
Milano by Danube Takes Centre Stage at the 137th Canton Fair in China
A Strategic Global Opportunity
Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group, stated, 'The Canton Fair is the world's largest trade exhibition, welcoming buyers and sellers from over 220 countries and regions. There is no better platform for global exposure. For Milano, it is more than just visibility—it is a strategic opportunity to grow our footprint in key markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.'
'While we are highlighting our water heater range at the fair, we are also presenting Milano's full portfolio—from sanitaryware and electricals to hardware and home utility items. Milano is a complete destination for all home improvement needs. Thanks to our robust logistical infrastructure in both Dubai and China, we offer buyers the flexibility to choose between mixed-container shipments from Dubai or full-lot orders from China. Our mission is clear: to make Milano a truly global brand, accessible and adaptable to every market. Because at the Canton Fair, the world is here—from Asia to Africa, the Americas to Europe,' said Anis Sajan.
Networking & Global Growth
Held across 1.55 million square meters and featuring 28,000+ exhibitors, the Canton Fair is a vital indicator of international trade trends. Milano's return this year follows an impressive $95 million in water heater sales in 2024, a result of consistent participation and strong brand resonance.
Sahil Sajan, Director of Milano by Danube, said, 'Milano is more than just a product—it's a promise of quality and accessibility. Our presence at the Canton Fair allows us to connect, collaborate, and stay ahead of market trends. It's not just about displaying products—it's about building meaningful relationships with long-term partners, engaging new suppliers, and sharing what makes Milano truly unique: durable quality, and complete home solutions under one roof.'
He added, 'We are showcasing the latest upgrades in our water heating technology, while also expanding on our offerings in electricals, hardware, and utilities. This is also a great opportunity to explore joint ventures with global manufacturers to bring more value to our customers. We want the world to experience why Milano is the brand of choice for today's quality-conscious consumer.'
With Dubai's real estate sector booming, Milano's portfolio is already playing a pivotal role in several landmark projects.
'We are not just here to grow exports—we are also here to meet the rising demand within the UAE and broader Middle East. We invite developers, architects, and contractors to explore the complete Milano range and discover how our products can elevate their residential and commercial projects,' Sahil emphasized.
As Phase 2 of the Canton Fair focuses on sanitary and bathroom equipment, building materials, and household items, Milano's participation reflects the company's dedication to providing comprehensive home improvement solutions. It also highlights the strengthening trade ties between the UAE and China, positioning Milano as a prime example of how UAE-based companies are growing globally through innovation, quality, and strategic partnerships.
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The National
5 days ago
- The National
Money & Me: ‘My journey to the Dubai boardroom started with selling sanitary ware in Deira market'
Anis Sajan, vice chairman of Dubai-based conglomerate Danube Group, learnt the art of sales when he went door-to-door trying to sell water purifiers in Mumbai in 1991. This was after he had to leave Kuwait in 1990, where he went to join his elder brother Rizwan Sajan − current chairman of Danube Group − in sales, after the country was invaded by Iraq's Saddam Hussein. Although he made good money in Mumbai, Mr Sajan landed in Dubai in 1992 to join the plywood business of his elder brother. The younger sibling started off his Dubai journey by selling sanitary ware. 'My brother liked the Middle East, so he came to Dubai. Within six months, he started his own business using his Kuwait experience and asked me to join him,' he recalls. 'At the time, I was a bit reluctant because I didn't like Kuwait very much. But as soon as I landed in Dubai, I was taken straight to an Indian restaurant called Kamat in Karama. That made me feel right at home and the rest is history.' 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I went door to door selling water purifiers, which offered me a good experience in sales and also taught me to cope with rejection. I earned 25,000 Indian rupees a month in 1991 because I was a good salesman. I would never give up and kept knocking on doors until I clinched a sale a day. Any early financial jolts? The biggest financial setback was losing my father, who worked as a clerk, when I was just eight years old. My father was the family's breadwinner, while my brother was doing a part-time job. After his demise, he shouldered all responsibilities. It was a financial jolt, because we went from a hand-to-mouth existence to a level hard to imagine. When I came to Dubai in 1992, I was earning around Dh2,000 ($544.50) per month, so there wasn't much of a financial shock as such. I was good in sales. So, my brother and I started our own business where I sold sanitaryware and my brother sold plywood in the Deira market. The business took off. 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I teach the same to my children, and I'm glad they have grasped it, especially my younger one who is very careful about spending. What has been your best investment? My house in Emirates Hills as I bought it in 2008 when the real estate market was down. I took a calculated risk, because I believe in a no risk, no gain approach. Today, the property has appreciated considerably. Over time, I also invested in other properties for my sons and my wife. Any cherished purchases? My Casio watch because it taught me the value of time. When I was young, I was always late. I bought it with my first salary in Dubai. Any financial advice for your younger self? Yes, to be prepared for losses when you invest in a property or a business. You cannot expect to make a profit every time. Any key financial milestones? I wouldn't like to brag and let the numbers in the bank define my success. For me, peace of mind has been my biggest milestone. What luxuries are important to you? Spending quality time with my family. Initially I was fascinated by cars, but then I realised that a car is not a luxury. Instead, a comfortable home is a luxury. I prioritise satisfaction over a luxury now. Cars depreciate the moment they come out of the showroom. For instance, I have a Rolls-Royce and a BMW, but I'm more comfortable in the latter. What are your financial goals? To create something long-lasting for my family. I want to give my family financial security even when I'm not around. This has always been the driving force behind my work. I don't like to rest on my laurels.


