Ali Hussain Sajwani
Co-Founder, AMÁLI Managing Director, DAMAC
Biography
Ali Sajwani is an Emirati entrepreneur whose work spans real estate development, hospitality and operational transformation. At DAMAC Properties, he oversees key functions across finance, customer relationship management, handovers, collections, direct sales, digital marketing and technology. His leadership has helped improve organisational efficiency, strengthen governance and introduce data-driven decision-making to support long-term business growth.
His understanding of the real estate industry began at an early age through his father, Hussain Sajwani, founder of DAMAC Group. Ali Sajwani holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Northeastern University in Boston. Building on this experience, he has played a significant role in modernising internal processes and supporting the company's international expansion. His responsibilities have also included major hospitality projects, notably the Mandarin Oriental resort development in the Maldives, extending the company's presence into global luxury destinations.
Alongside his executive responsibilities, he co-founded AMÁLI Properties with his sister, Amira Sajwani, establishing a boutique developer focused on bespoke waterfront residences. Its flagship Amali Island development in Dubai comprises 24 exclusive villas on The World Islands, combining distinctive architecture, privacy and direct access to the coastline. The project reflects his vision of creating residential environments where design, natural surroundings and the needs of residents come together.
Technology and innovation remain central to his approach to leadership. He has contributed to the organisation's digital transformation, introducing systems that improve efficiency, customer experience and operational performance. His interest in emerging technologies aligns with the wider conglomerate's expansion into data centres and digital infrastructure, sectors increasingly influenced by AI and the evolving requirements of the global economy.
His achievements have received industry recognition, including the Family Business Council Gulf's Next Generation Award in 2022. Forbes Middle East also featured him in its 2026 sustainability leaders list, highlighting the growing importance of environmental performance, responsible development and corporate commitment within the property sector.
Beyond his executive roles, he supports young entrepreneurs and initiatives that connect education with practical investment opportunities. At the 2026 Seal the Deal event in Sharjah, he joined an investor panel to witness talented university students and graduates pitch their startups, receive professional feedback and explore potential partnerships. His participation reflects an interest in empowering emerging founders and helping the next generation turn innovative ideas into commercially viable businesses.
Throughout his career, he has combined operational expertise with an entrepreneurial approach to identifying opportunities, managing risk and building businesses positioned for sustainable success.
Faqs
Who is Ali Hussain Sajwani?
Ali Hussain Sajwani is an Emirati entrepreneur, Managing Director at DAMAC Properties, Co-Founder and CEO of AMÁLI Properties, and Founder of Melrose Capital. The eldest son of DAMAC Group founder Hussain Sajwani, his professional interests span real estate development, hospitality, technology and private investments. Moreover, he is a founding board member of the Emirates Angels Investors Association.
How is Ali Sajwani connected to AlphaHAS?
Ali Sajwani is the brother of Amira Sajwani, Co-Founder and CEO of AlphaHAS. The siblings share a business partnership through AMÁLI Properties, an ultra-luxury developer featured within the AlphaHAS portfolio. Their collaboration reflects a shared interest in entrepreneurship, innovation and long-term value creation.
What awards and recognition has Ali Sajwani received?
Ali received the Family Business Council Gulf's Next Generation Award in 2022, recognising his contribution to business innovation and family enterprise development. He was also named among Arabian Business's 100 Most Influential Arabs in 2023. His achievements reflect his involvement in corporate transformation, entrepreneurship and leadership within the Middle East.
What are Ali Sajwani's responsibilities at DAMAC Properties?
As Managing Director of Operations, Finance and Hospitality, he oversees several key business functions, including customer relationship management, collections, handovers, digital marketing and information technology. His leadership focuses on improving operational efficiency, strengthening governance and supporting the company's international expansion. DAMAC Properties focuses on luxury residential and commercial properties.
Why did Ali Sajwani establish AMÁLI Properties?
Ali co-founded AMÁLI with his sister to develop bespoke waterfront residences combining architectural design, privacy and natural surroundings. Ali Sajwani co-founded Amali Properties in 2023 and officially launched in 2024. The company focuses on creating highly personalised living environments. Its flagship project, Amali Island in Dubai, features 24 exclusive beachfront villas on The World Islands.
How has Ali Sajwani contributed to DAMAC's digital transformation?
He has led initiatives to modernise internal systems, streamline workflows and introduce data-driven decision-making across the organisation. His work includes improving customer management processes, developing digital capabilities and reducing administrative inefficiencies. These initiatives support more efficient operations and prepare the company for future technological developments. Ali Sajwani is involved in early-stage global tech, proptech, smart city, and biotech startup investments.
What is Melrose Capital and what does Ali Sajwani invest in?
Melrose Capital is an investment firm founded by Ali Sajwani, with a specialised focus on deep technology and emerging businesses. His investment experience also extends to venture capital funds and global equities through his involvement in family office investments. His approach focuses on identifying opportunities with long-term growth potential while evaluating commercial viability and risk.
How has Ali Sajwani contributed to DAMAC's international hospitality business?
Ali has supported the Group's expansion into international luxury hospitality, including involvement in the Mandarin Oriental resort development in the Maldives. His responsibilities have covered operational planning and development, helping extend the company's expertise beyond residential properties into luxury resort destinations.