Top 6 Richest Men In The United Arab Emirates (Uae) According To Forbes (2025)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is globally recognized for its luxurious lifestyle, towering skyscrapers, and thriving economy. Behind this economic powerhouse are several influential billionaires whose business empires have not only shaped the UAE's skyline but also contributed significantly to its global reputation as a hub for innovation, commerce, and luxury.

According to Forbes 2025, the UAE is home to several billionaires whose investments span industries like technology, real estate, automotive, and diversified holdings. These men are not just rich—they are visionary moguls, risk-takers, and global business leaders. In this post, we take a deep dive into the top six richest men in the UAE in 2025, based on Forbes’ billionaire rankings.

1. Pavel Durov — $17.1 Billion (Ranked #118 globally)

Industry: Technology
Age: 40
Source of Wealth: Messaging App
Citizenship: United Arab Emirates (originally from Russia)

Pavel Durov, the brain behind the popular encrypted messaging app Telegram, is the richest man in the UAE in 2025. Although originally from Russia, Durov acquired UAE citizenship and has since made Dubai his base of operations. His company, Telegram, has seen exponential growth over the years, particularly due to rising concerns over privacy and data security.

Telegram currently boasts hundreds of millions of users worldwide, and its monetization strategies—like premium subscriptions and in-app advertising—have turned it into a tech unicorn. Durov’s net worth skyrocketed to $17.1 billion, thanks to Telegram’s valuation and increasing investor interest.

Unlike other tech billionaires who bask in the media spotlight, Durov is known for his elusive personality, minimalist lifestyle, and strong libertarian beliefs. He has rejected offers from major tech giants to buy Telegram, choosing instead to keep the app ad-free and privacy-centric for as long as possible.

2. Hussain Sajwani — $10.2 Billion (Ranked #264 globally)

Industry: Real Estate
Age: 72
Source of Wealth: DAMAC Properties
Citizenship: United Arab Emirates

Next on the list is Hussain Sajwani, the flamboyant real estate mogul and founder of DAMAC Properties. With a net worth of $10.2 billion, Sajwani has played a pivotal role in transforming Dubai into one of the most luxurious cities in the world. DAMAC is renowned for its ultra-luxurious residential, commercial, and leisure properties throughout the Middle East and beyond.

Sajwani’s collaborations with high-profile global brands like Versace, Trump Organization, and Bugatti have helped his company stand out in a highly competitive industry. He’s also known for making strategic investments in hospitality and leisure, ensuring a diversified portfolio beyond real estate.

A true self-made billionaire, Sajwani began his career in the food service industry, catering to U.S. troops during the Gulf War before venturing into real estate in the early 2000s. Today, he is not only one of the wealthiest men in the UAE but also one of the most influential figures in global luxury real estate.

3. Abdulla Al Futtaim & Family — $4.7 Billion (Ranked #767 globally)

Industry: Automotive, Investments
Age: 85
Source of Wealth: Al-Futtaim Group
Citizenship: United Arab Emirates

With a legacy rooted in the UAE's rapid post-oil economic expansion, Abdulla Al Futtaim and his family are among the country’s wealthiest dynasties. Their estimated net worth in 2025 stands at $4.7 billion. The family controls the Al-Futtaim Group, a massive conglomerate with diversified interests in automotive distribution, retail, real estate, and financial services.

They are the official distributors of Toyota and Lexus in the UAE, and their group also holds franchise rights to international brands like IKEA, Marks & Spencer, and Toys “R” Us across the Gulf region. Their retail empire continues to thrive with malls, car showrooms, and financial services making them one of the most powerful business entities in the Middle East.

Abdulla Al Futtaim has gradually stepped back from day-to-day operations, allowing the younger generation of the family to take the reins. However, his legacy as one of the pioneers of UAE’s private sector remains unmatched.

4. Abdulla bin Ahmad Al Ghurair & Family — $4.6 Billion (Ranked #789 globally)

Industry: Diversified
Age: 96
Source of Wealth: Al Ghurair Group
Citizenship: United Arab Emirates

Abdulla bin Ahmad Al Ghurair is a name synonymous with the UAE’s economic development. As the founder of Mashreq Bank, one of the oldest and most successful banks in the country, Al Ghurair has left an indelible mark on the UAE’s financial sector.

With a net worth of $4.6 billion, his wealth extends far beyond banking. The Al Ghurair Group is involved in food processing, construction, education, and real estate. Despite being in his late 90s, his legacy continues through his family’s involvement in the business, and his contributions to philanthropy are substantial. The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education supports thousands of Arab youth with scholarships and development programs.

He is revered not just for his wealth, but also for his pioneering vision that helped shape the UAE’s corporate and social landscapes.

5. Hussain Binghatti Aljbori — $2.5 Billion (Ranked #1462 globally)

Industry: Real Estate
Age: 68
Source of Wealth: Binghatti Developers
Citizenship: United Arab Emirates

One of the newer entrants into the billionaire ranks, Hussain Binghatti Aljbori has seen a rapid rise in the real estate sector. As the founder of Binghatti Developers, he is behind several high-end residential and commercial projects in Dubai and other emirates. With a net worth of $2.5 billion, Binghatti has become a symbol of modern Emirati entrepreneurship.

What sets his company apart is its focus on design-centric and affordable luxury, blending aesthetics with functionality. The brand has become popular among middle- to high-income earners looking for stylish but accessible real estate solutions.

Though not as internationally famous as other developers, Binghatti’s aggressive expansion and brand-building strategies have caught the attention of global investors, putting him firmly on the billionaire map.

6. Mohamed Alabbar — $2.3 Billion (Ranked #1573 globally)

Industry: Real Estate, Restaurants
Age: 68
Source of Wealth: Emaar Properties
Citizenship: United Arab Emirates

Rounding off the list is Mohamed Alabbar, the visionary behind Emaar Properties, the developer responsible for the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. With a net worth of $2.3 billion, Alabbar is one of the most influential developers not just in the UAE but globally.

Emaar’s portfolio includes mega projects like The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, and multiple luxury hotel and residential developments. Alabbar has also ventured into e-commerce through Noon.com, an ambitious rival to Amazon in the Middle East, and has diversified into food and hospitality as well.

Known for thinking big and pushing boundaries, Alabbar continues to be a force in shaping the modern urban landscape of the UAE.

Final Thoughts

These six men are more than just wealthy—they are nation builders, trendsetters, and visionaries. Their businesses have contributed immensely to the growth of the UAE, turning the country into one of the most prosperous and attractive places for business and investment in the world.

From tech disruptors like Pavel Durov to real estate titans like Hussain Sajwani and Mohamed Alabbar, the UAE’s billionaire club reflects a diverse and dynamic economic landscape. As the country continues to push the boundaries of innovation and development, there’s no doubt that these moguls—and others who may join them—will keep driving the UAE’s success story on the global stage.