Top 10 Richest Indian Expats in the UAE

Over the years, the UAE has transformed into a land of opportunity for people from all around the world. Today, many of the richest people in the UAE are Indian expats who have built powerful business empires across various industries. The success of these richest Indian expats in the UAE highlights the power of vision, unwavering resilience, and the dynamic opportunities the United Arab Emirates offers.

So, who are the names behind this success? Here’s a closer look at the top 10 richest Indian expats in the UAE.

Vinod Adani – $20.8 Billion

Net Worth in 2026: $20.8 Billion
Net Worth in 2025: $14.9 Billion
Global Ranking: 121
Sector: Diversified
Residence: Dubai
Nationality: Cypriot (of Indian descent)

Topping the list is Vinod Adani, who ranks 121st globally with a fortune estimated at USD 20.8 billion. The elder brother of industrialist Gautam Adani, he is associated with several overseas investment firms linked to the Adani Group. The group itself has wide-ranging interests, including ports, airports, energy generation and transmission, logistics, and commodities trading.

M.A. Yusuff Ali – $5.8 Billion

Net Worth in 2026: $5.8 Billion
Net Worth in 2025: $5.5 Billion
Global Ranking: 720
Sector: Retail
Residence: Abu Dhabi
Nationality: Indian

Yusuff Ali M.A., the leading retail magnate in the Middle East, ranks 720th globally with an estimated net worth of USD 5.8 billion. He leads LuLu Group as its chairman and managing director. Under his leadership, the retail powerhouse has expanded to operate over 240 hypermarkets and shopping destinations across the Gulf and other regions.
He is known not just for his visionary leadership but also for his strong focus on employee welfare and environmentally conscious business practices. 

Renuka Jagtiani – $5.6 Billion 

Net Worth in 2026: $5.6 Billion
Net Worth in 2025: $5.6 Billion
Global Ranking: 749
Sector: Retail
Residence: Dubai
Nationality: Indian

Ranking 749th globally with a net worth of USD 5.6 billion, Renuka Jagtiani leads the Landmark Group as its chairperson. The group, which operates in 17 countries, has established a strong footprint across the Middle East, Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. It has now expanded across multiple sectors, including retail, hospitality, fitness, logistics, and entertainment.

Planning to send money overseas? Click here to check live rates and send money instantly.

Joy Alukkas – $5.2 Billion

Net Worth in 2026: $5.2 Billion
Net Worth in 2025: $6.7 Billion
Global Ranking: 823
Sector: Retail
Residence: Dubai
Nationality: Indian

Joy Alukkas, founder and chairman of the Joyalukkas Group, has transformed a family-run jewelry business into a global retail brand. He established Joy Alukkas Jewellery in 2001, building on his early experience in the family business to expand it into an international brand.
The company headquarters are based in Thrissur and Dubai, and it has since expanded across the UAE, India, and several GCC countries. The growth of the brand was further strengthened in 2012, when it was authorised to retail Forevermark diamonds from De Beers.

Ravi Pillai – $4.2 Billion 

Net Worth in 2026: $4.2 Billion
Net Worth in 2025: $3.7 Billion
Global Ranking: 1011
Sector: Construction
Residence: Dubai
Nationality: Indian

Construction magnate Ravi Pillai, founder of the RP Group, has made a significant mark in the construction sector since launching the company in 1978. He ranks 1011th globally with an estimated net worth of USD 4.2 billion. In addition to his core business, he has expanded his investments in India, with stakes in banking, hospitality, and real estate.

Sunny Varkey – $4 Billion 

Net Worth in 2026: $4 Billion
Net Worth in 2025: $3.9 Billion
Global Ranking: 1074
Sector: Education
Residence: Dubai
Nationality: Indian

Sunny Varkey, founder of GEMS Education, now ranks 1074th worldwide with an estimated net worth of USD 4 billion. The son of two Indian teachers who migrated to Dubai in 1959, he went on to build one of the world’s largest private school networks. Today, GEMS Education stands as a global leader in private schooling, reflecting his vision and long-standing commitment to education.

P.N.C. Menon – $3.9 Billion

Net Worth in 2026: $3.9 Billion
Net Worth in 2025: $3.4 Billion
Global Ranking: 1108
Sector: Real Estate
Residence: Dubai
Nationality: Omani (of Indian origin)

P.N.C. Menon, founder of the Sobha Group, ranks 1108th globally with an estimated net worth of USD 3.9 billion. His journey began in Oman back in 1976, where he started out in interior design. Over time, his ventures gradually expanded into real estate. He established Sobha Developers in Bangalore in 1995, and later launched Sobha Realty in Dubai in 2003.

Kabir Mulchandani – $2.2 Billion 

Net Worth in 2026: $2.2 Billion
Net Worth in 2025: $2.2 Billion
Global Ranking: 1913
Sector: Real Estate
Residence: Dubai
Nationality: Indian

Kabir Mulchandani, founder of Dubai-based FIVE Holdings, ranks 1913th globally with an estimated net worth of USD 2.2 billion. The real estate company, founded in 2011, has now grown into a luxury hospitality brand operating hotels and resorts across the Middle East, Spain, and Switzerland.

Shamsheer Vayalil – $1.8 Billion

Net Worth in 2026: $1.8 Billion
Net Worth in 2025: $2 Billion
Global Ranking: 2274
Sector: Healthcare
Residence: Abu Dhabi
Nationality: Indian

Shamsheer Vayalil ranks 2274th worldwide with an estimated net worth of USD 1.8 billion, and heads Burjeel Holdings as its founder and chairman. He leads an extensive healthcare network across the Middle East, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. His wealth rose sharply after the firm’s 2022 IPO on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, though it experienced a recent decline.

Also Read: Top 10 Weakest Currencies in the World

Dhruv Sawhney – $1.6 Billion 

Net Worth in 2026: $1.6 Billion
Net Worth in 2025: $1.9 Billion
Global Ranking: 2481
Sector: Engineering, Sugar Industry
Residence: Dubai
Nationality: Indian

Industrialist Dhruv Sawhney, chairman and managing director of Triveni Engineering & Industries, holds the 2481st position globally with a net worth of USD 1.6 billion. He played a key role in reviving his uncle’s struggling business before merging it with his father’s sugar enterprise. It has now grown into a diversified company operating in sugar production, alcohol-based beverages, and power transmission.

FAQs

Who is the richest person in the world in 2026?

As of 2026, Elon Musk is ranked as the richest person in the world. Though his net worth fluctuates with market conditions, his significant holdings keep him at the top of the billionaire rankings.

How is the net worth of the richest people calculated?

The net worth of the richest people is calculated by adding the total value of all assets, including real estate, company shares, and investments, and subtracting liabilities.

Who are the richest people in the UAE in 2026?

The richest people in the UAE in 2026 are prominent business figures such as Pavel Durov, Hussain Sajwani, M.A. Yusuff Ali, and Vinod Adani. These individuals have built business empires across sectors like technology, energy, real estate, and retail. 

Which industries dominate among the richest people in the UAE?

The richest people in the UAE mainly dominate industries like technology, real estate, banking, retail, and hospitality. These sectors continue to drive significant growth and create business opportunities within the region.

What is the net worth of the richest Indian expat in the UAE in 2026?

As of 2026, the richest Indian expat in the UAE is Vinod Adani. His estimated net worth is 20.8 billion USD, which is primarily linked to investments associated with Adani Group.