When people think of Dubai, they think of luxury, innovation, and ambitious architecture that reshapes what’s possible in a city skyline. And behind much of that transformation is Ishrath Nawaz, the Chairman and CEO of Nawaz Holdings.
A self-made businessman with an estimated net worth of AED 3.5 billion, he didn’t just climb the corporate ladder – he built it, one determined step at a time.
The Rise of Ishrath Nawaz
Ishrath Nawaz wasn’t born into wealth. Growing up, he understood the value of hard work, and that understanding was his cornerstone. After earning his finance degree from American University of Sharjah, he started his career in banking. Those early days were demanding, but they laid the groundwork. His years in finance not only taught him strategic thinking but sparked a dream of building something of his own.
“Those first years in banking showed me the power of calculated risk,” he recalls. “It wasn’t about the money. It was about finding a vision and giving it all you’ve got.”
And he did just that.
The real estate market in Dubai took off at the start of the twenty-first century. It was atexactly that point that Ishrath Nawaz saw an opportunity that he then capitalized on by setting up Nawaz Holdings which was initially keen on residential development.
What began as the building of residential developments escalated to the building of urban centers, and enterprises across the tourism value chain. It was not really about the structures; rather, to Ishrath Nawaz, it was about the legacy behind the structures that mattered.
A Legacy of Trust, Vision, and Innovation
Today, real estate is just a fragment of Nawaz Holdings. He leads the company which has gone leaps and bounds in expanding in the financial sector, healthcare, renewable energy other than technology. His portfolio is not limited to Dubai, now it includes the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
Notably, despite the scale of the company, Ishrath Nawaz is still very much hands-on in his approach and helps with major company strategy. He adds this entails growth and proper management in terms of social responsibility and above all integrity. All his projects, whether high-end residential or commercial structures, have gained a reputation for being green and in most cases talk about LEED certification. Before the term ‘eco’ was fashionable, Nawaz focused on developing green buildings.
“It seems to me that all of the projects we undertake should have a positive impact on the community,” explains Ishrath Nawaz. “This is a debt that we have to the future, to construct in a way that allows us to build her.”
A Leader with a Heart
In addition to all of his achievements in business, Ishrath Nawaz is also interested in helping others. He is known for offering youth scholarships and business mentoring to young Emirati entrepreneurs, creating active mentors for the country in the future. What is his goal? To enable the coming generation to achieve their dreams easily.
“I remember who my mentors were and how they assisted me in getting to where I am,” says Mr. Nawaz. “If I can be that mentor for someone then I have done my part. The youth of the UAE are the future of the UAE.”
His social orientation is not only in the context of being a mentor. He has been active in the support of education, health care, and local business development. His business Nawaz Holdings gives money for programs that help disadvantaged populations and develop local employees. For Ishrath Nawaz, success is not only for himself, it is also for others as he progresses.
The Ishrath Nawaz Leadership Style
Ishrat Nawaz’s colleagues and employees usually comment that he is friendly and cares for his employees. The accomplished businessman has an efficient focus as a leader, aiming for the vision and at the same a focus on working together. How does he do that? By trusting his workers and letting them create and take responsibility for their role.
The core of success in my opinion, is to surround yourself with the right team members and empower them to grow,” he observes. “In the organization, I have always sought out partners who assist me in achieving my best, and in turn I do the same for them.”
Nawaz Holdings is dominated by his values — honesty, the importance of community, and growth in a sustainable manner. Quite the opposite of Ishrath Nawaz, who prioritizes ethics in a cut-throat industry such as real estate or finance, where making money often comes first.
Future Vision
Looking forward, Ishrath Nawaz has an ambitious vision for Nawaz Holdings. He sees the future of his company intertwined with the future of sustainable and digital transformation in the Gulf. His long-term goals include deeper ventures into renewable energy, healthcare innovation, and tech-based financial services.
He’s particularly interested in fostering Emirati talent in technology-driven sectors, hoping to inspire a generation that values both innovation and environmental responsibility.
“Dubai is more than just a city to me,” says Ishrath Nawaz. “It’s my home, and I’m committed to seeing it flourish sustainably. Every step we take today is an investment in our future.”
Ishrath Nawaz: An Icon for the Next Generation?
Ishrath Nawaz is more than a successful businessman – he’s a symbol of resilience, vision, and social commitment in the UAE. His journey from a young finance graduate to one of the top names in Emirati business is a story of hard work, strategic thinking, and a dedication to values. As Dubai continues to grow, its legacy will undoubtedly be woven into the city’s fabric, a testament to the power of dreams and integrity in shaping the future.
In a region that’s becoming a global leader in business, sustainability, and innovation, he has secured his place as a true visionary. His work not only contributes to the economic landscape but also to the social fabric of the UAE, setting an inspiring example for future generations.
