Meet ‘Mukesh Ambani of Afghanistan’, a refugee who became ‘king’ of Dubai and built Rs 10650000000 empire, his name is…, business is…
In a country struggling with war, high unemployment, and a weak business climate, Mirwais Azizi has become a symbol of success. Once a refugee fleeing from conflict, he is now known as the richest man in Afghanistan and is often called “the Ambani of Afghanistan.” Azizi currently lives in Dubai. According to Afghan sources, he is considered Afghanistan’s wealthiest individual and the founder of the Azizi Group, one of the largest business empires linked to the country.
His journey began in 1988, during the Afghan-Soviet war, when he left Afghanistan with his family in search of a better life. By 1989, he had founded the Azizi Group in Dubai while living there as a refugee. At that time, Afghanistan was still caught in violent conflict.
Early life and business journey of Mirwais Azizi
Media reports say Mirwais Azizi first settled in Uzbekistan, where he started a textile manufacturing business. Later, he expanded into the tobacco industry in Bulgaria and then into markets across former Soviet countries.
After moving to the United Arab Emirates, Azizi shifted his focus to the oil and gas industry, which became the foundation of his vast fortune and business success.
Mirwais Azizi: From refugee to Afghanistan’s richest banker and developer
Mirwais Azizi went on to establish Azizi Bank, which soon became Afghanistan’s largest and strongest commercial financial institution. To expand his business, the Azizi Group also acquired Al Bakhtar Bank, one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the country.
In 2007, Azizi launched Azizi Developments, his real estate arm. The company began selling off-plan properties in Dubai in 2008, but faced challenges during the global financial crisis that followed soon after.
Net worth of Mirwais Azizi
According to Devex, the Azizi Group’s annual turnover is estimated at Rs. 3,400 crore. Remarkably, Mirwais began his business journey with just USD 700 (around Rs. 58,000).
Today, with a portfolio worth USD 12 billion and over 200 active projects, Mirwais Azizi is recognized as one of the most influential private real estate developers in the UAE.
As of March 2025, the company had delivered over 40,000 units across 137 buildings, with 150,000 more under construction. Its completed projects are worth USD 15 billion, with a USD 50 billion development pipeline. The company plans to deliver 6,979 units across 25 projects in 2025.
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