Balancing act: DAMAC’s Amira Sajwani shares her plans and vision

It’s difficult to glance across Dubai’s stunning skyline and miss a DAMAC sign emblazoned across some of the city’s most spectacular skyscrapers – it’s a legacy that can be overwhelming, particularly if you are the generation that’s taken on the mantle to realise the real estate giant’s global ambitions. For someone so young, Amira Sajwani is handling the responsibility with grace and confidence, armed with the business acumen that she has inherited from her father, DAMAC Group founder and chairman Hussain Sajwani.

One of four siblings, Sajwani has been entrusted with the strategic oversight and direction of DAMAC projects’ sales and development aspects. Along with her brother Ali, who is the managing director of Operations and Technology at DAMAC, Sajwani is closely involved with the transformation of the company, as the business diversifies further into luxury real estate, hospitality, retail and data centres, among other areas.

Sajwani’s quiet confidence and steely determination are apparent, with her father and siblings considering her a key driver of the company’s ambitious projects and plans. “My responsibility is to lead teams committed to the successful execution of our ventures, with a keen focus on innovation, staying abreast of market trends, and ensuring customer satisfaction. My role extends beyond just supervision; it involves cultivating a culture of progressive innovation within our teams towards creating an atmosphere that encourages creative thinking and the adoption of advanced solutions.

“By keeping track of market dynamics and consumer preferences, I guide our projects to ensure outstanding outcomes and continually strive to elevate the level of service we offer to our exclusive customers,” says the managing director of Sales and Development, at DAMAC Properties.

Sajwani attributes her ability to navigate the constantly changing tides of business to her father, and her brothers. “We are fortunate and honoured to advance the remarkable legacy of our father, the visionary founder of DAMAC. This legacy of entrepreneurship and business acumen is deep-rooted in our family, tracing back to our grandparents. Inspired by his unwavering commitment to excellence, we are continuously broadening our portfolio, exploring new markets, and fostering innovation. My brothers and I are firmly focused on transforming DAMAC into a renowned global conglomerate.

“At the heart of our endeavours is a steadfast adherence to core values such as quality, integrity, and a focus on customer satisfaction. Our family’s deep-seated passion for business and an unyielding drive for growth create a dynamic environment of mutual learning.

“I am privileged to be part of a team where every member is a leader and a learner. Each of us contributes a unique perspective to our venture, enriching our collective approach.”

An early introduction to the family business means that Sajwani can hold her own as she represents the brand regionally and globally, sharing the stage with some of the world’s most seasoned business leaders. She recently was a panelist at Abu Dhabi Finance Week, where she spoke about family businesses at the International Family Office Congress.

These opportunities showcase her role as a female trailblazer and a role model for other Emirati women.

“My father’s guidance and leadership have been instrumental in moulding my approach as an emerging leader. His influence extends beyond our family; he has left a significant mark on the entire region. From him, I’ve learned the value of perseverance, adaptability, and maintaining a customer-focused approach,” she emphasises.

Role model for peers

“As a young Emirati leader, I aim to inspire and empower young women, showing them that nothing should ever hinder their ambitions. I am committed to setting a precedent for future female leaders by leading with passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, all of which are attributes I’ve honed under my father’s tutelage,” Sajwani adds.

She also believes that as a young Emirati female leader she has the responsibility of laying the foundation for others to follow in her footsteps.

“I regard myself as a pioneer, championing gender equality and empowerment and expanding opportunities for women across diverse sectors. By engaging in mentorship programmes, fostering educational initiatives, and leading by example, I strive to motivate and encourage young women to fearlessly chase their dreams.

“My objective is to cultivate a nurturing environment where they can flourish, dismantle barriers, and assertively step into leadership positions, contributing to a future where gender is no longer a barrier to potential or opportunities.”

Sajwani’s thoughts are mirrored in the trends that show that the UAE is seeing a transformation in the composition of company boards with an increase in younger members and more gender diversity, according to a recent Board Monitor report by Heidrick & Struggles, a leading global leadership search and consultancy.

According to a report, in 2022, women directors accounted for 23 per cent of appointments in 2022, up from 17 per cent in Heidrick & Struggles’ 2021 study. Additionally, there was a higher number of female first-time board members – 43 per cent of women appointed had previous public board experience, compared to 67 per cent of the men.

Work-life balance

Like many career women who are also mothers, Sajwani has also had to learn how to balance her life and time between the office and home. She says that  striking the work-life balance has been challenging. “Efficient time management, effective delegation of tasks, and cultivating a supportive network of people around me had been the key to managing my life.”

Her “robust” support system includes her family and team members who she says remind her why she loves her job. “On work days, I find my job immensely rewarding, and I feel the same fulfillment at home. Achieving this balance allows me to cherish every moment in both spheres of my life, aligning perfectly with my aspirations,” says the mother of two. Both her children are also under the age of three.

Finding the balance is also a key consideration for Sajwani, who is involved in two other businesses. She adeptly juggles her time between her role at DAMAC and two dream projects: AMALI Properties and PRYPCO, both of which are closely linked to real estate.

