The latest Forbes Billionaires ranking for 2025 was released in early April, setting new records with a total of $16.1 trillion—$2 trillion more than the previous year. No longer just a compilation of names and figures, it now serves as a map of the global economic elite, where market surges, major acquisitions, and breakthrough innovations can propel entrepreneurs into the ranks of the world’s wealthiest.
Elon Musk remains the world’s richest person, maintaining his position with a fortune of $342 billion. The Tesla and SpaceX founder continues to dominate the ranking, further consolidating his technological and aerospace empire. Competition, however, remains intense. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, holds second place with $216 billion, followed closely by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos at $215 billion.
The ranking also includes some of the most influential figures in global business. Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison stands at $192 billion, while Bernard Arnault, head of LVMH, holds $178 billion. Legendary investor Warren Buffett has seen his fortune climb to $166 billion. Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin follow with $161 billion and $153 billion, respectively. Rounding out the top tier, Zara founder Amancio Ortega is worth $124 billion, while former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer stands at $118 billion.
In March 2025, the world’s ten wealthiest figures saw their collective fortune drop by $157 billion, driven by a decline in US stock prices, concerns over new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, and fears of a recession. Despite the setback, their combined wealth remains substantial, standing at $1.73 trillion, according to Forbes.
Where Do the Lebanese Stand in the Global Billionaire Rankings?
No Lebanese figures rank in the top ten, but they are present on Forbes' billionaire lists. According to the latest ranking, Lebanon has six citizens among the world’s wealthiest, with a combined fortune of $12.48 billion.
Who leads the Lebanese contingent in Forbes’ 2025 edition? Telecom moguls Taha and Najib Mikati rank at the top, each with a net worth of $3.14 billion, placing them 1,123rd globally. As heads of the M1 Group, they have built a dominant presence in the telecommunications sector.
Next is Baha’a Hariri, a dominant figure in real estate, with a fortune of $2.01 billion, placing him 1,700th globally. The heir to a powerful legacy, he built his own empire through Horizon Group, a company that has transformed concrete into wealth.
Close behind, Robert Mouawad, a towering name in high-end jewelry, holds a net worth of $1.55 billion, ranking 2,097th. Renowned for redefining luxury with his eponymous brand, he remains a key figure in the world of fine jewelry.
Next is Ayman Hariri, who has skillfully merged social media and construction. As co-founder of Vero—a social media platform gaining momentum—he has expanded his investments, building a fortune of $1.4 billion, ranking 2,274th globally.
Finally, Fahed Hariri, the youngest of the Hariri brothers, has likewise established himself. With a net worth of $1.24 billion, placing him 2,479th, he has built a strong presence in real estate, shaping each project with his distinctive vision.
The data, based on Forbes' assessments and calculated using stock prices and exchange rates as of March 8, 2025, underscores the significant influence these figures wield in the business world.
Forbes' billionaire ranking is more than just a snapshot of those who have built vast fortunes. It serves as a barometer of global economic trends, highlighting the sectors driving the economy and the countries fostering investment across generations. More than that, it offers valuable insight for entrepreneurs, investors, and even observers seeking to understand the true forces shaping the global economy.
While no Lebanese billionaire has yet broken into the top ten, Lebanon still holds significant potential. A boost in innovation and economic growth could be enough to propel prominent figures into the highest ranks in the years ahead. Until then, this ranking is worth keeping an eye on—after all, a Lebanese name could one day claim a spot among the world’s wealthiest.
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