From Dh900 to Dh170 Million: Dubai Retail Visionary's Rise

Prime Highlights:

Manu Jeswani turned himself from a Dh900 a month wage earner in Bahrain into a Dh170 million Emirates Hills mansion owner in Dubai.
He did this by being persistent, having vision, and building one of the UAE’s most recognized retail empires.

Key Facts:

Jeswani started working as a salesman in 1978 prior to opening the first Shoe Mart store in Dubai in 1990.
He was a prime mover in forging the Landmark Group’s retail success in the GCC.
He now owns an opulent mansion with a VIP nightclub, spa, and cinema, which are signs of success.

Key Background :

Manu Jeswani’s rags-to-riches tale is a constant reminder of ambition, grit, and entrepreneurial enthusiasm. Life began for him in Bahrain in 1978 with a Dh900-a-month salary, sharing a small room with his wife and working day and night as a salesman. His humble start was the catapult to an unassuming desire for success.

He risked in 1990 by launching the first Shoe Mart store in Dubai via the Landmark Group. His idea was simple but groundbreaking: provide hip, affordable shoes in a region where the same did not exist. His understanding of customer needs and sound business practices turned Shoe Mart into a brand name across the UAE and GCC.

Jeswani’s business journey is closely linked with values of humility, financial discipline, and gratitude. Even as his ventures succeeded, he stayed grounded—guided by advice from his wife and mentorship from key figures in his life. Over the years, he helped build one of the largest retail operations in the Middle East.

His story comes back to where he started with his Emirates Hills Dh170 million villa—a 28,200 sq ft palace with a private nightclub, spa, and cinema. But, Jeswani says, success is not just about wealth, but what he’s learned along the way: work hard, be humble, and take care of your family and staff.