Mirwais Azizi
Mirwais Azizi | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1962 Laghman, Afghanistan |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, Businessman |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Known for | Chairman of Azizi Group, Founder of Azizi Bank |
Mirwais Azizi (born 1962) is an Afghan entrepreneur based in Dubai and serves as the chairman of Azizi Group, a company established in 1989 with diversified interests spanning real estate, banking, investment, and hospitality. He also leads Azizi Bank, which was founded in 2006 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The bank began with an equity capital of $7.5 million and has since expanded to $80 million.
Among his notable projects is the development of Burj Azizi, projected to become the second-tallest skyscraper in Dubai. In recognition of his influence, Azizi was featured in the "100 Inspiring Leaders in the Middle East" list by Arabian Business in March 2018.
Widely regarded as Afghanistan's wealthiest individual, Azizi reportedly controls nearly 70% of the nation's petroleum product distribution.
Early life and education
Azizi was born in Laghman, Afghanistan, and earned a law degree from the University of Kabul. He departed Afghanistan in 1988.
Career
Mirwais Azizi established Azizi Developments in 2007. Prior to that, in 2006, he founded Azizi Bank, which has grown into one of Afghanistan’s leading commercial banks. Additionally, he acquired Bakhtar Bank—now known as Islamic Bank of Afghanistan—recognized as one of the fastest expanding banks in the country.
Initially, Azizi Developments focused on selling off-plan properties in Dubai. However, following widespread buyer defaults during the 2008 financial crisis, the company reimbursed deposits to affected clients. Construction activities recommenced in 2013, and today the firm oversees more than 200 projects at various phases of development. Its property portfolio in Dubai is valued at over AED 45 billion. The Azizi Hotak Group, launched with an initial capital of $80 million, operates across ten countries.
Azizi has also contributed as a board trustee for the American University of Afghanistan, the country’s first non-profit higher education institution.
His business portfolio includes Azizi Investments, Azizi Developments, Azizi Bank, and Bakhtar Bank (Islamic Bank of Afghanistan), among other ventures.
Personal life
He is wedded to Parigul and they have seven offspring, among them Farhad Azizi, Fawad Azizi, and Jawad Azizi.
Further reading
- The Report: Dubai 2016, Oxford Business Group, 17 October 2016, page 152
- Hamid Wahed Alikuzai, A Concise History of Afghanistan in 25 Volumes, Volume 1, Trafford Publishing, 11 October 2013, page 891