**Saudi Arabia’s Billionaires Are Back: A Noteworthy Return to Forbes’ List**
For the first time in eight years, Saudi Arabia’s billionaires are back on Forbes’ prestigious annual World’s Billionaires list, bringing with them tales of resilience, wealth, and a sprinkle of intrigue. The last time these wealthy individuals appeared on the list was back in 2017, just before a seismic event shook the nation’s business landscape—when numerous influential businessmen, including members of the royal family, faced house arrest in what was described as a crackdown on corruption. It was a period filled with uncertainty, leading Forbes to take the difficult decision to exclude Saudi billionaires from their rankings.
Fast forward to this week, and it seems fortune has smiled on the kingdom’s wealthiest once again. In the newly published 2025 rankings, 15 Saudi Arabians have made the list, a notable increase from just ten in 2017. Their combined wealth? An eye-watering $55.8 billion. Among the returning and new faces, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal shines the brightest. With a fortune estimated at $16.5 billion, he has reclaimed his status as the richest individual from the kingdom, primarily thanks to his significant stake in Kingdom Holding, which is linked to luxury hotels and even a slice of Elon Musk’s X, formerly known as Twitter.
This year’s billionaires range in age from 49 to 95 and bring with them not just wealth but also impressive stories of perseverance and achievement. The list includes founders of major companies, like Dr. Sulaman Al-Habib, who founded a successful hospital group in Riyadh, or the brothers Imad Isam and Sulaman Al-Muhadib, who took their family’s conglomerate to the next level. These newcomers are not just wealthy; they embody the spirit of innovation and expansion that is redefining the economic landscape of Saudi Arabia.
Digging deeper into the dynamics of the list reveals a blend of inherited and newly minted wealth. While some billionaires inherited their fortunes, others have diligently built their empires from the ground up. In fact, six of the newcomers have recently listed their companies on the Saudi stock exchange, demonstrating the kingdom’s evolving financial ecosystem. It’s a colorful tapestry of family legacies and entrepreneurial ventures, indicating that while some faced challenges, others found opportunities in their changing economy.
The absence of Saudi billionaires from the Forbes list wasn’t just about the wealth itself; it was about trust—specifically, the lack of reliable information regarding ownership and finances in the aftermath of the Crown Prince’s 2017 crackdown. The fear of repercussions loomed large, leading many to remain tight-lipped about their fortunes. Some experts point to an ongoing reluctance among Saudis to discuss financial matters openly—an echo of the delicate dance of power in the kingdom as it navigates a modernizing world.
As the dust begins to settle after years of uncertainty, Saudi billionaires are embracing their return to the global spotlight. With new listing trends and robust business ventures, it seems the Kingdom is ready to showcase its wealth once again. These 15 billionaires are not just names on a list; they represent the resilience of an economic powerhouse that continues to evolve and adapt amidst challenges, enhancing the narrative of wealth in the Middle East. Who knows what the next chapter will bring? For now, they are back, and they are ready to shine.
