The allure of immense wealth is undeniable. For many, tracking the fortunes of the ultra-rich holds a certain fascination, a captivating glimpse into a world far removed from everyday financial concerns like mortgages or investment portfolios. This fascination reflects a broader cultural phenomenon – the idolization of wealth and the almost mythical status afforded to the super-rich. These business titans and their families become figures of public interest, their ability to maintain or expand their elite status constantly under scrutiny.
This exploration delves into the world’s wealthiest families, focusing on those who built their fortunes through enterprising businesses – dynasties that have spanned generations, accumulating staggering wealth. While individual billionaires like Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk capture headlines, family fortunes represent a different scale of wealth, often interwoven with history, legacy, and complex family dynamics. Let’s uncover which families sit atop the global wealth pyramid.
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The Walton Family: The Reigning Titans of Retail
Estimated Wealth: $432.4 billion
Company: Walmart
The Walton family, founders of the retail behemoth Walmart, once again claims the title of the Family Richest In The World. Briefly surpassed in 2023 by the Al Nahyan family, the Waltons have reclaimed their top spot, a testament to the enduring power of their retail empire. At the forefront of this dynasty are Jim, Rob, and Alice Walton, each individually ranking among the world’s wealthiest billionaires.
Walmart, established by Sam Walton in Arkansas in 1962, has grown into the world’s largest company by revenue. In fiscal year 2024, Walmart generated a staggering $648 billion in revenue and employs over 2.1 million associates globally. The sheer scale of Walmart’s operation is immense, with over 10,600 retail stores worldwide, including 5,206 in the United States alone as of February 2025.
Synonymous with big-box stores across rural and suburban America, Walmart is celebrated for its commitment to low prices, making goods accessible to a vast consumer base. However, the company has also faced criticism regarding its labor practices. Interestingly, while Walmart has achieved unparalleled success across the United States, it has struggled to replicate its big-box model in urban environments like New York City, where competitors like Target have found greater traction. The Walton family’s control over this retail giant firmly cements their position as the family richest in the world.
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Al Nahyan Family: Ruling Abu Dhabi’s Oil Riches
Estimated Wealth: $323.9 billion
Company: Abu Dhabi Royal Family
The Al Nahyan family, the royal family of Abu Dhabi, secures its place as the second family richest in the world. Often referred to as the “House of Nahyan,” this family’s immense wealth is intrinsically linked to the vast oil reserves of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the head of the family, holds significant power as the ruler of Abu Dhabi and the President of the UAE.
The UAE’s economic transformation is largely attributed to its abundant oil wealth, and the Al Nahyan family has been at the helm of this transformation. Abu Dhabi, in particular, stands out as an exceptionally oil-rich emirate, contributing significantly to the family’s fortune.
Sheikh Mohamed’s ascension to power in 2022 marked a continuation of the family’s long-standing rule. He succeeded his brother, Sheikh Khalifa, who led the country from 2004 to 2022, and before him, their father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding President of the UAE from 1971 to 2004. This lineage underscores the deep-rooted control of the Al Nahyan family.
The family’s staggering wealth is not solely derived from oil ownership but also from highly profitable wealth funds that manage their vast assets, further solidifying their financial dominance and status as one of the family richest in the world.
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Al Thani Family: Qatar’s Dynasty of Gas and Investments
Estimated Wealth: $172.9 billion
Company: Royal Family of Qatar
The Al Thani family, the royal family of Qatar, ranks as the third family richest in the world, continuing their reign over Qatar since the mid-19th century. Their rule has spanned the evolution of modern Qatar, navigating wars and overcoming coup attempts, demonstrating their resilience and enduring power.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani played a pivotal role in transforming Qatar into a significant global power during his 18-year reign. His ascent to power in 1995, through a bloodless coup that deposed his father, was a decisive move to solidify his control and steer Qatar towards a new era.
Under Sheikh Hamad’s leadership, Qatar experienced an unprecedented surge in natural gas production, driven by the exploitation of offshore gas fields and the discovery of new oil reserves. This energy boom propelled Qatar to remarkable economic prosperity, reaching an average income of $86,440 per person in 2010.
