RIYADH: The number of billionaires worldwide has surpassed 3,000 for the first time, according to Forbes’ 2025 World Billionaires List. A total of 3,028 individuals made the list, an increase of 247 from 2024 with their combined net worth reaching $16.1 trillion, nearly $2 trillion more than the previous year.
According to the report, The United States leads with 902 billionaires, followed by China with 516 and India with 205. Forbes based the rankings on stock prices and exchange rates as of March 7, 2025.
The Arab world saw significant growth, with 38 billionaires from eight MENA countries holding a combined net worth of $128.4 billion. This marks a sharp rise from 2024, when 20 Arab billionaires were listed with a total net worth of $53.7 billion.
Saudi Arabia returned to the list after a seven-year absence, contributing 15 billionaires 14 of them new thanks to a surge in IPOs on the Saudi Exchange. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud was named the richest Arab, with a net worth of $16.5 billion.
The UAE added two new billionaires: Hussain Binghatti Aljbori, founder of Binghatti Properties, and Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties. Morocco’s Anas Sefrioui & family also rejoined the list for the first time since 2017, with $1.6 billion.
By country, Saudi Arabia leads among Arab nations with 15 billionaires worth $55.8 billion, followed by Lebanon (6, $12.3 billion), the UAE (5, $24.3 billion), and Egypt (5, $20.6 billion).
The Arab rankings are part of Forbes’ 39th annual World’s Billionaires List and include individuals of Arab origin from Arabic-speaking MENA countries.
