Business
World’s Richest 25 Families: Only One Indian Family Makes The Cut
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The Ambani family’s estimated wealth stands at $105.6 billion, placing it among the world’s most influential business dynasties.
The Ambanis’ presence in the elite list is significant, as it not only reflects the scale of their wealth but also their growing influence in the global economy. (File)
World’s Richest Families List 2025: The Ambani family, headed by Reliance Industries Chairperson Mukesh Ambani, is the only Indian family to make it to Bloomberg‘s 2025 list of the world’s 25 richest families.
As per the news outlet, the Ambani family’s estimated wealth stands at $105.6 billion, placing it among the world’s most influential business dynasties. The family’s vast empire, Reliance Industries, spans key sectors such as energy, petrochemicals and telecommunications, and has steadily expanded into digital services and sustainability-focused businesses.
The family’s wealth is built on the shoulders of Dhirubhai Ambani, who started the company in the 1950s with little more than determination and vision. The Ambanis’ presence in the elite list is significant, as it not only reflects the scale of their wealth but also their growing influence in the global economy.
According to Bloomberg, the world’s richest families list shows how long-standing dynasties and newer business powerhouses continue to dominate global wealth today.
At the top of the global ranking is the Walton family of the United States, owners of retail giant Walmart, with a combined net worth of $513.4 billion. Their combined fortune exceeded half a trillion dollars for the first time. Walmart’s total revenue for the recent fiscal year reached $681 billion, its massive footprint with over 10,750 stores worldwide is the core reason.
Others In The List
Al Nahyan Family: With an estimated net worth of $335.9 billion, the Al Nahyan family ranks among the world’s richest dynasties. The ruling family of Abu Dhabi, which holds most of the United Arab Emirates’ oil reserves, sees their wealth continue to soar. Under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the country’s president, the family’s assets are vast, with investments in AI, crypto, and more. Sheikh Tahnoon, a key family member, oversees assets worth $1.5 trillion and has been a major investor in the crypto space.
Al Saud Family: With an estimated net worth of $213.6 billion, the Saudi royal family’s massive wealth is anchored in the country’s vast oil reserves, mainly through Saudi Aramco. Though the family is estimated to have around 15,000 extended members, much of the wealth is concentrated in key royals, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Al Thani Family: With an estimated net worth of $199.5 billion, the Al Thani family ranks among the world’s wealthiest royal families. Qatar’s ruling family have seen their fortunes skyrocket since oil was discovered in the region in the 1940s. The Qatari royal family recently offered the Trump administration a luxury Boeing 747 to use as a temporary Air Force One.
Hermes Family: The Hermes family, with a net worth of $184.5 billion, has successfully preserved its wealth across six generations. Renowned for ultra-luxury products such as the iconic Birkin handbag, Hermes continues to thrive on exclusivity, craftsmanship, and innovation. Despite being one of the largest luxury houses in the world, the family still retains control of the company.
Koch Family: The Koch family, with an estimated net worth of $150.5 billion, controls Koch Industries, one of the largest private conglomerates in the US. Today, Koch Industries spans industries from chemicals and oil refining to ranching and paper.
Mars Family: The Mars family, with a net worth of $143.4 billion, is known for iconic chocolate brands such as M&M’s and Snickers. The family’s company, Mars, Inc., has grown through strategic acquisitions, including its purchase of snack-food maker Kellanova in 2025.
Wertheimer Family: The Wertheimer family, with a net worth of $85.6 billion, owns the luxury fashion house Chanel. They have seen their fortune rise as luxury goods continue to boom. Chanel, known for its timeless designs like the “little black dress,” remains one of the world’s most iconic brands.
Thomson Family: The Thomson family, with a net worth of $82.1 billion, is based in Canada and controls Thomson Reuters, a global leader in financial data and media. Their fortune began in the 1930s with Roy Thomson’s purchase of a radio station, which led to the creation of a media empire.
December 17, 2025, 20:45 IST
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Business
Middle East war affects tens of thousands of bookings, Lastminute says
Travel agent Lastminute.com said war in the Middle East has impacted some 17,000 bookings, while holidaymakers are shifting towards alternative destinations like the Canary Islands and Sardinia.
The website, which offers holiday packages to destinations including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, said it was having to “adapt quickly” to travellers changing their preferences in light of the conflict.
The US-Israeli war with Iran, which escalated at the end of February, led to disruption and cancellations of some flights to Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The airspace closures, coupled with consumer sentiment when it comes to travel taking a hit, affected approximately 17,000 bookings, Lastminute revealed.
It said the total volume of affected travel around the region is currently the equivalent of about a day and a half of its normal daily operations.
Despite the conflict influencing where and when people choose to book trips, the “overall intent to travel remains high”, according to Lastminute.
Consumers have been seeking reassurance and flexibility, and early booking patters indicate a shift in the preferences of travellers.
