UAE’s Expat Billionaires 2025: Meet the Wealthiest Foreign Residents

The United Arab Emirates continues to attract some of the wealthiest individuals from around the world. According to Forbes Middle East’s Billionaires 2025 list, 13 expatriates currently residing in the UAE collectively hold a staggering $141.9 billion in net worth. These business tycoons span industries including finance, retail, technology, construction, healthcare, and more.

Here’s a closer look at the top names:

1. Changpeng Zhao 🇨🇦 – $62.9B

Founder of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Zhao stepped down as CEO in 2023 following a U.S. settlement but still holds a significant stake in the company.

2. Andrey Melnichenko 🇷🇺 – $17.4B

A Russian industrialist behind Eurochem and SUEK, with interests in fertilizers and energy. Currently living in Dubai with his family.

3. Pavel Durov 🇷🇺🇦🇪 – $17.1B

Founder of Telegram, one of the world’s most popular encrypted messaging platforms, with over a billion users globally.

4. Vinod Adani 🇮🇳 – $14.9B

Brother of Gautam Adani, Vinod manages a network of overseas investment firms and plays a key role in the Adani Group’s international ventures.

5. Renuka Jagtiani 🇮🇳 – $5.6B

Chairwoman of Landmark Group, a retail giant operating 2,200 stores across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

6. M.A. Yusuff Ali 🇮🇳 – $5.5B

Chairman of LuLu Group, which operates 240 hypermarkets and malls across the Gulf and beyond.

7. Sunny Varkey 🇮🇳 – $3.9B

Founder of GEMS Education, the world’s largest private K-12 school operator, based in Dubai.

8. Ravi Pillai 🇮🇳 – $3.7B

Head of the RP Group with wide interests in construction and real estate across the Gulf.

9. P.N.C. Menon 🇴🇲 – $3.4B

Omani real estate mogul behind Sobha Group, with projects across the UAE, India, and Oman.

10. Kabir Mulchandani 🇮🇳 – $2.2B

Founder of FIVE Holdings, a luxury hospitality group that recently went public on the Dubai stock exchange.

11. Shamsheer Vayalil 🇮🇳 – $2.0B

Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, a UAE-based healthcare provider with over 24 facilities.

12. Dhruv Sawhney 🇮🇳 – $1.9B

Industrialist behind Triveni Engineering, active in sugar manufacturing and power transmission.

13. Saket Burman 🇮🇳 – $1.4B

Vice Chairman of Dabur, one of India’s oldest and largest consumer goods companies.

These billionaires reflect the UAE’s status as a global business hub, offering a stable and attractive environment for high-net-worth individuals from across the world. As Forbes Middle East notes, the country remains a top destination for entrepreneurs seeking opportunity, innovation, and world-class infrastructure.

Source: Forbes Middle East, May 2025 Edition