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Forbes 2026: 10 Cypriot Billionaires Revolutionizing Global Industries

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 12, 2026

Overview

Forbes’ 2026 World’s Billionaires List features 10 Cypriot magnates whose fortunes span diverse sectors including shipping, infrastructure, real estate, software, and aviation. These business titans illustrate the dynamic blend of heritage and innovation, fueling global markets with their expansive investments and transformative enterprises.

John Fredriksen: Commanding The Seas

Net Worth: $21.2 Billion | Age: 81 | Citizenship: Cyprus | Ranking: 118 Worldwide

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John Fredriksen, renowned for his shipping empire, has built a formidable portfolio that includes tankers, LNG carriers, and offshore drilling platforms. Launching his oil trading operations in Beirut during the 1960s, he now maneuvers his legacy through companies such as Seadrill and Mowi. Notably, Fredriksen is preparing to pass the reins to his twin daughters, Kathrine and Cecilie.

Vinod Adani: Powering Infrastructure

Net Worth: $20.8 Billion | Age: 77 | Citizenship: Cyprus | Ranking: 121 Worldwide

Vinod Adani, the elder brother of Gautam Adani, drives significant advancements in ports, airports, and green energy. Despite controversies including market manipulation allegations by Hindenburg Research in 2023, his strategic investments continue to shape vital infrastructure developments from his base in Dubai, UAE.

Yakir Gabay: Redefining Real Estate

Net Worth: $4.2 Billion | Age: 59 | Citizenship: Cyprus | Ranking: 1011 Worldwide

Transitioning from a career with Bank Leumi in Israel, Yakir Gabay has become a significant real estate investor in Europe. Holding major stakes in Aroundtown SA and Grand City Properties, his strategic property investments have solidified his status as a key player in the market.

Igor Makarov: Strategic Energy Investments

Net Worth: $2.3 Billion | Age: 63 | Citizenship: Cyprus | Ranking: 1834 Worldwide

Founder of Itera, Igor Makarov is recognized for his pioneering role in Turkmenistan’s natural gas exports and subsequent energy ventures. Collaborating with Rosneft in joint ventures, Makarov transitioned from Russian to Cypriot citizenship in 2023 to further expand his investment footprint.

Vladimir Krupchak: Building With Timber

Net Worth: $1.6 Billion | Age: 68 | Citizenship: Cyprus | Ranking: 2481 Worldwide

Vladimir Krupchak has diversified his wealth through his involvement with Arkhangelsk Pulp and Paper Mill and various Russian enterprises. His investments extend to the timber market via Titan Group, reflecting a blend of industrial vigor and political engagement, having also served in the Russian State Duma.

Stelios Haji-Ioannou: The EasyJet Legacy

Net Worth: $1.4 Billion | Age: 59 | Citizenship: Cyprus | Ranking: 2712 Worldwide

As the founder of EasyJet, Stelios Haji-Ioannou revolutionized low-cost aviation when he launched the carrier in 1995. Retaining a 4% stake in the airline, he has also expanded the family brand through easyGroup, licensing it to ventures such as easyHotel and easyCar.

Polys Haji-Ioannou: Upholding A Family Tradition

Net Worth: $1.4 Billion | Age: 66 | Citizenship: Cyprus | Ranking: 2712 Worldwide

Polys Haji-Ioannou, born into a family long synonymous with maritime excellence, maintains his family’s legacy within EasyJet and the shipping industry, overseeing a fleet of 14 tanker vessels. His contributions underscore the enduring influence of heritage in modern business.

Sergey Dmitriev: Innovating Through Software

Net Worth: $1.4 Billion | Age: 59 | Citizenship: Cyprus | Ranking: 2712 Worldwide

Co-founder of JetBrains, Sergey Dmitriev is instrumental in empowering over 10 million developers worldwide. His decision to renounce Russian citizenship in 2023 and embrace Cypriot nationality aligns with a broader vision of technological innovation and global expansion.

Clelia Haji-Ioannou: A Blend of Art And Aviation

Net Worth: $1.2 Billion | Age: 55 | Citizenship: Cyprus | Ranking: 3017 Worldwide

Clelia Haji-Ioannou, heiress to a shipping dynasty, plays a crucial role in EasyJet’s operations while diversifying her portfolio with substantial European real estate holdings and a private art gallery in Athens featuring renowned artists.