It noted increased demand toward alternative destinations such as Spanish archipelagos the Canary and Balearic Islands, Italian islands Sicily and Sardinia, and other European city breaks.
Lastminute’s chief executive Alessandro Petazzi said: “We continue to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Middle East, with supporting our customers remaining our top priority.
“At the same time, Lastminute.com’s flexible, pan-European model enables us to adapt quickly as travel patterns evolve, with demand naturally rebalancing across destinations.”
The Netherlands-based company reported a 15% jump in revenues to 361 million euro (£315 million) for the 2025 financial year, compared with the year before.
Adjusted earnings before tax and other costs increased by a third to 55 million euro (48 million).
The company said it was remaining “vigilant” against the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, but added that it was sticking to forecasts of a roughly 10% increase in revenues and profits in the year ahead.
Business
Oven Pride firm McBride sees ‘first signs’ of supply shortages due to Iran war
Oven Pride household goods group McBride has revealed “temporary” price hikes to cover increased costs from the Iran war and warned it was seeing the first signs of supply shortages caused by the conflict.
The group, which makes branded and white label household and cleaning products for the likes of Tesco and Sainsbury’s, said until now it had only seen a small impact from higher haulage costs due to fuel price rises, but said “these conditions have now started to change”.
It said the “most heavily impacted” chemical and packaging suppliers are pushing through price increases as they face rising costs for petrochemical-derived feedstocks and higher energy costs in chemical and packaging production.
“The first signs of possible shortages in supply chains around the world are beginning to emerge,” it added.
McBride said its costs are increasing this month and will rise further due to the war, and is set to lift prices to offset the hit.
“The group has already informed all customers about temporary price adjustments, or surcharges to current pricing, to recover these higher, beyond our control, cost impacts from the Middle East conflict,” McBride said.
The warnings come amid mounting worries over the impact of the conflict on supply and costs, having sent oil prices surging above 100 US dollars a barrel and causing widespread disruption to global shipping.
Supermarkets met with Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband at No 11 on Wednesday to look at issues caused by the war and agreed to explore together how to ease the cost-of-living impact for consumers.
McBride’s comments came in an update as it also announced a £34.5 million deal to buy Eurotab – a French-based specialist in cleaning tablets, such as for dishwashers.
Business
Tiger Woods won’t captain 2027 Ryder Cup team as golf future remains uncertain
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links Golf Club looks on before the match against the Los Angeles Golf Club at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, March 24, 2026.
Adam Glanzman | TGL Golf | Getty Images
Tiger Woods’ future in professional golf remains unclear as he seeks treatment after a rollover car crash last week.
Woods was arrested for a DUI after the accident in Jupiter Island, Florida, his second rollover in five years, and said in a statement on X that he would be stepping back from golf “to return to a healthier stronger, and more focused place.”
Woods did not provide a timeline for his return, only that he would be stepping away for a “period of time.”
On Wednesday, the PGA of America announced that Woods will no longer serve as captain of the 2027 U.S. Ryder Cup Team.
“We support his decision,” the PGA of America said in a statement on X. “We commend Tiger for prioritizing his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision.”
The latest developments leave Woods at least temporarily at the fringes of the sport that made him a household name. The golf community has rallied around the sport’s biggest star as he vows to “focus on his health,” and the PGA Tour said in a statement that Woods has the organization’s full support.
“Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course. But above all else, Tiger is a person, and our focus is on his health and well‑being,” the tour said.
Off the course, Woods has been serving as chairman of the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee since August. That group has been responsible for creating a vision for the future of professional golf.
A PGA Tour spokesperson said that Woods will return to that role when he is ready to do so.
Golf Channel analyst and former tour pro Brandel Chamblee suggested it could be time for Woods to consider retirement following his latest accident. Woods, 50, has been recovering from various injuries sustained in his car crash in 2021.
“Why would he need to play golf anymore?” Chamblee asked Friday on the Golf Channel’s “Golf Central.” “I think he should probably ask himself that. Consider not playing golf anymore.”
Until Friday’s accident, Woods held onto hope that he would compete in the upcoming Masters Tournament this month.
Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley confirmed this week that Woods would not play.
“Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta,” Ridley said. “Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being.”
TGR, Woods’ education foundation, said it remains committed to serving its students and communities.
“Our thoughts are with our founder as he takes the time needed to focus on his health,” its CEO Hrag Hamalian said in a statement.
Woods’ apparel brand, Sun Day Red, also voiced its support this week.
“He is not just our partner, he is our friend. We are here for him and we remain focused on the work we are building together,” the company said in a post on the Meta-owned Threads platform.
TGL, the indoor golf league founded by Woods and Rory McIlroy, declined to comment about Woods’ hiatus and potential return.
Woods made his first TGL playing appearance of the season for the Jupiter Links team last week in front of a notable audience. ESPN said nearly 1 million viewers tuned in to watch Woods’ return, making it the largest audience this season.
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