42. Khalaf Al Habtoor
Founding chairman, Al Habtoor Group
Origin: UAE
Residence: UAE
Sector: Diversified
2024 Rank: 36
Al Habtoor is one of the UAE’s most prominent businessmen, leading the Dubai-based Al Habtoor Group across hospitality, automotive, real estate, and education sectors.
In 2024, he announced the launch of Al Habtoor Tower, an 81-storey residential skyscraper featuring 1,701 luxury units, set to be one of Dubai’s tallest residential buildings.
The group’s real estate portfolio continues to expand, including the 283-unit Jumeirah waterfront development unveiled last year. Internationally, Al Habtoor maintains business interests across the UK, US, Austria, Hungary, and Lebanon.
However,in early 2025, he announced the cancellation of all planned investments in Lebanon, citing instability concerns.
Al Habtoor has also reiterated his openness to potentially listing some group subsidiaries, reflecting strategic flexibility in the evolving UAE market landscape.
