Staff Report
Balvinder Singh Sahni, popularly known as “Abu Sabah,” has long been recognized as a prominent figure in Dubai’s real estate sector. As the founder and chairman of the RSG Group of Companies, Sahni’s ventures spanned various sectors, including real estate, hospitality, and property development, with operations extending across the Middle East, the United States, and South Asia. His estimated net worth was reported to be around $2 billion as of 2023.
Sahni’s lavish lifestyle garnered significant media attention. In 2016, he made headlines by purchasing a distinctive car number plate bearing the number “5” for AED 33 million (approximately $9 million) . Such extravagant expenditures contributed to his public image as a billionaire.
However, in 2025, Sahni’s reputation faced a significant setback when he was convicted of money laundering in Dubai.The court sentenced him to five years in prison, imposed a fine of AED 500,000 (approximately $136,000), and ordered the confiscation of assets worth AED 150 million (around $40 million) . Following the completion of his sentence, Sahni is to be deported from the United Arab Emirates.
The conviction has cast doubts on the transparency of Sahni’s financial dealings and the true extent of his wealth. While his net worth was previously estimated at $2 billion, the legal proceedings and asset confiscations have introduced uncertainties regarding his actual financial standing. The future of the RSG Group also remains uncertain, with potential implications for its operations and financial stability.
In conclusion, while Balvinder Singh Sahni was widely regarded as a billionaire based on his business ventures and public displays of wealth, recent legal challenges have raised questions about the accuracy of these claims. The full impact of his conviction on his personal fortune and business empire is yet to be fully understood.
