What To Know
- Reports cited by Bloomberg and The Edge Markets indicate that about 95 percent of the tower’s units already secured buyers or pre-leases, generating close to $600 million in early sales.
- A young billionaire heir has stepped in, paid real money, and put real work into bringing one of Dubai’s most talked-about empty towers back to life.
- The revival of Dubai’s Big Ben tower closes a long chapter of unanswered questions.
Billionaire heir revives one of Dubai’s most infamous vacant towers
For years, one strange skyscraper near Dubai’s financial core sparked questions, jokes, and endless curiosity. Locals called it the Big Ben tower thanks to its clock-inspired exterior, yet the building stayed empty while offices nearby filled fast. That long pause now ends. A young billionaire heir has stepped in, paid real money, and put real work into bringing one of Dubai’s most talked-about empty towers back to life. The revival ties directly into the city’s aggressive office demand, global finance traffic, and the next generation of developers taking control.
The Billionaire Son Behind the Deal
Abbas Sajwani, age 26, purchased the long-vacant tower through his firm AHS Properties. He is the son of Hussain Sajwani, founder of DAMAC Properties. The acquisition happened last year for about $120 million after the building sat unused for roughly a decade. The seller was Commercial Bank of Dubai, which took control following debt issues tied to the previous owner.
This deal placed Abbas Sajwani at the center of one of Dubai’s most visible real estate mysteries. While many developments paused during earlier market cycles, this one remained untouched even as office demand surged.
Sajwani stated that refurbishment work is already underway and targeted completion is set for late 2026.
What Changes With The Revival
The refurbished project will carry a new identity. The clock-inspired exterior that earned the Big Ben nickname will disappear. The building will relaunch under the name AHS Tower and focus on modern office layouts suited for international tenants.
Reports cited by Bloomberg and The Edge Markets indicate that about 95 percent of the tower’s units already secured buyers or pre-leases, generating close to $600 million in early sales. That response signals strong appetite for prime office space near Dubai’s financial hub.
AHS Properties has also explored Islamic financing options, including discussions tied to a sukuk of roughly $300 million, aimed at funding future acquisitions and developments.
What This Means For Dubai’s Office Market
This revival sends a clear message. Dubai’s office sector remains one of the city’s most competitive segments, driven by financial firms, tech players, and global capital flows. A tower that once symbolized delay now points toward momentum and generational change in local development leadership.
The Big Ben tower story now shifts from curiosity to comeback, driven by capital, timing, and confidence in Dubai’s commercial future.
The revival of Dubai’s Big Ben tower closes a long chapter of unanswered questions. Abbas Sajwani’s move turns a decade-long vacancy into a high-profile statement about where the city’s office market stands today. With refurbishment underway and demand already locked in, the tower’s next phase places it firmly back on the city’s skyline radar. Dubai rarely leaves stories unfinished, and this one finally moves forward.
