Top 100 Arabs 2024

49. Nassef Sawiris

Executive Chairman, OCI And Co-Owner, Aston Villa FC

Origin: Egypt

Residence: UK

Sector: Industry & Investments

2023 Rank: 51

With investment interests ranging from sports to industry, Sawiris’ NNS Group is moving its headquarters to the Abu Dhabi Global Market, joining a wave of global investors that have set up shop in the emirate. From Abu Dhabi, the billionaire’s family office and investment group aims to build significant stakes in a concentrated number of companies, primarily in Europe, the Middle East and North America. V Sports, Sawiris’ joint venture with American billionaire Wesley Edens, has had full control of English soccer club Aston Villa since 2019 and the holding firm has a network of clubs under its umbrella, including Portuguese club Vitoria S.C. and partnerships with sides in Spain, Egypt and Japan. Nassef owns a 39 per cent stake in Euronext-listed chemical producer OCI. The Egyptian billionaire’s portfolio further includes stakes in Adidas and Arkema.

Karim Awad

Khalid Al Rumaihi