The Middle East’s real estate sector is thriving, and this year’s list of the region’s 100 Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders from Forbes Middle East highlights the individuals shaping the future of its skyline. With years of experience, major projects, and eye-popping financials, these leaders are powering a real estate revolution that shows no signs of slowing down.
The UAE leads the charge, dominating the list with 42 leaders, followed by Saudi Arabia (21 entries) and Egypt (16). Taking the top spot for the second consecutive year is Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties, who has seen his net worth soar to $10.2 billion, a sharp increase from $5.1 billion in 2024. The company’s $750 million Sukuk issuance in February 2025 solidified DAMAC’s position as a key player in the region’s real estate market.
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Not far behind Sajwani is Mohamed Alabbar, the founder and Managing Director of Emaar Properties, who ranks second. Emaar’s portfolio, including iconic developments like the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, continues to shape Dubai’s urban identity. Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO of Aldar Properties, takes third, cementing the UAE’s dominance among the top 10 leaders.
Among this year’s list of billionaires, five control a collective fortune of $19.3 billion. These include Sajwani, Alabbar, and Sobha Group’s PNC Menon, along with Kabir Mulchandani of FIVE Holdings and Yasseen Mansour of Palm Hills Developments. Together, these titans wield significant power across the region’s property markets, from Dubai’s ultra-luxury developments to Saudi Arabia’s emerging urban hubs.
While the UAE claims the majority of the top spots, the list spans the full spectrum of the Middle East’s property scene. From Bahrain’s long-established Kanoo Real Estate, managed by CEO Mohamed Abdulelah Al Kooheji, to the rapidly emerging ONE Development, founded in 2024 by Ali Al Gebely, the list reflects both the region’s legacy and its forward-looking ambitions.
The Market’s Record-Breaking Growth
2024 was a banner year for MENA’s real estate industry, marked by record-breaking transactions and a surge in investor confidence. Dubai led the way, with real estate transactions hitting $207.2 billion—a 20% jump from 2023. The city attracted over 110,000 new investors, a 55% increase from the previous year, reflecting growing global interest in Dubai’s resilient property market.
Saudi Arabia also saw substantial gains, with real estate transactions across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam reaching $32 billion, up 50% from 2023. Abu Dhabi’s market grew by 10.45%, bringing the total transaction value to $26.2 billion.
Transformative Projects And Ambitious Investments
Across the MENA region, ambitious megaprojects and new urban developments are reshaping the real estate landscape. Egypt’s $35 billion investment partnership with the UAE’s ADQ-led consortium will build the Ras Al-Hikma city on Egypt’s North Coast, further solidifying the region’s appeal as a hotbed for transformative real estate projects.
As we move into 2025, the Middle East’s real estate market shows no signs of cooling. With leaders like Sajwani, Alabbar, and Al Dhiyebi at the helm, the region’s dynamic real estate industry will continue to thrive, driven by high-demand markets, bold megaprojects, and innovative investments that are setting the standard globally.
The Top 10 Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders In The Middle East For 2025
- Hussain Sajwani – Founder & Chairman, DAMAC Properties (UAE)
- Mohamed Alabbar – Founder & Managing Director, Emaar Properties (UAE)
- Talal Al Dhiyebi – Group CEO, Aldar Properties (UAE)
- Hisham Talaat Moustafa – CEO & Managing Director, Talaat Moustafa Group Holding (Egypt)
- Khalid Al Malik – CEO, Dubai Holding Real Estate (UAE)
- Hesham Al Qassim – CEO, Wasl Group (UAE)
- Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiya – Chairman, Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company (Qatar)
- Muhammad BinGhatti – Chairman, Binghatti Developers (UAE)
- PNC Menon – Founder, Sobha Group (UAE)
- Rizwan Sajan – Founder & Chairman, Danube Properties (UAE)
The Middle East’s property scene is not only a testament to its growth but also to the leadership shaping its future. With giants like these at the helm, the sky’s the limit.