Khaleej Times
03-08-2025
- Khaleej Times
Thousands rush to buy properties as Dubai offers incentives for first-time homeowners
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Khaleej Times
02-08-2025
- Khaleej Times
Surviving Kuwait invasion, thriving in Dubai: 35 Years since the Gulf war changed everything for the Sajan brothers
Anis Sajan reflects on how war, family, and community service laid the foundation for Danube Group's rise in the UAE It has been 35 years since Iraqi tanks rolled into Kuwait on August 2, 1990, a day etched in history, and even deeper in the hearts of those who lived through it. For Anis Sajan, now the vice chairman of Danube Group, that invasion did not just mark a geopolitical crisis, it was a personal crucible that turned a frightened 19-year-old into a leader forged by adversity. "Even now," Anis says quietly, "I still get goosebumps when I think of that day." Selling oil on the streets, until a gun was at his head Amid curfews, food shortages, and the silence of bombed-out streets, survival took desperate forms. Anis recalls how his brother Rizwan Sajan, restless after a week indoors, decided they couldn't just sit and wait for rescue. They sourced oil from a local vendor and began selling it to stranded drivers who couldn't service their cars. 'I didn't understand much then,' Anis says. 'I was just a scared teenager, doing what I could do best.' But that fear crystallized one day when an Iraqi soldier approached him. 'He asked me the price. I said, 'Five Kuwaiti Dinar.' And that's when his face changed.' The soldier pulled out a gun, placed it against Anis's forehead, and growled, 'There's no Kuwait anymore. This is Iraq. Say Kuwait again, and I'll shoot you.' Anis froze. 'That was the scariest moment of my life. I thought I was dead.' But instinct saved him. 'I told him, 'My mistake, sir, this is Iraqi Dinar.' He took the oil and walked away. I ran straight home. That was it, I was done selling oil. I knew I could die.' From fear to purpose, serving the Indian community Though shaken, Anis didn't choose escape. Inspired by his brother's calm in chaos and resolve to help others, the two began volunteering at the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. Phone lines were down, post offices barely functioned, but families still clung to hope, penning telegrams to their loved ones back home. Anis began collecting these handwritten messages, over a thousand of them. 'We were the only connection many had to their families,' he remembers. 'The messages were simple. 'We are alive. Don't worry.' That was all they needed to say.' Rizwan would then risk driving across dangerous roads and checkpoints to post these telegrams from Basrah, Iraq, four hours away. 'People talk about courage,' Anis says, 'but I saw it every day, in my brother, in the families who stayed hopeful, in every message we delivered.' A front-row seat to the horror The war edged closer. One day, Anis and his sister in law Sameera watched from their balcony as four Kuwaiti civilians were shot in the open, gunned down in cold blood by Iraqi soldiers. 'That was the final sign. We had to get out.' But even fleeing had its complications. When an evacuation flight finally became available, officials said only Rizwan, his wife, and their infant could board. Anis, over 18, would have to stay behind. 'My brother refused,' Anis says, his voice thick with emotion. 'He told them, 'If my brother doesn't go, I'm not going either.' That moment, I'll never forget.' Eventually, on October 3, 1990, they boarded an Indian Air Force flight to safety, part of what remains the world's largest civilian evacuation with around 1,70,000 Indians. He highly commends the then Indian Prime Minister V.P. Singh and the foreign minister I K Gujral, who himself came to Kuwait to rescue the Indian citizens stranded in Kuwait. From refugee to business leader Back in India, Anis spent two uncertain years, carrying with him the weight of trauma and the fire of ambition. In 1992, he moved to Dubai to start over. Together with Rizwan, he helped build Danube Group from the ground up, what is now one of the UAE's most respected business conglomerates. But success never made him forget. 'The war taught me that nothing material lasts. Only people do. That's why I lead with empathy.' 35 years later, a legacy of courage and compassion Today, Anis Sajan is more than just a business executive, he is a symbol of resilience, gratitude, and human dignity in the face of war. 'It shaped me,' he says. 'That one moment, with a gun to my head, taught me more about life than any business school ever could. It taught me the value of life, of humility, of service.' As the world commemorates 35 years since the Gulf War, Anis's story reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can rise. From oil cans on the sidewalk to boardrooms of billion-dirham businesses, his is a journey not just of survival, but of transformation.