The richest man in the world today, Elon Musk, is worth over $200 billion, but do you know there is a family richer than him? Across the world, there are families whose collective wealth runs into hundreds of billions. They often run businesses together and contribute to the growth of their family resources and the popularity of the family name. Have you heard of any of these families and how much they’re worth?
House of Nahyan — estimated at $305 billion
The United Arab Emirates has six ruling families, and the House of Nahyan is one of them. They serve as the ruling royal family of the Abu Dhabi Emirate. Among the multiple sovereign wealth funds they manage is the Mubadala Investment Company, whose estimated assets under management are $1 trillion.
Walton Family — estimated at $259.7 billion
Anyone who frequents the Forbes billionaire list won’t be a stranger to the names of Jim, Rob, and Alicia Walton, who are right now among the top 25 people. These famous names all belong to the same family, the Walton family. The biggest source of the family’s wealth is Walmart, an American multinational founded in 1962.
Hermès Family — estimated at $150.9 billion
It all started when a harness maker called Thierry Hermes opened a workshop in Paris’ rue Basse-du-Rempart in 1837. After him, other family members have made the Hermes name bigger, either by coming up with a new creation or opening a new store. Today, it is Europe’s richest family.
Mars Family — estimated at $141.9 billion
Even though the Walton family has overtaken the Mars family as the US’ richest, the Mars family is still one of the most relevant families in the world. Mars, the family’s brand, is a candy empire. The family is very private and rarely gives interviews. Jacqueline and Victoria B. Mars are some of the members of this family.
House of Thani — estimated at $133 billion
The ruling family of Qatar is the House of Thani, also known as Al Thani. Mohammed bin Thani founded the family in 1847, and to date, they’ve produced roughly 10 Emirs of Qatar. Tamim bin Hamad bin Thani, the Emir of Qatar, currently leads the house, along with his mother.
Koch Family — estimated at $127.3 billion
Koch Family controls Koch Industries, a privately owned business larger than every other privately owned business in the US, save Cargill. Fred Koch started the family business, and by 2019, two of his sons, Charles and David (now late), were still in it. Today, Charles and Julia (David’s widow) are among the richest people in the world.
House of Saud — estimated at $112 billion
This ruling family of Saudi Arabia has existed for 304 years and has been characterized by criticism, opposition, controversy, and wealth! The King of Saudi Arabia is a family member and holds the most important position there. Currently, this king is Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
Ambani Family — estimated at $89.9 billion
India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, is part of one of the world’s richest families, along with Nita (his wife) and their three children—Anant, Akash, and Isha. The family business is Reliance Industries Limited, and Mukesh has expanded it into different sectors while carrying all his family members along.
Wertheimer Family — estimated at $89.6 billion
The Wertheimers’ wealth stems from their grandfather’s acquisition of Chanel. Today, the two men who make up the family—Alain and Gérard—own the whole of Chanel. In addition to Channel, they own three vineyards in France and Napa Valley, California. They also have four stables where they breed racehorses.
Thomson Family — estimated at $71.1 billion
Not only are some members of the Thomson family among Canada’s richest people, but the family is also Canada’s richest family! Sarah Brydson, who holds almost a quarter of the family’s holding company, The Woodbridge Company, is Canada’s richest female and second richest person. Notably, art collector Kenneth Thomson was part of this family.
