• Middle East and Africa added 19 new billionaires in 2025, pushing the region’s total to 91, up 26% year-on-year.
• Saudi Arabia led growth with 13 new billionaires, doubling combined wealth to USD 81 billion, reflecting Vision 2030’s economic surge.
• UAE, Egypt, and Lebanon saw steadier billionaire growth, with combined wealth rising across these countries despite stable numbers.

Billionaires in MEA

The Middle East and Africa’s (MEA) billionaire club saw a significant increase this year. According to the  Swiss multinational investment bank, UBS, 19 new billionaires were joining MEA. This signals a significant economic and investment shift in the region.

According to the report, in 2024, the total number of billionaires in the region was 72. This rose to 91 in 2025, achieving a 26% growth rate in just one year. This is a mark of one of the highest growth rates globally.

Wealth in MEA

The most notable increase came from Saudi Arabia, which saw an increase of 217% with 13 new billionaires. The Kingdom saw the total number of billionaires rise from 6 in 2024 to 19 in 2025. Meanwhile, the growth in wealth surged 113.2% reaching USD 81 billion. 

In the UAE, there was a steadier growth with an increase of 6% with only one new billionaire. The United Arab Emirates saw an increase in the total number of billionaires from 18 to 19.  Furthermore, the growth in wealth increased 21.6% reaching USSD 168.7 billion.

Meanwhile, over in Egypt, the number of billionaires remained stable at 4. However, their combined wealth surged by 14% reaching USD 17 billion. Additionally, in Lebanon, it maintained two billionaires with a total combined wealth increase of 10.7% reaching USD 37.3 billion.

Bottom line: The rise in billionaires across MENA reflects ongoing economic shifts, with wealth growth concentrated in key countries despite varying numbers.