The Arab world is home to some of the richest families in history. Many Arab families, known for their immense fortunes, lavish lifestyles and deep cultural roots, have become global symbols of power and influence.
However, their fortunes extend far beyond the modern oil boom, relying instead on centuries of trade, entrepreneurship and innovation that shaped the region's economic foundations.
Bloomberg has published an annual report on the world's richest families 2025, stating that the 25 richest families are collectively $358.7 billion richer than a year ago, with a combined fortune that amounts to $2.9 trillion.
Their wealth increased due to rising stock prices and demand for goods such as metals and pet food, the report said.
The report mentions three of the richest families in the Arab world: Al Nayhan of the United Arab Emirates, Al Saud of Saudi Arabia and Al Thani of Qatar.
Al Nahyan Family
The Al Nahyan ruler of Abu Dhabi, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, is the world's second-richest family with a net worth of $335.9 billion, according to the report.
The ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is also the country's president. The family has presided over the area for decades, even before oil transformed the royal economy and finances, according to the report.
National security adviser Sheikh Tahnoon oversees personal and sovereign assets worth a combined $1.5 trillion and has invested heavily in artificial intelligence.
al saud family
Saudi Arabia's Al Saud family ranks third in Bloomberg List of the richest families in the world 2025, with an estimated net worth of $213.6 billion.
The 93-year-old ruling dynasty has built its vast collective fortune largely on the kingdom's enormous oil reserves. Bloomberg He noted that this year's higher valuation reflects revised estimates of historical receipts as well as reduced spending by family members.
With around 15,000 distant relatives, the total wealth under the family's influence is believed to be even greater. Many royals have generated income by negotiating government contracts and land transactions or establishing businesses that provide services to state entities, including Saudi Aramco.
Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), now manages assets worth around $1 trillion, while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reported to personally control assets exceeding $1 billion.
Al Thani
The Al Thani family, which has ruled Qatar since the mid-19th century, ranks fourth in Bloomberg List of the richest families in the world 2025, with an estimated net worth of $199.5 billion.
While oil was discovered around 1940, it was the strategic development of Qatar's vast offshore gas reserves that fundamentally transformed the country's economy and propelled the ruling family to the top tier of global wealth.
Members of the Al Thani family hold key political positions and wield extensive influence over Qatar's domestic economy, with business interests spanning hotels, insurance firms and construction companies.
They also own high-value foreign assets, including luxury properties in London's Mayfair, livestock farms, private banks and the Valentino fashion house.
