Ambani family lone Indian entrant on Bloomberg’s 2025 list of world’s richest families

The Ambani family has emerged as the only Indian representative on Bloomberg’s 2025 ranking of the world’s 25 wealthiest families, underlining the global scale of Reliance Industries and its controlling shareholders.

According to Bloomberg, the Ambani family’s net worth is estimated at $105.6 billion, placing it among the most powerful business dynasties worldwide. Led by Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, the family oversees a sprawling conglomerate with interests in energy, petrochemicals and telecom, alongside newer bets on digital platforms and sustainability-linked businesses.

The roots of the family’s fortune trace back to founder Dhirubhai Ambani, who built Reliance from modest beginnings in the 1950s

into one of India’s largest corporate groups. The Ambanis’ presence on the elite list highlights not just the size of their wealth, but also their expanding influence in the global economy.

Bloomberg’s annual ranking captures both long-established dynasties and relatively newer business empires that continue to dominate global wealth.

At the top of the list sits the Walton family of the US, owners of retail giant Walmart, with a combined net worth of $513.4 billion. Their fortune crossed the half-trillion-dollar mark for the first time, supported by Walmart’s $681 billion in revenue in the latest fiscal year and its network of more than 10,750 stores worldwide.

The Al Nahyan family of Abu Dhabi ranks next with an estimated net worth of $335.9 billion. As the ruling family of the emirate that controls most of the UAE’s oil reserves, their wealth continues to grow under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Investments now span areas such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies, with Sheikh Tahnoon overseeing assets reportedly worth $1.5 trillion.

Saudi Arabia’s Al Saud family follows with an estimated fortune of $213.6 billion, largely tied to the kingdom’s oil wealth through Saudi Aramco. While the extended royal family runs into the thousands, Bloomberg notes that a significant share of the wealth is concentrated among senior royals, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Qatar’s ruling Al Thani family, with a net worth of $199.5 billion, has seen its wealth surge since oil discoveries in the 1940s. The family recently drew attention after offering a luxury Boeing 747 to the Trump administration for temporary use as Air Force One.

Europe’s Hermes family ranks among the top global dynasties with a net worth of $184.5 billion. The sixth-generation family has retained control of the luxury house, which is known for products such as the Birkin handbag and its emphasis on exclusivity and craftsmanship.

In the US, the Koch family is estimated to be worth $150.5 billion through its ownership of Koch Industries, a privately held conglomerate with operations ranging from chemicals and oil refining to paper and ranching.

The Mars family, behind brands such as M&M’s and Snickers, has a net worth of $143.4 billion. Their company, Mars Inc., has expanded through acquisitions, including the 2025 purchase of snack maker Kellanova.

Luxury fashion house Chanel is owned by the Wertheimer family, whose wealth stands at $85.6 billion, buoyed by continued demand for high-end goods and the brand’s enduring global appeal.

Rounding out the group is Canada’s Thomson family, worth $82.1 billion, which controls Thomson Reuters. The family’s media and data empire dates back to the 1930s, when Roy Thomson acquired his first radio station.

Together, the list reflects how family-controlled businesses—spanning retail, energy, luxury, media and technology—continue to command a significant share of global wealth.