Top 10 Richest People in Dubai/UAE in 2025 – Net Worth, Achievements & Surprising Facts

Dubai and the UAE have long been associated with luxury, wealth, and ambition. But beyond the glamorous skyline and opulent lifestyle lies a league of ultra-wealthy individuals shaping the region’s economy and global image. According to the 37th annual Forbes World's Billionaires List, several UAE-based business tycoons have earned their places among the world’s richest in 2025.

From tech innovators to retail magnates and real estate moguls, these billionaires are more than just wealthy — they are powerful influencers, philanthropists, and visionaries driving the UAE’s non-oil economic growth.

In this comprehensive guide, we uncover the top 10 richest people living in the UAE as of 2025. You’ll discover their net worth, businesses, philanthropic work, fun facts, and famous quotes that inspire millions.

Let’s take a closer look at the titans of industry who are not only transforming the UAE but also leaving a global footprint.

1. Pavel Durov – Founder of Telegram

• Nationality: Russian-Emirati

• Net Worth (2025): $15 billion

• Profession: Tech Entrepreneur

• Education: Saint Petersburg State University

• Quote: “Privacy is freedom.”

Pavel Durov, the founder of the globally popular messaging app Telegram, is often dubbed the "Mark Zuckerberg of Russia." After being forced to leave Russia, Durov became a UAE resident and relocated Telegram's headquarters to Dubai, aligning with the emirate's digital economy goals.

Under Durov’s leadership, Telegram has grown to over 900 million active users globally. Known for his strong stance on privacy and free speech, he has become an influential tech figure with fans around the world.

Fun Fact: Durov follows a minimalist lifestyle and is often seen in black clothes, mirroring Steve Jobs' iconic style.

Philanthropy: Supports digital rights initiatives and contributes to cybersecurity education globally.

2. Yusuff Ali M.A. – Chairman, Lulu Group International

• Nationality: Indian

• Net Worth (2025): $5.4 billion

• Profession: Retail Tycoon

• Education: University of Calicut

• Quote: “Success is sweet but the secret is sweat.”

Yusuff Ali is the mastermind behind Lulu Group, the retail empire with hypermarkets across the GCC, Asia, and beyond. Starting with a single store in the UAE, his business now employs over 65,000 people.

He’s deeply involved in charity work, particularly for Indian expats in the Gulf and disaster relief efforts worldwide.

Fun Fact: Yusuff Ali was one of the first investors in the Kochi International Airport project in India.

Philanthropy: Has donated millions for education, healthcare, and housing for low-income workers.

3. Micky Jagtiani – Founder of Landmark Group

• Nationality: Indian (UAE-based)

• Net Worth (2025): $5 billion

• Profession: Retail & Hospitality

• Education: School dropout

• Quote: “Success is not a destination, it's a journey.”

Though Micky Jagtiani passed away in 2023, his family continues to carry forward his legacy. Landmark Group, one of the largest retail and hospitality groups in the Middle East, includes brands like Centrepoint and Home Centre.

Fun Fact: Jagtiani started his empire by selling baby products from a small store in Bahrain.

Philanthropy: Founded the LIFE Foundation, focusing on education and healthcare for the underprivileged.

4. Hussain Sajwani – Founder of DAMAC Properties

• Nationality: Emirati

• Net Worth (2025): $4.5 billion

• Profession: Real Estate Developer

• Education: University of Washington

• Quote: “Opportunities are endless in the UAE.”

Hussain Sajwani is the powerhouse behind DAMAC Properties, one of Dubai’s leading luxury real estate developers. Known for iconic collaborations with brands like Versace, Fendi, and even Donald Trump, Sajwani has played a pivotal role in shaping Dubai’s luxury landscape.

Fun Fact: DAMAC is known for gifting Lamborghinis with luxury apartments during special promotions.

Philanthropy: Significant donor to the “1 Billion Meals” initiative and supporter of UAE’s humanitarian causes.

