Meet the 3 Arab Telecom Billionaires Behind Massive Empires

BY THE ARAB TODAY May 20, 2026

Meet the 3 Arab Telecom Billionaires Behind Massive Empires
Image Credit:-Forbes Middle East

Meet the three Arab billionaires who built massive fortunes through the telecom industry and now rank among the wealthiest individuals in the Middle East and across the globe. Net worth figures are based on estimates as of March 1, 2026.

1.Naguib Sawiris

Net Worth: $5.6 billion
Age: 71
Country: Egypt

Naguib Sawiris

Image Credit:-Forbes Middle East

Naguib Sawiris is the executive chairman of Orascom Investment Holding, a company with investments spanning tourism, renewable energy, logistics, and technology. He founded Orascom Telecom Holding in 1997, helping transform the telecom sector across emerging markets before the company merged with VEON in 2012. Born into the influential Sawiris business family, he is the son of construction magnate Onsi Sawiris and brother to billionaires Nassef Sawiris and Samih Sawiris. Over the years, his wealth and global influence have continued to grow, with his net worth rising significantly between 2017 and 2026, making him one of Africa’s richest business leaders.

2.Taha Mikati

Net Worth: $3.8 billion
Age: 81
Country: Lebanon

Taha Mikati

Image Credit:-Forbes Middle East

Taha Mikati is the cofounder and chairman of M1 Group, a Beirut-based holding company with investments across telecom, real estate, fashion, and energy. The company has built a strong presence in international markets and holds a stake in major African telecom operator MTN. M1 Group is led by his son, Azmi Mikati, who serves as CEO. Alongside telecom investments, the group expanded into luxury retail and property development through subsidiaries including M1 Real Estate and M1 Fashion. Over the years, Taha Mikati’s fortune has grown steadily, making him one of the Arab world’s prominent business leaders.

3.Najib Mikati

Net Worth: $3.8 billion
Age: 70
Country: Lebanon

Najib Mikati

Image Credit:-Forbes Middle East

Najib Mikati is the cofounder of M1 Group and one of Lebanon’s most influential business and political figures. He began his career in the construction sector before expanding into telecommunications alongside his brother Taha Mikati. Together, they founded Investcom, which later merged with MTN Group in 2006, helping build a major telecom empire across emerging markets. Beyond business, Mikati served as Lebanon’s Minister of Public Works and Transport and held the position of Prime Minister three times since 2005. His wealth has steadily grown over the years, making him one of the Arab world’s leading billionaires.

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