2) The Sawiris family (Egypt) – Net Worth: $10 Billion

This family owns Orascom conglomerate. It is involved in many ventures. Naguib Sawiris announced that the business would be investing $1 billion in Egypt during the current year. Naguib, the eldest son of Onsi (the patriarch of the family), and his brothers Nassef and Samih are adding to the wealth of the family. They took over the Orascom conglomerate from their father and expanded the same into a telecommunications, hotel, construction and development business.

1) The Olayan family (Saudi Arabia) – Net Worth: $12.5 Billion

Suleiman S. Olayan launched his first business in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia in 1947. Since then this private and closely held business has transformed itself into a multinational enterprise with offices in three continents. It employs 50,000 people in its 5 affiliated companies. Its main investment portfolio covers public and private equities, fixed income securities, real estate and other specialized assets. The group has partnered with Mondelez International, the world’s largest snack food company, to distribute its products in Saudi Arabia.

The House of Saudi (Saudi Arabia Royal Family) – $1.4 Trillion

According to Saudi experts, the royal net worth is around $1.4 trillion. More than 10,000 princes use this wealth to wield their political influence and to keep the common folk at bay. The family earned immense wealth during the periods of high oil prices; in the late seventies, early eighties and immediately after the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. During these years, income of the state was more than its developmental needs and social obligations.

The members of the above-mentioned families are all rich and famous. Many of them are involved in humanitarian activities. They command the respect of people in their respective countries.