Family-owned businesses across the Arab world continue to play a pivotal role in wealth creation and economic growth, operating across strategic sectors including energy, construction, retail, healthcare, logistics, financial services, and more.

Against this backdrop, Forbes Middle East has unveiled its "Top 100 Arab Family Businesses 2026" ranking, highlighting the companies driving innovation, growth, and long-term business sustainability across generations.

The ranking evaluated family-owned and family-managed companies based on several criteria, including asset size and value, business performance over the past year, investments achieved, corporate legacy and history, as well as business diversification across sectors and geographic markets.

GCC Companies Dominate the Ranking

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries continue to dominate the list, accounting for 86 of the 100 companies featured. Saudi Arabia leads with 32 companies, followed by the UAE with 31 and Qatar with 10. The ranking also includes businesses from Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Lebanon, and Algeria.

Abdul Latif Jameel Tops the List

This year's ranking was led by Abdul Latif Jameel, chaired by Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel. Over the past year, the company expanded its global footprint by entering seven new markets: the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Poland, the UAE, South Africa, and Iraq.

The Al-Futtaim Group ranked second under the leadership of Vice Chairman and CEO Omar Abdullah Al Futtaim, while Egypt's Mansour Group secured third place, becoming the only family-owned business from outside the GCC to reach the top ten.

Legacy Meets Transformation

Many companies on the list boast histories spanning more than a century. Among them is Oman's Towell Group, founded in 1866, making it the oldest company featured in this year's ranking.

At the same time, the list includes newer entities formed through mergers, restructuring efforts, and the consolidation of family investments. Notable examples include Morocco's O Capital Group and Saudi Arabia's Nahdi Family Office.

Expansion and Strategic Investments

The 2026 ranking reflects a blend of stability and transformation within the region's family business landscape.

Qatar's Power International Holding secured two infrastructure contracts in Syria worth a combined $11 billion.

Egypt's Hassan Allam Holding announced a record project backlog valued at $7.2 billion in 2025.

Saudi Arabia's Zahid Group led a consortium that acquired South Africa's Barloworld Limited in a deal valuing the company at approximately $1.3 billion, taking it private.

Meanwhile, Alghanim Industries launched "Barq," a fast-charging electric vehicle network in Kuwait in December 2025, while the Abdul Wahed Al Rostamani Group introduced the all-electric Smart #5 SUV in the UAE for the first time this year.