Meet Mukesh Ambani of Afghanistan, who became ‘King’ of Dubai after fleeing for his life, his name is…, his business is…

His journey began in 1988, when he left Afghanistan, seeking a better life for himself and his family amid the devastating backdrop of the Afghan-Soviet war.

Afghanistan, an economically struggling nation with high unemployment and a dire business environment, has a remarkable success story in the form of Mirwaiz Azizi. This Afghan-born businessman, who once fled his war-torn country, is now one of the wealthiest individuals in the UAE and a prominent name in the global business world. Mirwaiz Azizi, often referred to as the “Ambani of Afghanistan,” currently resides in Dubai. According to Afghan sources, he is recognized as the richest Afghan individual and the founder of the Azizi Group.

Azizi’s journey began in 1988, when he left Afghanistan, seeking a better life for himself and his family amid the devastating backdrop of the Afghan-Soviet war. By 1989, he established Azizi Group as a refugee in Dubai. At the time, Afghanistan was engulfed in conflict, and the country’s future seemed uncertain. Mirwaiz, however, was determined to secure a prosperous life for his family in a foreign land.

Mirwaiz Azizi’s journey

According to reports, Mirwais Azizi first settled in Uzbekistan, where he launched a textile manufacturing business. Driven by ambition, he expanded into the tobacco industry, starting in Bulgaria and later venturing into the Russian Commonwealth countries. After relocating to the UAE, he shifted his focus to the oil and gas sector.

Mirwais went on to establish Azizi Bank, which quickly became the largest and most robust commercial financial institution in Afghanistan. To further solidify his presence, Azizi Group acquired Al Bakhtar Bank, one of Afghanistan’s fastest-growing financial institutions.

In 2007, Mirwais founded Azizi Developments. The company began selling off-plan properties in Dubai in 2008, though it faced setbacks due to the global financial crisis. However, by 2013, Azizi Developments resumed construction on its projects and achieved significant success. Today, with a portfolio valued at USD 12 billion and more than 200 ongoing projects, it has become one of the most influential private real estate developers in the UAE.

Despite his success, Mirwais has remained committed to supporting Afghanistan. Through philanthropy, he has created 5,000 new jobs, contributed to infrastructure rebuilding, and helped develop 10,000 homes and commercial spaces.

Dubai’s leading property developers

Over the years, Azizi Group has expanded its reach across various sectors, including finance, investment, real estate, and hospitality. Today, the group encompasses multiple companies, such as Azizi Investment, Azizi Development, Azizi Bank, Azizi Hospitality, and Azizi Foundation. Among them, Azizi Development has become one of Dubai’s leading property developers, managing projects worth over Rs. 100,000 crores.

According to Devex, Azizi Group’s turnover stands at Rs. 3,400 crores, a massive growth from its humble beginnings. Mirwaiz initially started his venture with just USD 700 (approximately Rs. 58,000), showcasing his incredible journey from a refugee to a billionaire.