Forbes Middle East has released its annual ranking of the Top 100 Arab Family Businesses, highlighting the enduring influence and modernizing drive of the region’s most prominent commercial dynasties. Saudi Arabia’s Abdul Latif Jameel secured the top spot, leading a list dominated by conglomerates from the GCC that are navigating economic transformation while expanding their global footprint.
Quick Facts
- Saudi Arabia leads the list with 32 companies.
- The UAE follows closely with 31 entries.
- GCC-based firms account for 86% of the ranking.
A GCC Power Play
The 2026 list underscores the economic weight of the Gulf, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE together representing 63 of the 100 ranked businesses. Qatar also showed a strong presence with 10 companies making the cut, including two in the top ten.
The ranking places Abdul Latif Jameel at number one, following a significant international expansion in 2025 that saw its mobility business enter seven new markets. The UAE’s Al-Futtaim came in second, while Egypt’s Mansour Group claimed the third position, notable for being the only non-GCC business to crack the top 10.
The top 10 Arab Family Businesses for 2026 are:
- Abdul Latif Jameel (Saudi Arabia)
- Al-Futtaim (UAE)
- Mansour Group (Egypt)
- DAMAC Group (UAE)
- Olayan Financing Company (OFC) (Saudi Arabia)
- Al Ghurair (UAE)
- Power International Holding (PIH) (Qatar)
- Al Faisal Holding (Qatar)
- Al Ghurair Group (UAE)
- SEDCO Holding (Saudi Arabia)
Beyond Legacy: New Ventures and Strategic Moves
This year’s list highlights that these family-run giants are not just resting on their laurels. Many are actively pursuing major projects and entering new sectors, particularly in infrastructure and green technology.
In 2025, Qatar’s Power International Holding secured two infrastructure contracts in Syria valued at $11 billion, while Egypt’s Hassan Allam Holding reported a record $7.2 billion project backlog. In a major deal, Saudi Arabia’s Zahid Group completed the $1.3 billion privatization of Barloworld.
The shift toward future-focused industries is also apparent. Kuwait’s Alghanim Industries launched Barq, an ultra-fast EV charging operator, and the UAE’s AW Rostamani Group introduced the all-electric smart #5 SUV in 2026, signaling a clear push into sustainable mobility.
Blending Tradition with Transformation
The ranking reflects a diverse mix of long-standing legacy businesses and more recently formed investment groups. While firms like Oman’s Towell Group, established in 1866, represent deep historical roots, newer entities like Morocco’s O Capital Group and Saudi Arabia’s Al Nahdi Family Office showcase the evolution of family wealth management through strategic mergers and consolidations.
Forbes Middle East compiled the list by evaluating privately owned businesses managed or owned by Arab families. The criteria included the size and value of assets, business performance, recent activity, company legacy, and diversification across sectors and geographies.
About Forbes Middle East
Forbes Middle East is a licensed edition of Forbes for the Arab world, championing inspiring business journalism and entrepreneurial capitalism. Its online and social platforms break news covering billionaires, business, investment, technology, economy, entrepreneurship, leadership, and luxury lifestyles. The monthly magazine, featuring in-depth interviews with the Middle East’s most influential and innovative leaders, is published in print in English and Arabic, with digital versions available to both regional and global audiences online.
Source: Zawya
