Dubai is renowned for its cutting-edge and luxurious development. The city’s unique architecture and modern innovations clearly reflect its status. Dubai ranks as the second most expensive city in the Middle East and 20th across the globe. Despite its relatively small size, the city is home to over 3.3 million people.
It attracts some of the richest individuals from around the world, who often consider it a second home. However, in this article, we will unfold the top 10 richest people in Dubai, UAE and their net worth.
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List Of The Top 10 Richest People in Dubai, UAE:
Here is the comprehensive overview of Dubai’s richest people:
1. Pavel Durov
Pavel Durov, born on October 10, 1984, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia, founded VKontakte (VK) and Telegram. After launching VK in 2006 and making it Russia’s largest social network, he faced legal challenges for refusing to comply with government data requests, leading to his departure from Russia.
In 2013, Durov created Telegram to provide secure communication with strong encryption and a focus on privacy and free speech. As of January 2025, his net worth is estimated at $15 billion, making him one of Dubai’s wealthiest residents.
Despite facing legal issues, including an arrest in Paris in August 2024, Durov remains a key figure in the tech industry, advocating for user rights and digital freedom.
| Key Point | Details |
| Full Name | Pavel Valeryevich Durov |
| Date of Birth | October 10, 1984 |
| Nationality | Russian, Saint Kitts and Nevis, UAE Resident |
| Known For | Founder of Telegram, VKontakte (VK) |
| Education | Saint Petersburg State University (Philology) |
| Net Worth | Estimated over $15 billion (as of 2025) |
| Major Achievements | Created Telegram, Built VK (Russia’s Largest Social Network) |
| Controversies | Left Russia due to government pressure, Privacy advocate |
| Business Philosophy | Focus on privacy, free speech, and independence from government control |
| Current Residence | Dubai, UAE |
2. Abdulla Bin Ahmad Al Ghurair
Abdulla Bin Ahmad Al Ghurair is the second richest person in Dubai, with a net worth of $4 billion in 2025. He was previously the Chairman of Mashreq Bank, one of Dubai’s largest banks. Abdulla is known for his work in social welfare in the UAE and has received several honors, such as:
| Key Point | Details |
| Full Name | Abdulla Bin Ahmad Al Ghurair |
| Date of Birth | 1930 |
| Nationality | Emirati (UAE) |
| Known For | Founder of Mashreq Bank, Al Ghurair Group |
| Industry | Banking, Real Estate, Construction, Food |
| Net Worth | Estimated over $4 billion (as of 2025) |
| Major Achievements | Built Mashreq Bank into a leading UAE financial institution |
| Philanthropy | Established the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education |
| Business Philosophy | Innovation, Diversification, Supporting UAE’s Economic Growth |
| Current Residence | Dubai, UAE |
3. Micky Jagtiani
Micky Jagtiani, with a net worth of $5.2 billion, is also an Indian billionaire residing in Dubai. He owned the Landmark Group, which specializes in retail, footwear, electronics, beauty products, and apparel. He received numerous awards throughout his life.
| Key Point | Details |
| Full Name | Mukesh “Micky” Jagtiani |
| Date of Birth | August 15, 1952 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Industry | Retail, Hospitality, E-commerce |
| Known For | Founder of Landmark Group |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5.2 billion (at peak) |
| Major Achievements | Built Landmark Group into a retail empire |
| Philanthropy | Supported education and healthcare initiatives |
| Business Philosophy | Customer-centric retail expansion |
| Legacy | One of the most influential retail moguls in the Middle East |
4. Hussain Sajwani
Hussain Sajwani has a net worth of $2.7 billion and is ninth on the list of Dubai’s richest people. He founded DAMAC Properties which is a real estate development company. He is ranked 962nd globally in terms of wealth. His awards include:
| Key Point | Details |
| Full Name | Hussain Sajwani |
| Date of Birth | 1953 |
| Nationality | Emirati |
| Industry | Real Estate, Hospitality, Investments |
| Known For | Founder & Chairman of DAMAC Properties |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2.7 billion (as of recent years) |
| Major Achievements | Developed luxury real estate projects in UAE & beyond |
| Philanthropy | Supports education & housing initiatives |
| Business Philosophy | Luxury, innovation, and strategic partnerships |
| Legacy | Key figure in shaping Dubai’s luxury real estate market |
5. Yusuffali M.A.
Yusuffali M.A. is among other Indian billionaires in Dubai and has a net worth of $7.5 billion as of 2025. He founded the Lulu Group and is the chairperson of the same. The group runs retail companies and hypermarkets. Here are some of the greatest awards possessed by Yusuffali M.A.
| Key Point | Details |
| Full Name | Yusuffali Musaliam Veettil Abdul Kader (Yusuffali M.A.) |
| Date of Birth | November 15, 1955 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Industry | Retail, Hypermarkets, Investments |
| Known For | Chairman & Managing Director of Lulu Group International |
| Net Worth | Estimated $7.5 billion (as of recent years) |
| Major Achievements | Expanded Lulu Hypermarket across the Middle East, Asia & Europe |
| Philanthropy | Supports healthcare, education, and disaster relief efforts |
| Business Philosophy | Customer-centric approach, innovation, and strategic growth |
| Legacy | Key player in the global retail industry, especially in the UAE |
6. Sunny Varkey
Among all the rich men in Dubai, Sunny Varkey ranks seventh and is the wealthiest individual with a net worth of $2.6 billion. An Indian-born billionaire, he runs over 250 K-12 schools worldwide.
