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In February 2026, Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, through the DAMAC Foundation, committed Dh100 million to the UAE’s ‘Edge of Life’ campaign under an agreement with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), announced in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.
The Ramadan-launched initiative aims to rescue five million children worldwide from hunger and malnutrition, with support from organisations including UNICEF, Save the Children, CIFF and Action Against Hunger.
Hussain Sajwani is an Emirati businessman and the founder of DAMAC Properties, a Dubai-based luxury real estate developer. He is regarded as one of the leading figures in the region’s property sector and has played a key role in shaping Dubai’s high-end real estate market.
Over the years, he has built a strong presence in the luxury segment, focusing on premium developments that target global buyers and investors.
Sajwani began his business career in 1982 by launching a food services company. The business catered to energy firms, construction camps and educational institutions, and later expanded to support US military operations during the first Gulf War. The company grew rapidly, operating in more than 200 locations across the region and serving over 150,000 meals per day at its peak.
It gained recognition for its efficient logistics and ability to manage large-scale operations. This early success provided the capital and operational experience that later helped Sajwani move into real estate.
Building DAMAC and expanding globally
In 2002, Sajwani founded DAMAC Properties, the same year Dubai opened its real estate market to foreign ownership. He identified the opportunity early and focused on developing luxury residential projects. DAMAC expanded quickly, delivering projects across Dubai and entering markets such as Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. The company became known for large-scale developments and premium offerings. Its portfolio includes projects like DAMAC Hills and AKOYA Oxygen, along with branded residences developed in partnership with global names such as Versace Home, Paramount Hotels & Resorts, Fendi Casa and Roberto Cavalli.
These collaborations helped position DAMAC as a luxury-focused developer with international appeal. In 2013, DAMAC became the first Middle Eastern real estate developer to list on the London Stock Exchange. It later secured a secondary listing on the Dubai Financial Market, further strengthening its position in the regional property sector.
Hussain Sajwani is an Emirati businessman with an estimated net worth of $10 billion, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
His wealth has been built largely through the growth of DAMAC Properties and its expansion across regional and international markets.
About the ‘Edge of Life’ campaign
The ‘Edge of Life’ campaign is a humanitarian initiative launched during Ramadan 2026 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The campaign is focused on tackling global hunger and malnutrition, with a target to support five million children worldwide.
It aims to provide access to essential nutrition, food aid and related support for children living in vulnerable and high-risk regions.
Hussain Sajwani signing agreement of Dh100/Image: WAM
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with international organisations including UNICEF, Save the Children, CIFF and Action Against Hunger, allowing it to reach communities across multiple countries. By combining global expertise with coordinated funding, the campaign is designed to deliver both immediate relief and longer-term support for affected children.The contribution reflects a broader push by the UAE to combine government-led initiatives with private sector support in addressing global humanitarian challenges. As campaigns like ‘Edge of Life’ scale up, contributions from business leaders play a critical role in expanding reach and accelerating impact. Sajwani’s pledge adds to that effort, reinforcing the importance of coordinated action in tackling hunger and malnutrition at a global level.