Valentin Kipyatkov: Software And Strategic Partnerships

Net Worth: $1 Billion | Age: 49 | Citizenship: Cyprus | Ranking: 3332 Worldwide

As a co-founder of JetBrains alongside Sergey Dmitriev, Valentin Kipyatkov has been pivotal to the firm’s growth and profitability. His sustained contributions in software development and strategic business maneuvers have cemented his reputation as a key player in the tech arena.

Conclusion

The diverse portfolios and strategic visions of these 10 Cypriot billionaires highlight a remarkable confluence of traditional industries and modern technological paradigms. Their global influence not only reinforces Cyprus’s growing prominence on the world stage but also serves as a testament to dynamic leadership and innovation in the competitive realm of wealth creation.

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Cyprus Promotes Ship Registry In Asia As Fleet Grows To 25-Year High

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 19, 2026

Cyprus is stepping up efforts to attract international shipowners, with Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis holding high-level meetings in China and Japan as the country’s ship register reaches its strongest level in 25 years.

Running from October 14 to 29, the Asian mission focuses on expanding commercial ties, promoting the advantages of the Cyprus flag and strengthening cooperation with shipowners, shipbuilders and maritime authorities.

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China Meetings Target Shipowners And Industry Leaders

In Shanghai, Hadjimanolis met Wang Qian, vice-director of the Shanghai Pudong New Area Commission of Commerce and Shipping Service Office, ahead of the North Bund International Shipping Forum on October 20–21. Organisers expect around 4,000 participants from more than 50 countries and regions, with discussions covering international shipping, maritime safety, financing, insurance, digitalisation and the transition to cleaner fuels.

The minister also met representatives of Dalian Trawind Shipping and Fortuna Shipbrokers Inc. to present the Cyprus registry’s advantages and explore registration opportunities for vessel owners. On October 20, she is scheduled to speak at the 10th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum in Pudong, joining a ministerial roundtable on international maritime leadership.

A visit to Zhoushan is also planned for the naming ceremony of Kypros Island, a new vessel for the Cyprus register owned by Safe Bulkers. Launched in June at the Tsuneishi shipyard on Xiushan Island, the 81,200-deadweight-tonne methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier is scheduled for delivery at the end of October. According to the Zhejiang Maritime Safety Administration, sea trials were due to take place between October 11 and 16.

Japan Engagements Strengthen Maritime Ties

Before travelling to China, Hadjimanolis met Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kenta Aoshima, in Tokyo on October 16. Her programme also included meetings with senior representatives of Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Nihon Shipyard, NYK Line, ITOCHU Corporation and SSY Projects, focusing on cooperation with Japanese shipowners, shipbuilders and shipping operators.

At the 5th Annual Capital Link Japan Maritime Forum, held at the Tokyo American Club, Hadjimanolis discussed maritime leadership, competitiveness, policy and international cooperation with Capital Link founder and president Nicolas Bornozis. Other sessions examined Japan’s shipbuilding strategy, new-vessel financing and the development of ammonia-powered ships.

The Tokyo programme followed a Cyprus Ship Registry reception on October 15 for representatives of Japan’s maritime and business communities. Hadjimanolis outlined the country’s shipping services and regulatory framework, while Polys Hajioannou, chief executive of Safe Bulkers and president of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, delivered the opening remarks.

Registry Reaches Highest Level In 25 Years

At the reception, Hadjimanolis said the Cyprus Ship Registry had grown by 27% since September 2023, reaching its highest level in a quarter of a century. She attributed the expansion to efforts to improve competitiveness, simplify administrative procedures and provide more responsive services to international shipowners.

Cyprus’s inclusion on the White Lists of the Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding was another point highlighted by the minister. These lists reflect the safety and inspection performance of ships flying a national flag.

Existing commercial links with Japan include Safe Bulkers’ announcement in May of four Japanese-built dry bulk vessels scheduled for delivery in 2029.

South Korea Next On The Maritime Agenda

Hadjimanolis’ mission will continue in South Korea, where she is expected to attend the 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event and Korea Maritime Week alongside International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and government representatives from several countries.

Her programme will also include discussions on implementing international maritime conventions and bilateral talks aimed at strengthening Cyprus’s shipping ties with South Korea.

The Asian outreach comes as maritime centres compete for shipowners amid geopolitical uncertainty, fleet renewal and pressure to reduce shipping emissions. For Cyprus, the strategy combines promotion of its registry with closer relationships across Asia’s shipbuilding and shipping sectors.