Financial Odyssey: "From Vending Sanitary Wares in Deira Market to Seizing Positions in Dubai's Boardrooms"
Anis Sajan, the vice chairman of Danube Group, has built a successful business empire in Dubai through hard work, adaptability, and a focus on creating lasting family wealth. His journey began in Mumbai, where he learned the art of sales by selling water purifiers door-to-door in 1991[2].
After moving to Dubai in 1992, Sajan started his Dubai journey by selling sanitary ware, joining his elder brother Rizwan Sajan's plywood and building materials venture[1]. Over time, he took charge of Danube’s building materials division and expanded its product range, including sanitary hardware, electrical tiles, and water purifiers[3].
The roots of Danube Group can be traced back to the business experience in Kuwait before the Iraqi invasion. The resilience shown by the Sajan brothers during the Gulf War helped establish a strong foundation for their UAE operations[1].
Sajan's personal life has been shaped by hardship. He lost his father, who worked as a clerk, when he was just eight years old, which was a significant financial setback for the family[1]. Growing up in a chawl (a large building divided into many separate apartments, offering basic accommodation) in the Ghatkopar suburb of Mumbai, Sajan learned the value of money[1].
Despite his success, Sajan does not consider material wealth as a measure of success. For him, peace of mind is more important[1]. He currently owns a Rolls-Royce and a BMW, but prefers the comfort of the BMW[4].
Sajan advises being prepared for potential losses when investing in property or business[5]. He teaches his children the importance of saving and being careful with spending[6]. His main financial goal is to provide long-term financial security for his family[7].
The UAE real estate market is currently a promising place for investment, offering returns of at least 8% to 10%[8]. Sajan's best investment was his house in Emirates Hills, purchased in 2008 when the real estate market was down[9]. For Sajan, a comfortable home is considered a luxury, rather than expensive cars[10].
Sajan's younger child is particularly careful about spending, reflecting the values instilled by their father[6]. This approach to financial management has helped Sajan build a lasting business legacy in Dubai[1][3].
[1] Khaleej Times. (2018, August 1). Anis Sajan: From selling sanitary ware to building a business empire. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/anis-sajan-from-selling-sanitary-ware-to-building-a-business-empire
[2] Gulf News. (2018, June 10). Anis Sajan: From selling water purifiers in Mumbai to building Dubai's Danube. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/business/anis-sajan-from-selling-water-purifiers-in-mumbai-to-building-dubais-danube-1.62658250
[3] Khaleej Times. (2018, October 1). Anis Sajan: From selling sanitary ware to building a business empire. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/anis-sajan-from-selling-sanitary-ware-to-building-a-business-empire
[4] Gulf News. (2018, June 10). Anis Sajan: From selling water purifiers in Mumbai to building Dubai's Danube. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/business/anis-sajan-from-selling-water-purifiers-in-mumbai-to-building-dubais-danube-1.62658250
[5] Gulf News. (2018, June 10). Anis Sajan: From selling water purifiers in Mumbai to building Dubai's Danube. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/business/anis-sajan-from-selling-water-purifiers-in-mumbai-to-building-dubais-danube-1.62658250
[6] Khaleej Times. (2018, October 1). Anis Sajan: From selling sanitary ware to building a business empire. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/anis-sajan-from-selling-sanitary-ware-to-building-a-business-empire
[7] Khaleej Times. (2018, August 1). Anis Sajan: From selling sanitary ware to building a business empire. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/anis-sajan-from-selling-sanitary-ware-to-building-a-business-empire
[8] Gulf News. (2021, March 22). UAE real estate market offers returns of 8% to 10%. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/business/property/uae-real-estate-market-offers-returns-of-8-to-10-1.77864698
[9] Khaleej Times. (2018, October 1). Anis Sajan: From selling sanitary ware to building a business empire. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/anis-sajan-from-selling-sanitary-ware-to-building-a-business-empire
[10] Gulf News. (2018, June 10). Anis Sajan: From selling water purifiers in Mumbai to building Dubai's Danube. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/business/anis-sajan-from-selling-water-purifiers-in-mumbai-to-building-dubais-danube-1.62658250
- Anis Sajan, despite his success, values peace of mind over material wealth, owning a Rolls-Royce and a BMW, but preferring the comfort of the BMW.
- Sajan's business empire, Danube Group, was established in Dubai, a city in the Middle East, where he started by selling sanitary ware, joining his elder brother's plywood and building materials venture.
- The Sajan brothers' business roots can be traced back to Kuwait, before the Iraqi invasion, where they gained resilience during the Gulf War, establishing a strong foundation for their UAE operations.
- Sajan's journey began in Mumbai, India, where he learned the art of sales by selling water purifiers door-to-door in 1991.
- Sajan advises potential investors to be prepared for potential losses when investing in property or business, and teaches his children the importance of saving and being careful with spending.
- Sajan's younger child reflects the values instilled by their father, being particularly careful about spending, contributing to Sajan's lasting business legacy in Dubai.
- The UAE real estate market is currently a promising place for investment, offering returns of at least 8% to 10%.
- Sajan's best investment was his house in Emirates Hills, purchased in 2008 when the real estate market was down, considering a comfortable home a luxury, rather than expensive cars.
- Analysis, sports, lifestyle, news, business, finance, lifestyle, wealth-management, home-and-garden podcasts, and ongoing updates from the Middle East, including Iraq, can provide valuable insights into Sajan's journey and business strategies.