| Key Point | Details |
| Full Name | Sunny Varkey |
| Date of Birth | 1957 |
| Nationality | Indian (based in UAE) |
| Industry | Education, Philanthropy |
| Known For | Founder of GEMS Education |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2.6 billion (as of recent years) |
| Major Achievements | Built the world’s largest private education company |
| Philanthropy | Established the Varkey Foundation & Global Teacher Prize |
| Business Philosophy | Quality education for all, innovation in learning |
| Legacy | Transforming global education and supporting educators worldwide |
7. Abdulla Al Futtaim
Abdulla Futtaim is the eighth richest man in Dubai with a net worth of $2.5 billion. He holds the Al Futtaim Group, a partnership involved in automotive, insurance, and real estate.
| Key Point | Details |
| Full Name | Abdulla Al Futtaim |
| Nationality | Emirati (UAE) |
| Industry | Automotive, Retail, Real Estate |
| Known For | Owner of Al-Futtaim Group |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2.5 billion+ (as of recent years) |
| Major Businesses | Toyota, Lexus, Honda dealerships in UAE |
| Retail Ventures | Operates IKEA, Marks & Spencer, and ACE stores in the Middle East |
| Real Estate | Develops major commercial and residential properties |
| Business Philosophy | Diversification and long-term investments |
| Legacy | Expanding Al-Futtaim Group into a global business empire |
8. B.R. Shetty
B.R. Shetty is the founder of NMC Health, BRS Ventures, Neopharma, and Fnablr, and is the sixth richest person in Dubai with a net worth of $3 billion in 2025. In 2018, he joined the Giving Pledge which provides commitment to donate half of his wealth to charitable causes.
| Key Point | Details |
| Full Name | Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty |
| Nationality | Indian-UAE |
| Industry | Healthcare, Finance, Hospitality |
| Known For | Founder of NMC Health & UAE Exchange |
| Net Worth | Previously over $3 billion (declined due to financial issues) |
| Major Businesses | NMC Health, UAE Exchange, Finablr |
| Contributions | Played a key role in UAE’s healthcare & financial sectors |
| Awards & Honors | Padma Shri Award (2009), Forbes Middle East recognition |
| Business Setbacks | Faced financial fraud allegations & business collapse |
| Legacy | Transformed UAE’s healthcare & exchange industry |
9. Ravi Pillai
Ravi Pillai stands third among Dubai’s richest men as 2023 of 2023, with a net worth of $3 billion. He is an Indian billionaire from Kerala who founded the RP Group. Ravi has been recognized with several awards such as:
| Key Point | Details |
| Full Name | B. Ravi Pillai |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Industry | Construction, Infrastructure |
| Known For | Founder of RP Group of Companies |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $3 billion |
| Major Businesses | RP Group, involved in construction, real estate, hospitality |
| Contributions | Played a major role in Middle East’s infrastructure development |
| Awards & Honors | Padma Shri Award (2010), Pravasi Bharatiya Samman |
| Business Presence | Strong presence in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India |
| Legacy | One of the most successful Indian entrepreneurs in the Gulf |
10. Saif Al Ghurair
Saif Al Ghurair holds the tenth spot among Dubai richest man individuals with a net worth of $1.7 billion. He owns the Al Ghurair Group, which operates in real estate and manufacturing and has significant investments in private banks in the UAE.
| Key Point | Description |
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Saif Ahmad Al Ghurair |
| Nationality | Emirati |
| Industry | Business, Real Estate, Manufacturing |
| Known For | Founder of Al Ghurair Group |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $1.7 billion |
| Major Businesses | Al Ghurair Group, involved in banking, construction, retail |
| Contributions | Played a key role in Dubai’s economic growth |
| Business Presence | UAE and global markets |
| Philanthropy | One of the UAE’s most influential business figures |
| Legacy | Contributions to education and community development |
Dubai is a renowned global city and a key part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As the largest city in the UAE, It is celebrated as a major center for business and culture. Additionally, It is also home to numerous famous and affluent people. It possesses a high concentration of wealthy individuals and many of its billionaires rank among the world’s rich men in Dubai.
Also Read: Dubai Princess Announces Divorce on Instagram and Launches ‘Divorce’ Perfume
“People Also Ask”
Q2: What industries contribute to the wealth of the richest people in Dubai?
Major industries include real estate, construction, technology, retail, and hospitality, with many individuals also having interests in diverse sectors globally.
Q3: How do the wealthiest people in Dubai achieve their success?
Many gain wealth through family businesses, strategic investments, or entrepreneurship, often benefiting from Dubai's booming economy and tax-friendly environment.
Q4: Are members of the royal family included in the list of the richest in Dubai?
Yes, members of Dubai's royal family, particularly from the Al Maktoum family, are among the wealthiest due to their control over vast businesses and assets.
Q5: How can someone become one of the wealthiest people in Dubai?
Achieving significant wealth in Dubai typically involves entrepreneurship, strategic investments, and leveraging the city's business-friendly environment.