Top Winners Among the Richest Arab Families 2026
In less than one year, several of the richest families in the Arab world have increased their wealth. Their growth shows smart investments and strong business positions, even during political and economic tensions in the region.
Between March 7, 2025, and January 22, 2026, seven major Arab families saw their fortunes grow. Together, they added about $3.4 billion to their wealth in just 10 months. Their total combined net worth reached $32.4 billion by January 22, 2026. Across the Arab world, the 12 richest families now hold a combined wealth of $63.9 billion.
Here is a closer look at the families whose fortunes increased the most.
1. Al Thani Family
Country: Qatar
Increase: $1.4 billion
Total Net Worth: $7.2 billion
The Al Thani family from Qatar recorded the biggest gain during this period. Their combined wealth rose by $1.4 billion.
Much of the increase came from Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani. His personal fortune grew from $3.9 billion to $5.4 billion. However, Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani saw a small drop in his wealth, falling slightly from $1.9 billion to $1.8 billion. Even with this decline, the family’s overall wealth increased strongly.
Hamad bin Jassim served as Qatar’s prime minister from 2007 to 2013 and foreign minister from 1992 to 2013. He is related to Qatar’s ruling family and is an heir to the family that founded modern Qatar. He owns a 4.5% stake in Deutsche Bank through his company Paramount Services Holdings.
Shares of Deutsche Bank rose by 51.1% during this period. The bank also reported strong profits in 2025, with net income rising sharply in the first nine months of the year. This strong financial performance helped increase Hamad’s wealth significantly.
2. Mikati Family
Country: Lebanon
Increase: $1.2 billion
Total Net Worth: $7.4 billion
Lebanon’s Mikati family also saw major growth. Brothers Najib Mikati and Taha Mikati each increased their net worth from $3.1 billion to $3.7 billion. Together, their family wealth now stands at $7.4 billion.
Najib Mikati has served as Lebanon’s prime minister several times, most recently from 2021 until early 2025. He is also cofounder of Beirut-based investment company M1 Group.
The brothers started Investcom in 1982. In 2005, it was listed on stock exchanges in London and Dubai. A year later, it merged with telecom company MTN Group in a $3.6 billion deal.
Today, M1 Limited owns 5.78% of MTN Group. MTN’s share price rose 59.1% during the 10-month period. The company’s total number of subscribers also increased to over 300 million by the third quarter of 2025.
Taha Mikati also owns stakes in fashion brand Pepe Jeans and real estate in New York, London, and Monaco. His son, Azmi Mikati, leads M1 Group as CEO.
3. Othman Benjelloun & Family
Country: Morocco
Increase: $300 million
Total Net Worth: $1.9 billion
Othman Benjelloun and his family added $300 million to their wealth in less than a year.
Benjelloun is the chairman and CEO of Bank of Africa BMCE Group, which operates in 32 countries, including 20 in Africa. The group employs around 15,000 people and serves millions of customers.
The company’s share price rose 9.5% during the period. Benjelloun also controls FinanceCom, which holds a stake in the Moroccan branch of Orange.
His investments in banking and insurance have made him one of Morocco’s wealthiest individuals.
4. Hariri Family
Country: Lebanon
Increase: $200 million
Total Net Worth: $4.8 billion
The Hariri family’s combined wealth increased by $200 million.
Bahaa Hariri saw his fortune rise to $2.3 billion. He is the majority owner of Globe Express Services, a logistics company that operates in more than 100 countries. He is the eldest son of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri.
Ayman Hariri maintains a net worth of $1.4 billion. He founded Vero, an ad-free social media app focused on sharing photos, music, and videos. Vero had around 7 million users in 2024. Ayman also invests in startups through Red Sea Ventures. One of its well-known investments was Nest, now part of Google.
Fahed Hariri, the youngest brother, has a net worth of $1.1 billion. He invests in real estate in cities like New York, Paris, and Monte Carlo and is developing housing projects in Beirut.
5. Abdulla Al Futtaim & Family
Country: UAE
Increase: $100 million
Total Net Worth: $4.8 billion
Abdulla Al Futtaim and his family saw their wealth rise by $100 million.
He owns the Al Futtaim Group, which has been the exclusive distributor of Toyota in the UAE since 1955. The group also operates brands such as IKEA, Hertz, Toys “R” Us, and Marks & Spencer in the region.
Its retail businesses are located in major shopping centers, including Dubai Festival City. The group plays an important role in the UAE’s retail and automotive sectors.
6. Abdulla bin Ahmad Al Ghurair & Family
Country: UAE
Increase: $100 million
Total Net Worth: $4.7 billion
Abdulla bin Ahmad Al Ghurair founded Mashreq Bank in 1967. His family’s wealth rose to $4.7 billion.
The share price of Mashreq increased slightly by 1.6% during the period. His holding company is active in food, construction, and real estate.
His construction business helped build major landmarks in Dubai, including work on the exterior of the Burj Khalifa and projects related to the Dubai Metro.
7. Aziz Akhannouch & Family
Country: Morocco
Increase: $100 million
Total Net Worth: $1.6 billion
Aziz Akhannouch and his family added $100 million to their net worth.
He is the majority owner of Akwa Group, a large company founded by his father in 1932. The group operates in petroleum, gas, and chemicals.
Although shares of Afriquia Gaz and Maghreb Oxygene fell during the period, Akhannouch’s overall wealth still increased. He has served as Morocco’s prime minister since 2021 and continues to hold office.
A Year of Strong Growth
Despite global economic challenges and political tensions, these Arab families managed to grow their wealth through strong investments and business leadership.
Banking, telecommunications, retail, energy, and real estate were key sectors driving their success. Stock market gains, rising profits, and international investments all played an important role.
Together, these families show how strategic planning and diversified businesses can protect and grow wealth, even during uncertain times.
Published: 13th February 2026
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