5. Ravi Pillai – RP Group Founder

• Nationality: Indian

• Net Worth (2025): $3.5 billion

• Profession: Construction & Healthcare

• Education: Kerala University

• Quote: “Hard work and compassion can build empires.”

Ravi Pillai leads the RP Group, with interests in construction, healthcare, and hospitality. With over 100,000 employees, the company is among the largest employers of blue-collar workers in the Gulf.

Fun Fact: His daughter’s wedding in India cost over $7 million and was dubbed one of the most lavish Indian weddings ever.

Philanthropy: Active in labor welfare, building schools and hospitals for workers’ families.

6. Abdulla bin Ahmad Al Ghurair – Al Ghurair Group

• Nationality: Emirati

• Net Worth (2025): $3.4 billion

• Profession: Banker & Industrialist

• Education: American University of Beirut

• Quote: “Build legacies, not empires.”

As one of the oldest Emirati billionaires, Abdulla Al Ghurair is known for his role in establishing Mashreq Bank, one of the UAE's leading financial institutions. His group has diversified interests in food, real estate, and education.

Fun Fact: Despite being semi-retired, he actively chairs education-focused initiatives.

Philanthropy: Founded the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education (AGFE), supporting thousands of Arab students across the region.

7. Sunny Varkey – GEMS Education Founder

• Nationality: Indian

• Net Worth (2025): $2.6 billion

• Profession: Education Mogul

• Education: University of Mumbai

• Quote: “Education is the engine of progress.”

Sunny Varkey runs GEMS Education, the world’s largest private K-12 school operator. With more than 60 schools in the UAE and operations in over 14 countries, GEMS serves hundreds of thousands of students.

Fun Fact: Varkey is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for education partnerships.

Philanthropy: Established the Varkey Foundation to promote quality education in underprivileged regions.

8. Joy Alukkas – Founder of Joyalukkas Jewellery

• Nationality: Indian

• Net Worth (2025): $2.2 billion

• Profession: Jewellery Retailer

• Education: NA

• Quote: “Every jewel has a story.”

Joy Alukkas is the man behind Joyalukkas, one of the largest jewellery retail chains in the world. Starting from a single store in Abu Dhabi, his empire now spans 11 countries.

Fun Fact: He was the first jeweller in the Gulf to get ISO certification for quality management.

Philanthropy: Regular donor to health campaigns, flood relief, and emergency disaster funds in India.

9. Abdulla Al Futtaim & Family – Al-Futtaim Group

• Nationality: Emirati

• Net Worth (2025): $2 billion

• Profession: Conglomerate Leader

• Education: NA

• Quote: “Build today for tomorrow.”

The Al-Futtaim Group is one of the UAE's oldest business families with interests in automotive (Toyota), retail (IKEA, Ace), and real estate. Abdulla Al Futtaim is known for being conservative yet innovative in business.

Fun Fact: The group owns the popular Dubai Festival City Mall.

Philanthropy: Focuses on sustainability and education through the Al-Futtaim Foundation.

10. Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil – VPS Healthcare Founder

• Nationality: Indian

• Net Worth (2025): $1.9 billion

• Profession: Healthcare Entrepreneur

• Education: MBBS, Radiology

• Quote: “Healthcare is a right, not a privilege.”

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil turned his medical career into a healthcare empire with VPS Healthcare, a network of 24 hospitals and 125 clinics across the Middle East and India.

Fun Fact: He is the son-in-law of Yusuff Ali, creating a billion-dollar business dynasty.

Philanthropy: Major donor to medical camps, emergency surgeries, and pandemic relief efforts.

Billionaire Wealth Distribution (2025)

The Billionaire Impact on the UAE Economy

The billionaires profiled here are not just figures of wealth—they are architects of the UAE’s diversified economy. Their contributions span multiple sectors including retail, real estate, healthcare, technology, and education.

• Job Creation: Collectively, these billionaires employ over 500,000 people globally, with a significant chunk in the UAE.

• Social Development: Their philanthropic efforts enhance the UAE's global image as a socially responsible nation.

• Foreign Investment: Many of them serve as magnets for international capital and partnerships, particularly from India, Europe, and Russia.

