Well-developed infrastructure, the magnificent skyline, exclusive buildings, and outstanding technology make Dubai the place to attract people with high incomes. Even from the geographical area perspective, this city is relatively small but currently has a population of 3.3 million plus some of the world’s richest people. Dubai has been ranked among the second-most expensive cities in the Middle East and twentieth in the global list.
Below are the top 20 richest people in Dubai in 2025
RankRichest People in DubaiNet Worth (US$)Industry1Pavel Durov15.5 BillionTechnology2Abdulla Bin Ahmad Al Ghurair4.24 BillionBanking, Real Estate3Micky Jagtiani4.0 BillionRetail4Hussain Sajwani5.1 BillionReal Estate5Yusuffali M.A.6.6 BillionRetail, Hospitality6Sunny Varkey3.8 BillionEducation7Abdulla Al Futtaim3.3 BillionAutomotive, Retail8B.R. Shetty3.5 BillionHealthcare, Finance9Ravi Pillai3.5 BillionConstruction, Hospitality10Saif Al Ghurair2.5 BillionReal Estate, Manufacturing11Mohammed Khalaf Al Habtoor1.9 BillionReal Estate, Hospitality12Shamsheer Vayalil2.7 BillionHealthcare13Saket Burman1.4 BillionConsumer Goods14Philip Day1.2 BillionRetail15Divyank Turakhia1.9 BillionTechnology16Feroz Allana3.6 BillionFMCG17Sunil Vaswani1.8 BillionAutomotive, Food18Thaksin Shinawatra2.1 BillionTelecommunications19Raghuvinder Kataria1.3 BillionTelecommunications, Property20Lubna Khalid Ali Qasimi1-5 BillionPolitics
1. Pavel Durov
Source: Google Images
Net Worth: $15.5 Billion
Industry: Technology
These applications have been developed by Pavel Durov, a Russian telecoms entrepreneur who is the founder of VK and the instant messaging application, Telegram. His entry into the realm of the rich was VK, where he started in 2006. Although he experienced some legal issues in Russia, the founder and creator of the site, Durov, did not give up and created a new messaging application known as Telegram that operates based on factors such as privacy and encryption.
Thus, by January 2025, Durov will reach $15.5 billion, allowing him to enter the list of the richest people in Dubai. His emphasis on freedom, personal and digital, has placed him as an influential player in the technology industry across the world.
2. Abdulla Bin Ahmad Al Ghurair
Source: Google Images
Net Worth: $4.24Billion
Industry: Banking, Real Estate
Abdulla Bin Ahmad Al Ghurair is one of the most influential Emirati businessmen, specializing in the financial sector. He is the founder of Mashreq Bank, an independent recently created bank in the UAE and has contributed towards the financial development of the country. He is not just a businessman; he is also involved in real estate and investments, apart from business in gulf His social responsibilities include supporting education and healthcare.
Altogether, he holds 4.24 billion USD in total assets as of 2023. His production is linked to his contribution to the economic development of the UAE.
3. Micky Jagtiani
Source: Google Images
Net Worth: $4.0 Billion
Industry: Retail
Micky Jagtiani, originally from India, is the founder and chairman of Landmark Group, one of the largest retail chains in the Middle East. His business empire spans across various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and e-commerce. Jagtiani’s success in transforming Landmark Group into a retail giant has earned him several accolades. His philanthropic contributions include support for education and healthcare.
His net worth is estimated at $4.0 billion, making him one of the wealthiest figures in Dubai.
4. Hussain Sajwani
Source: Google Images
Net Worth: $5.1 Billion
Industry: Real Estate
Hussain Sajwani is the founder and chairman of DAMAC Properties, a luxury real estate development company. With a net worth of $5.1 billion, Hussain Sajwani has played a pivotal role in shaping Dubai’s real estate landscape. DAMAC Properties is known for its opulent residential, commercial, and leisure projects.
Sajwani’s philanthropy includes contributions to community development and educational initiatives, cementing his place as a key figure in Dubai’s luxury real estate market.
5. Yusuff Ali M.A.
Source: Google Images
Net Worth: $6.6 Billion
Industry: Retail, Hospitality
Yusuff Ali M.A., other India’s billionaire living in Dubai, is the chairman of the Lulu Group, which runs one of the largest hypermarket chains in the Middle East region. Yusuff Ali has a net worth of $ 6.6 billion and has spread Lulu Hypermarkets across many countries, making the group a giant in retailing.