Beyond the lucrative oil and gas sector, Sheikh Hamad strategically invested billions of dollars in diverse global businesses, including prominent names like Volkswagen, Total, Sainsbury’s, and Barclays bank. In 2018, Sheikh Hamad abdicated the throne to his fourth son, Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al Thani, ensuring a smooth transition of power within the Al Thani dynasty, which remains among the family richest in the world.
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Hermès Family: Crafting Luxury for Generations
Estimated Wealth: $170.6 billion
Company: Hermès
The Hermès family, custodians of the iconic French fashion house Hermès, secures its place as the fourth family richest in the world. Renowned for its exquisite luxury goods, Hermès has captivated the world with its signature scarves, neckties, perfumes, and, most famously, the coveted Kelly and Birkin handbags. The origins of this luxury empire trace back to the 19th century when Thierry Hermès established the company, initially crafting riding apparel for the aristocracy.
Today, Hermès transcends its equestrian roots, dressing contemporary icons like basketball legend LeBron James. Blending tradition with innovation, Hermès has also ventured into modern technology, collaborating with Apple to create Hermès Apple Watches, a fusion of luxury and technology. Currently, Axel Dumas serves as the company’s executive director, and Pierre-Alexis Dumas holds the position of artistic executive vice president, continuing the family’s leadership and vision for this luxury powerhouse, ensuring their position among the family richest in the world.
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Koch Family: Industry and Influence
Estimated Wealth: $148.5 billion
Company: Koch Industries
The Koch family, synonymous with Koch Industries, ranks as the fifth family richest in the world. Charles Koch’s vast fortune originated from an oil business founded by his father. However, Charles Koch has become equally known for his significant influence in American politics. He has channeled his wealth into financing conservative candidates and libertarian think tanks, funding university professorships, and lobbying for policy positions, all aimed at promoting a conservative agenda.
Charles Koch partnered with his brother David until David’s passing in 2019. Charles Koch’s individual net worth is estimated at $58.5 billion. David’s widow, Julia Koch, and her family also hold a substantial fortune, further highlighting the Koch family’s collective wealth and influence, solidifying their place among the family richest in the world.
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Al Saud Family: The Kingdom’s Oil Dynasty
Estimated Wealth: $140 billion
Company: Saudi Royal Family
The House of Saud, the royal family of Saudi Arabia, secures its position as the sixth family richest in the world. Their monarchical history stretches back nearly a century, and their immense fortune, estimated at $140 billion, has been accumulated through decades of revenues from the Royal Diwan, the king’s executive office.
The family’s close ties with Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s most profitable companies and a dominant force in the oil industry, ensure the continued growth of their wealth. Saudi Aramco’s success directly translates to the financial prosperity of the Saudi royal family.
Accurately assessing the total wealth of the House of Saud is challenging due to its vast size, encompassing as many as 15,000 extended members. Many members have established their own businesses and secured government contracts, further diversifying and expanding the family’s financial interests. The House of Saud’s enduring wealth and influence firmly place them among the family richest in the world.
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Mars Family: The Sweet Empire of Candy and Pet Care
Estimated Wealth: $133.8 billion
Company: Mars Incorporated
The Mars family, owners of Mars Incorporated, the global confectionery and pet care giant, ranks as the seventh family richest in the world. Mars is akin to the Walmart of the candy world – a multigenerational family business with ubiquitous brands and immense popularity. While initially known for the Mars bar, the company is now perhaps even more famous for M&M’s, a global confectionery icon.
In a strategic move to diversify its portfolio, Mars Incorporated expanded into pet care in 2017 with the acquisition of VCA, a pet care company, for $9.1 billion. This diversification reflects the family’s forward-thinking approach to business growth.
Siblings Jacqueline and John Mars, grandchildren of founder Frank Mars, each possess a substantial net worth. The company is now transitioning to the fourth generation of Mars family members, ensuring the continuation of family leadership and the ongoing legacy of this sweet and savory empire, maintaining their status among the family richest in the world.
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Ambani Family: India’s Industrial Conglomerate
Estimated Wealth: $99.6 billion
Company: Reliance Industries
The Ambani family, controlling Reliance Industries, India’s largest private sector company, is the eighth family richest in the world and the only Asian family to make the top ten. While perhaps less familiar to Western audiences than some other families on this list, Reliance Industries is a powerhouse in the Indian economy.
