allowed Sajwani to amass significant wealth, positioning him as a key figure in both the global real estate market and the business world at large.
In addition to his real estate holdings, Sajwani also has significant investments in other sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, and retail. His broad business portfolio has contributed to his status as a billionaire with a diversified wealth base.
The Ties to Donald Trump: A Notable Partnership
One of the most intriguing aspects of Hussain Sajwani’s career is his partnership with Donald Trump, the former President of the United States.
The two men’s relationship dates back to the mid-2000s when they began collaborating on luxury real estate projects in Dubai. Their most high-profile partnership was the development of the Trump International Golf Club Dubai, located in the DAMAC Hills community, which opened in 2017.
The collaboration between Sajwani and Trump, while primarily centered around golf courses and luxury living, extended to the branding of Trump properties in the UAE.
The Trump Organization and DAMAC worked closely together on these high-end residential projects, with Trump’s name adding an aura of exclusivity and luxury to Sajwani’s developments.
Though both men shared a close working relationship, it is worth noting that the business arrangement was structured in a way that allowed Trump’s name to be associated with the properties, while Sajwani’s DAMAC retained full ownership and control over the projects.
The tie-up proved mutually beneficial, with DAMAC’s high-end properties attracting global attention, while Trump’s brand gained a foothold in the Middle East.
However, since Trump’s presidency, the public nature of their partnership has been subject to scrutiny, especially during and after the Trump administration. Nevertheless, the projects they worked on together remain some of the most high-profile luxury developments in Dubai.
Philanthropy and Personal Life: A Man of Values
Despite his immense wealth, Hussain Sajwani is known for his philanthropic efforts, both within the UAE and internationally.
He has made significant contributions to various charitable causes, including those aimed at education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
Sajwani and his family are strong believers in giving back to the community, and his charitable work has been integral to his business ethos.
Sajwani is also a family man, married with children, and he has maintained a relatively private life despite his success. He values the importance of family, hard work, and integrity—values that are evident in both his personal and professional life.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Hussain Sajwani
Hussain Sajwani’s story is one of entrepreneurship, vision, and global impact. From a young man raised in the markets of Dubai to a billionaire founder of DAMAC Properties, he has redefined luxury living in the UAE and beyond.
His business acumen, combined with his strategic partnerships, including his high-profile collaboration with Donald Trump, has cemented his place as one of the world’s most successful real estate magnates.
Today, DAMAC Properties stands as a testament to Sajwani’s vision, with his company continuing to shape the future of Dubai’s real estate market. As he looks ahead, Sajwani’s journey is far from over, and his influence on global luxury real estate will undoubtedly remain for years to come.
Hussain Sajwani’s life is a powerful reminder that with vision, persistence, and a willingness to take risks, one can transform not just a city, but the world itself.
At a glance
- What is Hussain Sajwani’s net worth?
- As of 2025, Hussain Sajwani’s net worth is estimated to be over $4 billion, primarily derived from his ownership of DAMAC Properties.
- What is Hussain Sajwani’s relationship with Donald Trump?
- Hussain Sajwani and Donald Trump have had a business partnership since the mid-2000s, focusing on luxury real estate projects in Dubai, including the Trump International Golf Club Dubai.
- What is DAMAC Properties?
- DAMAC Properties is a luxury real estate development company founded by Hussain Sajwani in 2002. It specializes in high-end residential and commercial developments in Dubai and other regions.
- What charitable causes does Hussain Sajwani support?
- Hussain Sajwani is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, contributing to various charitable causes in the UAE and globally.
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