Forbes UAE tops list of most influential real estate companies in the region 2026

Forbes UAE tops list of most influential real estate companies in the region 2026

The Middle East real estate market continues its rapid growth, driven by expanding infrastructure projects and increased investment in non-oil sectors.

For the third consecutive year, Forbes Middle East has highlighted the most influential real estate leaders in the region, according to the UAE's Al Khaleej newspaper. The list showcases a select group of developers who have shaped major cities and projects across the region. Data for the ranking was collected over several months, based on a range of criteria including years of experience, the value of completed and ongoing projects, company financial data (including total assets and revenues, if available), land portfolio size, and the number of properties owned.

The list includes 47 leaders from the UAE, followed by Saudi Arabia with 21, and Egypt with 17, reflecting the continued concentration of real estate activity in these key markets.

Hussain Sajwani, founder and chairman of Damac Properties, tops the list for the second consecutive year. Under his leadership, Damac has continued to expand its global partnerships, most recently launching the Chelsea Residences project in partnership with Chelsea Football Club. He is followed in second place by Mohamed Alabbar, founder and managing director of Emaar Properties, and then Talal Al Dhiyabi, CEO of Aldar Group, in third. All three are based in the UAE, reinforcing the country's position as a leading real estate hub in the region. The list includes 11 billionaires with a combined net worth of $39.4 billion (AED 145 billion), underscoring the role of the real estate sector as a major driver of wealth creation in the region. Strategic partnerships and branded projects are also reshaping the real estate landscape in the region.

As developers increasingly collaborate with global brands, Binghatti Holding, led by Mohammed Binghatti (ranked 8th), launched the $8 billion Mercedes-Benz Places by Binghatti project in early 2026 (US$29.3 billion), spanning over 10 million square meters. This year's list includes a diverse range of companies, from established institutions to ambitious startups. Madinet Nasr Housing and Development, led by its CEO and Managing Director Abdullah Sallam, is the oldest real estate developer on the list, having been founded in 1959.

In contrast, the UAE-based One Real Estate Development, led by its founder and Chairman Ali Al-Jubaili, is the newest company on the list, having been established in 2023. Continuing the discussion on the future of real estate, Forbes Middle East will hold the second edition of its "Building the Future" summit in Abu Dhabi on June 23 and 24, 2026, with the participation of leading industry figures. The most influential real estate company leaders in the Middle East 2026.