He has professionally speculated in many areas like banking and real estate business and he is a great donor to the course of education and health care facilities.
6. Sunny Varkey
Source: Google Images
Net Worth: $3.8 Billion
Industry: Education
Mr. Sunny Varkey is the chief executive officer of GEMS Education, which runs more than 54 international schools all over the world. With a net worth of $3.8 billion, Varkey has great influence in the field of education. There are more than 250 schools under the GEMS Education umbrella educational management system across different global countries that offer education to thousands of students. Like other philanthropists, Varkey’s philanthropy is geared towards enhancing the quality of education throughout the world and bringing quality education to poor children.
7. Abdulla Al Futtaim
Source: Google Images
Net Worth: $3.3 Billion
Industry: Automotive, Retail
Abdulla Al Futtaim is the chairman of the Al Futtaim Group, which has business interests in automotive, furniture, property, retail & electronics. Nowadays, Al Futtaim Group is one of the largest companies in the United Arab Emirates, and thanks to Abdulla, it operates not only in Dubai. Having a net worth of $ 3.3 billion, Al Futtaim has obviously played a role in impacting the UAE’s retail & automotive industries through its involvement in brands such as Toyota & IKEA.
8. B.R. Shetty
Source: Google Images
Net Worth: $3.5 Billion
Industry: Healthcare, Finance
Shetty has invested in the emirate as a pioneer of NMC Health, a large healthcare conglomerate, and as the benefactor behind UAE Exchange, a reputed money transfer service. Shetty healthcare and finance tycoon with a net worth of $3.5 billion has put the Middle East, especially Dubai, to know him. Some of his donations include those to medical and social welfare causes. Shetty also signed the Giving Pledge, which means that he was willing to distribute half of the wealth to the needy.
9. Ravi Pillai
Source: Google Images
Net Worth: $ 3.5 Billion
Industry: Construction, Hospitality
The RP Group has been forayed by Ravi Pillai and his current assessed total assets are $3.5 billion in the year 2023. The RP Group participates in construction, hospitality, and several other industries. Pillai is a highly listed Indian businessman in Dubai and was able to invest in some of the most important projects in the Middle East and India. He has transformed the RP Group to be among the most influential business entities in our environment.
10. Saif Al Ghurair
Source: Google Images
Net Worth: $ 2.5 Billion
Industry: Real Estate, Manufacturing
Saif Al Ghurair, alongside heading the Al Ghurair Group, is a conglomerate that is active in real estate, manufacturing and trading businesses. Al Ghurair holding an estimated portfolio of $ 2.5 billion has been decisive in the economy of Dubai city. His group company is involved in various businesses and industries and he is perhaps well known for his benevolence to community services.
11. Mohammed Khalaf Al Habtoor
Source: Google Images
Founder, Dubai Polo Gold Cup
Net Worth: US $1.9 Billion
Mohammed Khalaf Al Habtoor, with the background of one of the leading Dubai’s businessmen, leads the Al Habtoor Group, one of the largest corporations in the UAE, with a broad range of activities in real estate, insurance and the hospitality industry. But he has been responsible for large-scale efforts, including Al Habtoor City, that have recast the skyline of Dubai. Moreover, he inaugurated the Dubai Polo Gold Cup as the stunning exhibition of the city’s devotion to equestrian sports as well as the luxurious lifestyle.
12. Shamsheer Vayalil
Source: Google Images
Chairman, VPS Healthcare Group
Net Worth: US $ 2.7 Billion
Having obtained his training in radiology, Shamsheer Vayalil is the founder and chairman of one of the largest health-care networks in the Middle East’s VPS Healthcare Group. As the chief executive of a large company operating 43 hospitals, medical centres and pharmacies throughout the UAE, Mr. Bin Laden has spearheaded expansion at a rate that prioritises both speed and excellence.
He also manages Amanat Holdings Company for Education Investment and Operation. Some of his contributions helped him to receive the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award in 2014.
13. Saket Burman
Source: Google Images
Chairman, Dabur International Company
Net Worth: US $1.4 Billion
A man who holds a very important position as Dabur International’s chairman is Saket Burman of Saket Burminder, who has established his influence in Dubai markets. Dabur is among the biggest and most profitable consumer goods companies in India, and Saket Burman manages the company’s global business. Saket has taken Dabur International and mostly oriented the company towards the Middle East and Africa, even though he started with the position, which inherited 12.4% of Dabur India Ltd. from his father, Sidharth Burman.
