The Forbes Middle East 2026 list of the region’s Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders has once again highlighted the dominance of the United Arab Emirates, which secured an impressive 47 entries. This places it well ahead of Saudi Arabia with 21 representatives and Egypt with 17, underlining the UAE’s continued leadership in shaping the region’s property and development landscape.
Topping the rankings for the second consecutive year is Hussain Sajwani, the founder of DAMAC Properties, reflecting his sustained influence and the company’s major role in luxury real estate development. He is followed by Mohamed Alabbar, the driving force behind Emaar Properties, and Talal Al Dhiyebi, who leads Aldar Properties. Together, these leaders represent some of the most influential figures shaping urban growth and architectural innovation across the Gulf.
According to Forbes, the region’s real estate sector continues to expand in both scale and global relevance, with 11 billionaires featured on the list holding a combined net worth of approximately $39.4 billion. This reflects not only the financial strength of these individuals but also the increasing attractiveness of Middle Eastern property markets to international investors.
Ongoing mega-projects, strategic global partnerships, and ambitious urban planning initiatives are playing a key role in transforming skylines across the region. From iconic towers to large-scale mixed-use developments, these efforts are reinforcing the UAE’s position as a central hub for real estate investment, innovation, and long-term economic growth.