Mukesh Ambani, CEO of Reliance Industries and son of the company’s founder, Dhirubhai Ambani, oversees a vast conglomerate with interests spanning refining, petrochemicals, oil and gas exploration, textiles, telecommunications, asset management, entertainment, and power generation. His brother, Anil Ambani, manages other segments of the business, highlighting the family’s extensive reach across diverse sectors. Mukesh Ambani’s individual wealth places him among the top billionaires globally, underscoring the Ambani family’s significant financial standing and their position among the family richest in the world.
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Wertheimer Family: The Timeless Elegance of Chanel
Estimated Wealth: $88 billion
Company: Chanel
The Wertheimer family, owners of the iconic French high-fashion house Chanel, ranks as the ninth family richest in the world. Chanel is synonymous with timeless elegance, renowned for the “little black dress,” the legendary No. 5 perfume, and the indelible legacy of the late designer Karl Lagerfeld.
Brothers Alain and Gerhard Wertheimer co-own Chanel, a company that their grandfather helped establish with founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. The Wertheimer brothers have successfully steered Chanel into the modern era while preserving its heritage of luxury and sophistication. Their individual wealth places them among the world’s top billionaires, a testament to the enduring appeal and financial success of the Chanel brand, securing their place among the family richest in the world.
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Thomson Family: Media and Information Power
Estimated Wealth: $87.1 billion
Company: Thomson Reuters
The Thomson family, deriving their wealth from the media and information giant Thomson Reuters, rounds out the top ten family richest in the world. The family’s journey into media began in the 1930s when Roy Thomson established a radio station in Ontario, Canada, later expanding into newspapers.
Roy Thomson’s grandson, David Thomson, currently serves as the chairman of Thomson Reuters, guiding the company in the digital age. Thomson Reuters is a leading provider of business information services, serving professionals in the legal, financial, and media sectors. David Thomson’s individual wealth reflects the continued success and global reach of Thomson Reuters, solidifying the Thomson family’s position among the family richest in the world.
What Is the Richest Family on Earth?
As of 2025, the Walton family stands as the family richest in the world, with a combined net worth exceeding $432 billion. Their enduring retail empire, Walmart, continues to generate immense wealth, securing their top position.
Which 10 Families Are the Wealthiest?
Here is a recap of the top 10 family richest in the world in 2025, ranked by estimated wealth:
- The Walton family: $432 billion
- The Al Nahyan family: $323 billion
- The Al Thani family of Qatar: $172 billion
- The Hermès family: $170.6 billion
- The Koch family: $148.5 billion
- The Saudi royal family: $140 billion
- The Mars family: $133.8 billion
- The Ambani family: $99.6 billion
- The Wertheimer family: $88 billion
- The Thomson family: $87.1 billion
Who Are the Wealthiest People in the World?
It’s important to distinguish between family wealth and individual wealth. As of February 15, 2025, the top three wealthiest individuals globally are:
- Elon Musk (Tesla CEO)
- Jeff Bezos (Amazon founder)
- Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook founder)
These individuals have amassed incredible fortunes, but their wealth is distinct from the multigenerational, shared wealth of the family richest in the world.
How Rich Are the British Royal Family?
The British Royal Family, a subject of immense global fascination, possesses a substantial accumulation of properties, jewels, and art acquired over centuries of rule. However, definitively quantifying their wealth remains challenging. The vastness and historical significance of their holdings, coupled with a tradition of financial secrecy, make precise assessments difficult. While undoubtedly wealthy and influential, the British Royal Family’s wealth is structured and managed differently from the business-driven fortunes of the family richest in the world listed above.
The Bottom Line
This exploration of the family richest in the world highlights the enduring power of family businesses in wealth creation. From retail giants like Walmart to confectionery empires like Mars and luxury brands like Hermès, these families have built lasting legacies across generations. Some of these businesses, like Walmart, are now publicly traded, while others, such as Mars Incorporated and Koch Industries, remain privately held family enterprises.
While the immense wealth of these families is undeniable, it exists within a global context of rising wealth inequality. As we examine these dynasties of wealth, it’s crucial to consider the broader implications of wealth distribution and the evolving landscape of global economics. The stories of the family richest in the world offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of immense fortunes, business empires, and the complex dynamics of family wealth that shapes our world.
