Lebanon has secured the second position in the Arab billionaires league, boasting six billionaires with a combined net worth of $12.3 billion, according to Forbes’ 2025 World Billionaires List. This rise places Lebanon alongside the UAE, trailing only Saudi Arabia, which returned to the rankings with 15 billionaires. Lebanon’s consistent presence, despite political and economic hardships, signals the strength of its business diaspora and resilient family empires.
Billionaire Boom Across the Middle East
The number of Arab billionaires has nearly doubled this year, jumping from 20 in 2024 to 38 in 2025, with their total wealth surging from $53.7 billion to $128.4 billion. This massive growth is driven by strong IPO activity in Saudi Arabia, thriving real estate empires in the UAE, and strategic investments across the region. The Middle East is emerging as a formidable zone of private wealth and entrepreneurial success. After a seven-year absence, Saudi Arabia makes a triumphant return to Forbes’ World Billionaires list, leading the Arab region with 15 billionaires worth $55.8 billion
What’s Fueling the Arab Billionaire Surge?
The post-COVID economic landscape has opened new doors for Arab entrepreneurs, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. With IPO activity booming and global markets eyeing the Gulf, the region has welcomed several new billionaires including Hussain Binghatti Aljbori and Mohamed Alabbar. Real estate, tech, and strategic shareholding have become the engines of personal fortune in the region.
Najib Mikati
- Net Worth: $2.8 billion
- Co‑founder of M1 Group (and previously Investcom), previous Lebanese Prime Minister qa.edu.vn+9lovin.co+9asiatoday.co+9en.kataeb.org+6qa.edu.vn+6fliphtml5.com+6qa.edu.vn+5forbes.com+5en.kataeb.org+5
Taha Mikati
- Net Worth: $2.8 billion
- Najib’s brother; co‑founder of Investcom and M1 Group lovin.coen.wikipedia.org
Bahaa Hariri
- Net Worth: $2.1 billion
- Founder of Horizon Group, major real estate and logistics interests; son of late PM Rafic Hariri the961.com+7lovin.co+7theinternational.in+7
Robert Mouawad
- Net Worth: $1.5 billion
- Chairman of Mouawad Jewelry; heads a legacy luxury jewelry empire qa.edu.vn+2fliphtml5.com+2theinternational.in+2en.wikipedia.org+11lovin.co+11economics.creditlibanais.com+11
Ayman Hariri
- Net Worth: $1.4 billion
- Co‑founder & CEO of Vero; former deputy CEO of Saudi Oger; real estate & tech investor economics.creditlibanais.com+1qa.edu.vn+1qa.edu.vn+7en.wikipedia.org+7the961.com+7
Fahd Hariri
- Net Worth: $1.2 billion
- Youngest Hariri; invested in real estate portfolios in Lebanon and abroad
