Once a silent and unfinished landmark on Dubai’s skyline, the tower long nicknamed “Big Ben” has been reborn as one of the city’s most remarkable real estate success stories. Under the leadership of Abbas Sajwani, the striking skyscraper has moved from symbol of stagnation to proof of what decisive vision and timing can achieve. A calculated investment has turned into extraordinary commercial momentum, with most of the tower’s units already sold even before completion.
At the heart of this turnaround lies confidence, patience, and an ability to see value where others saw risk. Sajwani’s bold acquisition and repositioning of the building demonstrates how Dubai’s property market continues to reward those willing to think long term and act decisively.
For years, the tower stood unfinished, dominating Sheikh Zayed Road while serving as a reminder of unresolved financial challenges. Its clock-tower silhouette earned it the “Big Ben” nickname, yet its promise remained unfulfilled. When the opportunity arose to acquire the asset from Commercial Bank of Dubai, many saw complexity and uncertainty. Sajwani saw potential.
The acquisition price of $120 million reflected both the scale of the challenge and the upside waiting to be unlocked. By securing control of the building, Sajwani inherited not only a concrete structure but also a powerful location at the core of Dubai’s commercial heart. What followed was not a simple resale strategy, but a full reimagining of what the tower could represent.
The transformation began with a rebrand. The tower is now known as AHS Tower, aligning it with Sajwani’s private development platform. The new identity marks a shift away from the past and toward a future defined by premium standards, modern infrastructure, and global-grade office environments.
Removing the iconic clock element was a symbolic and practical decision, allowing the building to adopt a sleeker, contemporary profile. The focus shifted from novelty to functionality, positioning the tower squarely within the top tier of office developments in the city. This clarity of purpose proved essential in attracting buyers seeking long-term value rather than short-term spectacle.
The response from investors and end users has been decisive. Nearly all units within the tower have already been sold, translating into total sales of approximately $600 million. This performance underscores not only the appeal of the building itself, but also the depth of demand for premium office space in Dubai’s central business districts.
High occupancy levels across Grade A offices have tightened supply, pushing businesses to secure space early in landmark developments. Buyers have responded to the combination of location, scale, and amenities offered by AHS Tower, viewing it as a rare opportunity to own space in a truly iconic structure.
AHS Tower is being positioned as more than just an office building. With dozens of floors dedicated to Grade A office space, the design prioritises efficiency, comfort, and prestige. Express elevators reduce waiting times, while generous parking capacity addresses a common pain point for central business districts.
Dedicated amenity floors add another layer of appeal. Private spas, fitness facilities, and exclusive lounges are designed to support employee wellbeing and productivity. This integrated approach reflects changing expectations around workplaces, where lifestyle and experience now matter as much as square footage.
By aligning the building’s features with modern corporate needs, Sajwani has ensured that AHS Tower speaks directly to the priorities of multinational firms, regional headquarters, and high-growth enterprises.
Market timing has played a crucial role in the tower’s success. Demand for prime office space has surged as global firms expand regional operations and entrepreneurs establish bases in Dubai. At the same time, new supply in central locations remains limited, increasing competition for high-quality assets.
Sajwani’s decision to move forward with the project during this period allowed AHS Tower to enter the market at precisely the right moment. Buyers were not only looking for space, but for certainty, prestige, and long-term relevance. The tower delivered all three.
AHS Properties, the development platform behind the tower, has traditionally focused on ultra-luxury residential projects. The success of AHS Tower signals a strategic broadening of ambition. Commercial real estate now stands as a key pillar of the company’s growth story.
Sajwani has spoken openly about plans to expand further, including exploring structured financing to acquire land and develop additional projects. This measured approach reflects lessons learned from the tower’s transformation: scale matters, but so does discipline.
The move into commercial development also positions AHS Properties as a diversified player capable of navigating different market cycles while capitalising on Dubai’s long-term growth trajectory.
As the son of Hussain Sajwani, the founder of Damac, Abbas Sajwani carries a well-known surname in the region’s property sector. Yet the success of AHS Tower stands firmly as his own achievement. Rather than following an established path, he has chosen to carve out an independent identity, built on selective risk-taking and focused execution.
The Big Ben tower deal reflects a generational shift in thinking, where agility, branding, and experience-led development take centre stage. It also highlights how younger leaders are redefining success in the real estate industry.
Beyond the impressive sales figures, the revival of the former Big Ben tower carries symbolic weight. An unfinished structure that once represented uncertainty has been transformed into a beacon of confidence. For Dubai, it reinforces the narrative of resilience and reinvention that has long defined the city’s growth.
For Sajwani, it marks a milestone that validates his approach and opens the door to larger ambitions. The tower’s success is not just about profit, but about proving that vision, when combined with execution, can reshape even the most challenging assets.
The story of AHS Tower sends a clear message to investors and developers alike. Opportunities still exist in unexpected places, especially for those willing to take a long view. Strategic acquisitions, thoughtful design, and alignment with market demand can turn overlooked assets into category-defining successes.
As the tower moves toward completion, its presence on the skyline serves as a daily reminder of what belief in an idea can achieve. What was once Dubai’s most recognisable unfinished building is now one of its most compelling commercial success stories.
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