14. Philip Day
Source: Google Images
Board of Directors: Mr. Harold Thomas Thornton C.B.E Chairman, Edinburgh Woollen Mill
Net Worth: $1.2 Billion
Mr. Philip Day, a British billionaire, is the founder and chairman of the retail conglomerate Edinburgh Woollen, organised into various brands such as Jaeger, Austin Reade, Peacocks and many others. While Day was making his riches in the UK, he has invested heavily in the region via the retailing business in Dubai. His employment with the Edinburgh Woollen Mill has implied some success in Europe, the Middle East and other areas.
Day’s ability to manage high-street brands and create value through acquisitions has made him a respected figure in the retail industry. His net worth of $1.2 billion places him among Dubai’s wealthiest individuals.
15. Divyank Turakhia
Source: Google Images
Founder: Media.net
Net Worth: US $1.9Billion
Divyank Turakhia, an Indian-born entrepreneur and computer programmer, is one of Dubai’s most successful self-made billionaires. He is the founder of Media.net, a leading global advertising technology company. Media.net was sold to a Chinese consortium in 2016 for $1.9 billion, one of the largest ad-tech deals in history.
Divyank’s entrepreneurial journey began in the digital advertising space, and his strategic thinking and innovative approach have propelled him to great heights. His net worth of $1.9 billion is a testament to his success as a visionary entrepreneur.
16. Feroz Allana
Source: Google Images
Chairman, Allan Group
Net Worth: $3.6 Billion
Feroz Allana is the co-founder of Allan Group; it is a popular company that manufactures fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) products. The company is established in Sharjar, which is near Dubai and has developed a strong empire.
This company has a large product line in oils and frozen foods and some of its services specialize in business. Its some recognized brands include The London Dairy, Al Baker, Tiffany, Noor, Khaleej, Igloo, Rahma and among others.
17. Sunil Vaswani
Source: Google Images
Chairman, Stallion Group
Net Worth: US$1.8 Billion
Food companies and an automotive manufacturing company are among the many different interests of Sunil Vaswani, an Indian-born Nigerian billionaire who chairs the Stallion Group. The group is based in Dubai and has operations in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. After completing his studies, he came to justify family business when he was 21 years old and stuck into some legal issues but he gets rid of all allegations. As of the year 2016, he had accumulated his new worth to a value of about US$ 1.8billion, making him one of the best entrepreneurial giants.
18. Thaksin Shinawatra
Source: Google Images
Founder, Advanced Info Services and Shin Corporation
Net Worth: US$1.8 Billion
Thaksin Shinawatra is a businessman, politician, and academic from Thailand. He founded Advanced Info Services and Shin Corporation, transforming Thailand’s telecommunications sector. Shinawatra served as Thailand’s Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006, but his tenure was overshadowed by corruption allegations, leading to his ousting and exile in 2008. Despite the controversies, he remains an influential figure in Thailand’s economy and society.
19. Raghuvinder Kataria
Source: Google Images
Chairman of Kataria Holdings
Net Worth: US$1.3 billion
Raghuvinder Kataria is a British billionaire with a flourishing business presence in Dubai. Renowned for his expertise in the telecommunications and property sectors, he serves as chairman of Kataria Holdings.
Kataria began his illustrious career with International Computers Limited, where he ascended to the role of European treasurer. He later played a pivotal role in forming Jasmine Telecom, a Thai telecom operator, which eventually merged with Bharti Enterprises. His sharp business acumen and vision have cemented his legacy as a stalwart in the global business arena.
20. Lubna Khalid Ali Qasimi
Source: Google Images
Net Worth: US$1-5 billion
Lubna Khalid Ali Qasimi is a trailblazing Emirati politician and a member of Sharjah’s ruling family. She made history as the first woman minister in the UAE, serving in key roles including Minister of State for Tolerance and Minister of Economic and Planning. A graduate in computer science with an MBA, she was ranked 36th on Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful women in 2017. Her accolades include the ITP Best Personal Achievement Award and the title of Dame Commander of the British Empire.
Conclusion
Dubai is home to influential billionaires who have reshaped its business landscape with innovative ventures across real estate, retail, tech, and education. Their wealth and influence extend globally, driving economic growth, job creation, and social change in the UAE and beyond.
Dubai’s blend of modernity, luxury, and entrepreneurial spirit makes it a prime destination for wealth creation, and the influence of these billionaires will continue to strengthen its position as a leading financial hub.
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