This billionaire class supports UAE Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependency and foster a knowledge-driven, tech-forward society.

🔗 Explore why the UAE is a magnet for global millionaires and billionaires in 2025

Dubai’s Billionaire Ecosystem at a Glance

• Global Talent Magnet: Tech entrepreneurs like Durov relocate for privacy and business freedom.

• Diverse Sector Influence: Strength in real estate, retail, banking, and education drives wealth creation.

• Philanthropy As a Pillar: Many support education, healthcare, and social betterment.

• Steady Growth: UAE billionaire wealth surged ~39.5% in 2024, totaling $138.7 billion, reflecting its magnetic appeal for global UHNWIs

Trends & Wealth Insights in UAE

• Industry breakdown: Tech (Telegram), Real Estate (Emaar, DAMAC), Retail (LuLu, Majid Al Futtaim), Construction, Hospitality, Banking.

• Policy-driven growth: Free zones, 0% income tax, and investor-centric visas stimulate wealth creation.

• Wealth surge: UAE-based billionaire fortunes are growing—five Emiratis alone made $24.3 B on Forbes 2025 list.

• Global ranking: MENA region boasts 38 billionaires worth $128.4 B in 2025, nearly doubling from 2024.

What Makes Dubai/UAE a Magnet for Billionaires

• Tax-free regimes – No income tax and capital gains tax.

• Business-friendly infrastructure – Free zones and investor visas.

• Luxury urban environment – A global financial, tourism, and trade hub.

• Modern infrastructure & transport – Iconic projects like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Metro.

• Regulatory stability – Attracts global enterprises and wealth migration.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

These billionaires actively invest in UAE’s and global community:

• Education: Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation; Sunny Varkey’s GEMS Foundation.

• Healthcare: Ravi Pillai initiatives; Mulchandani’s Project Udaan.

• Culture & CSR: Juma Al Majid supports cultural preservation and education.

• Environment: Majid Al Futtaim is transitioning to net-positive carbon by 2040. Source: Forbes Middle East

Conclusion

The UAE, and especially Dubai, continues to solidify its place as a global epicenter of wealth and innovation. The top 10 richest people in the country are far more than just wealthy — they are visionaries shaping industries, empowering communities, and driving economic resilience.

Their stories of perseverance, ambition, and generosity are an inspiration to entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. With a strategic business climate, world-class infrastructure, and pro-growth government policies, the UAE remains a top destination for billionaires and dreamers alike.

🔗 Discover prime investment opportunities in Dubai’s luxury real estate market

FAQs

1. Who is currently the richest person in Dubai/UAE?
   Answer: The richest person in Dubai/UAE is Pavel Durov, with an estimated net worth of US $15.5 billion (2025), topping the regional list.

2. How is net worth calculated for these billionaires?
   Answer: Net worth is the sum of their personal and business assets minus liabilities, using valuations from Forbes, Bloomberg, etc.

3. Which industries generate the most wealth in the UAE?
   Answer: Real estate, retail, e‑commerce, banking, education, healthcare, and technology.

4. What philanthropic efforts are UAE billionaires involved in?
   Answer: Education (e.g. GEMS, AGFE), healthcare, tech rights, disaster relief, and social development initiatives.

5. Could any of these rankings change soon?
   Answer: Yes — Tech success, real estate cycles, and emerging sectors like AI could shift future rankings.

6. Are there non-Emirati nationals on this list?
   Answer: Yes — several billionaires are expatriates, reflecting Dubai’s global business environment.

7. How often are these net worth figures updated?
   Answer: Usually quarterly or annually, based on stock markets and financial disclosures.

In summation, the Dubai Rich List is a dynamic portrait of ambition, innovation, and influence. These wealthiest people in the UAE not only wield enormous wealth but also channel their fortunes toward transformative causes—shaping the region’s narrative for decades to come.

“Dubai real estate trends 2025”, “How to become a UAE investor”

👉 Explore next:Dubai Real Estate Market 2025: Crash OR Correction?