Both Sajwani and her brother Ali are involved in AMALI Properties, a project that aims to redefine luxury living. “This is a really special project for us. Teaming up with my brother on the project has been a journey filled with strategic synergy and mutual enrichment. Our partnership is underpinned by a profound mutual respect and a united vision to redefine the essence of luxury living. In our approach to decision-making, we place a high value on open, strategic communication, leveraging our distinct strengths and perspectives to drive our business forward.

“Positioned as a pioneer in the ultra-luxury realm of real estate, as well as his proven track record in hospitality, Ali stands out as a trailblazing leader. His profound expertise in resort development is exemplified by the illustrious Mandarin Oriental Bolidhuffaru Reef Resort, a remarkable project by DAMAC that will redefine the standards of luxury hospitality, in the captivating landscapes of the Maldives. As an avid traveller, Ali possesses an intimate understanding of the market needs synonymous with luxurious living, making him a strategic visionary in the industry.

“Our collaboration forms a harmonious alliance, where the synergy between our joint comprehension of market trends and customer needs, in addition to Ali’s expertise in resort development, creates the perfect blend for forging a dream team and making our vision for Amali come true.”

Sajwani says AMALI draws inspiration from DAMAC’s achievements in premium property development. “While we recognise DAMAC’s prowess in creating high-end properties, AMALI is dedicated to transcending these benchmarks by weaving unparalleled personalisation and ultra-luxury into our projects. Our ethos revolves around creating bespoke experiences that deeply resonate with our clientele’s unique preferences and lifestyles, differentiating our offerings from the broader market.

“Our approach at AMALI surpasses conventional luxury. We bring together a collective of globally acclaimed

designers, architects, and visionaries, each contributing to the creation of living spaces that are not just opulent but groundbreaking. The architectural designs of our properties showcase a blend of innovation and elegance, while interior spaces reflect meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to luxury in its most refined form. These elements are thoughtfully integrated to ensure that each AMALI residence is a sanctuary of sophistication and tranquillity, tailored to its residents’ individual needs and aspirations,” Sajwani explains.

AMALI’s bespoke super-premium villas and exclusive beach lifestyle experiences will launch soon, informs an excited Sajwani. “We are on the brink of transforming the luxury living landscape with the imminent unveiling of our bespoke super-premium villas and exclusive beach lifestyle experiences. This visionary project, tailored for an elite clientele, is nearing fruition, with the first of these exquisite villas set to be unveiled shortly.”

In addition to crafting uber-luxe spaces, technology is also a key focus for Sajwani, who says that the UAE is seeing a significant transformation driven by technology integration in property development and construction. Her proptech startup, PRYPCO  aims to digitise the real estate industry under one umbrella, offering technology-driven, sustainable, and customer-oriented real estate solutions.

It’s a comprehensive ecosystem, connecting buyers, investors, homeowners, and agents in a unified space.

“We saw an opportunity to weave technology seamlessly into real estate services, elevating customer experiences and enhancing operational efficiency.

At PRYPCO, we envision a future where digital integration takes centre stage, utilising technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and enhance the real estate transaction experience.

“Furthermore, the increasing focus on sustainability is set to redefine the industry. The company is leading this transition, concentrating on environmentally friendly projects and green building initiatives to minimise environmental impact and foster sustainable living practices.

“The advancements in smart home technologies, sustainable construction practices, and technological integration are redefining the UAE’s real estate landscape. They are setting new benchmarks in innovation, sustainability, and efficiency, signalling a new era for the sector,” says Sajwani, who is clearly leveraging technology across all three businesses.

The company has achieved notable milestones, facilitating over Dh2bn in mortgages, serving over 1,000 buyers, and securing over 500 pre-approvals. “Our range of services extends across mortgages, equity releases, buyouts and fractional ownership, among other innovative offerings,” she says.

Charting a future course for DAMAC

Sajwani is equally focused on achieving a bigger global footprint for DAMAC Properties as much as she is on driving the success of AMALI and PRYPCO.

“In reshaping DAMAC’s future course, my vision aligns closely with the broader ambition of enriching the real estate ecosystem. This vision requires a comprehensive approach, where we consistently incorporate best practices and innovative solutions across our varied domains, including hospitality, retail, technology, and property. In doing so, we’re broadening DAMAC’s reach and actively redefining and influencing the real estate landscape.

“Our commitment extends to elevating every aspect of the customer experience and championing sustainable practices, establishing DAMAC as a distinguished developer on the international stage. This strategic direction is a testament to

our dedication to leadership and innovative thinking, highlighting our role as a key driver in the evolution of integrated lifestyle and real estate development,” concludes Sajwani.

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Leadership Lessons: Amira Sajwani

• As a young entrepreneur in a competitive arena, I’ve learned that success hinges on a combination of resilience, strategic flexibility, and an unwavering commitment to continual learning. By confronting challenges directly, I’ve seen them as crucial opportunities for growth and development.
• The ability to make agile decisions, supported by a skilled and diverse team, has been key to navigating the industry’s complexities. One of the most profound lessons for me has been the importance of persistence and keeping a forward-thinking outlook, particularly when faced with stiff competition.
• Overcoming obstacles, which once appeared impossible, has been a key learning experience and ignited my drive for innovation and the pursuit of excellence in real estate.

Read: DAMAC Group’s Ali Sajwani on the company’s journey of transformation