40 And Under: The Region’s Most Influential Young Business Leaders

Industry: Construction and Real Estate

Company: DAMAC Group

Designation: General Manager – Operations

Country: UAE

Age: 26

As early as he can remember, Ali Sajwani’s after school reading list consisted of balance sheets and real estate project plans. In 2016, his leadership strength was tested when Sajwani took over the general manager of operations role across Damac Group. Since then, the young Emirati businessman has led key projects to completion, introduced company-wide digital solutions and was instrumental in the growth of the luxury real estate developer’s international business units.

Under his direction, Damac Hotels & Resorts, Damac’s hospitality arm, signed an agreement with Radisson Hotel Group, fully operates five properties, and is building a five-star resort in the Maldives, a project involving the sustainable rehabilitation of around one million cubic metres of land.

Additional to his role within Damac Group, Sajwani regularly attends venture capital funding rounds at high-tech pitches in Silicon Valley, in order to keep his investment portfolio fresh.

A shrewd investor, Sajwani pursues companies that are solving pressing global issues, such as biotechnology startups that are revolutionising modern therapy for the masses.

During his spare time, Sajwani flies the UAE flag as part of the Milken Institute Young Leaders Circle, building stronger communications with the global community, while completing the Chartered Financial Analyst Programme.