Image Credit:-Forbes Middle East
Today, several of these developers rank among the region’s wealthiest individuals, according to Forbes Middle East’s The World’s Richest Arabs 2026 list. Their fortunes reflect not only the scale of their companies but also the growing global significance of regional real estate markets, particularly in hubs such as Dubai and Riyadh.
This list highlights seven Arab billionaires whose wealth is primarily tied to real estate development, spanning markets from the UAE to Morocco. Together, they hold a combined net worth of $28.8 billion, including four billionaires from the UAE and two newcomers to the sector.
Table of Contents
Toggle1- Hussain Sajwani
Net worth: $15.3 billion Country: UAE Regional rank: 2 Global rank: 190
Hussain Sajwani is the founder and chairman of DAMAC Properties, a luxury real estate powerhouse established in 2002. Capitalising on Dubai’s 2001 decision to allow foreign property ownership, Sajwani quickly made his mark by selling out his first residential project in under six months. Since then, his brand has become synonymous with ultra-luxury developments, including Trump-branded golf courses and high-end collaborations with names like Versace and Bugatti.
2- Waleed Mohammad Al Zaabi
Net worth: $3.4 billion
Country: UAE
Regional rank: 13
Global rank: 1251
Waleed Mohammad Al Zaabi is the founder and owner of Tiger Group, a UAE-based real estate developer with a strong presence in Dubai and Sharjah. He originally established the business as a construction company in 1976 before shifting its focus to property development in 1996. Over the years, Al Zaabi has led the company’s expansion into sectors such as hospitality, manufacturing, agriculture, and education. Today, Tiger Group has delivered around 50,000 apartments, with an additional 20,000 units and significant commercial projects currently in progress.
3- Hussain Binghatti Aljbori
Net worth: $2.5 billion
Country: UAE
Regional rank:16
Global rank: 1676
Hussain Binghatti Aljbori is the founder and former chairman of Dubai-based luxury developer Binghatti Properties. He launched the company in 2008 and grew it into one of the UAE’s leading real estate firms, maintaining full ownership throughout. Although he has since handed over the chairmanship to his son, Muhammad Binghatti, his influence continues to shape the company through its signature architectural identity and notable high-profile partnerships.
4- Bahaa Hariri
Net worth: $2.3 billion
Country: Lebanon
Regional rank: 18
Global rank: 1834
Bahaa Hariri, the eldest son of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, inherited a significant share of his father’s wealth. In 2008, he streamlined his holdings by selling his stake in the family’s construction firm, Saudi Oger, to his brother Saad. As the founder and chairman of Horizon Group, he has driven major real estate developments in cities such as Amman and Beirut. Beyond real estate, he has a strong international footprint as the majority owner of Globe Express Services, a global logistics company operating in more than 100 countries.
5- Ibrahim Al Muhaidib
Net worth: $2.1 billion
Country: Saudi Arabia
Regional rank: 22
Global rank: 1982
One of two newcomers to the list, Ibrahim Al Muhaidib serves as chairman of HDB Group, a leading investment firm overseeing a diverse portfolio of hotels and landmarks, including Riyadh’s historic Tuwaiq Tower. A serial entrepreneur, he also founded Safwat Al-Muhaidib Dental Company, which operates more than 70 branches across Saudi Arabia. His extensive real estate holdings span multiple regions throughout the country, reflecting his significant footprint in the sector.
6 – Abbas Sajwani
Net worth: $1.9 billion
Country: UAE
Regional rank: 24
Global rank: 2177
The second newcomer on the list, Abbas Sajwani is the founder of AHS Properties, a Dubai-based luxury developer that has rapidly gained prominence since its launch in 2021. The son of billionaire Hussain Sajwani, Abbas first built his reputation by acquiring and refurbishing ultra-prime villas in Emirates Hills and Palm Jumeirah. By 2022, he had shifted toward large-scale developments, focusing on premium residential towers along the Dubai Water Canal. In 2025, he purchased the long-vacant ‘Big Ben’ tower for $120 million and is now redeveloping it into a high-end office property.
7- Anas Sefrioui & family
Net worth: $1.3 billion
Country: Morocco
Regional rank: 35
Global rank: 2858
Anas Sefrioui is the founder and CEO of Groupe Addoha, a publicly listed real estate leader in Morocco. He built his business by championing affordable housing, using strategic partnerships and government-backed projects to broaden access to homeownership. Under his direction, the company has grown into a major force in the Moroccan property sector. His daughter, Kenza Sefrioui, currently serves as deputy chairman.
MENA real estate market
In the UAE—home to more than half of the names on the list—the property market delivered robust performance during the first three quarters of 2025, according to Kuwait Financial Center (Markaz). Dubai saw transaction values rise by 28.3% year-on-year to $150.8 billion (AED 554.1 billion), while Abu Dhabi recorded total sales of $15.8 billion (AED 58 billion), marking a 75.8% annual increase.
Looking at the broader picture, the Middle East real estate market reached a value of $420.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to $849 billion by 2034, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.12% between 2026 and 2034, according to Imarc Group.
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