UAE boasts 24 billionaires, ranking 22nd globally in terms of richest individuals
Mumbai saw the highest billionaire growth globally, adding 26 in the year

Exploring the 2024 Hurun Global Rich List: A Deep Dive into Global Wealth
The 2024 Hurun Global Rich List has emerged as a treasure trove of insights into the distribution of wealth across the globe. Here, we unravel the intricate details behind the numbers, trends, and notable individuals shaping the world of billionaires:
1. UAE’s Standpoint:
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) claims its spot on the global stage with 24 billionaires, positioning it at 22nd among nations harboring ultra-high net worth individuals. Within the UAE, Dubai shines as the 28th city worldwide, boasting a considerable cohort of 21 billionaires.
2. Global Billionaire Landscape:
- The 2024 report paints a picture of unprecedented wealth accumulation, with a staggering 3,279 billionaires identified, reflecting a notable uptick from the preceding year’s count of 3,112. Spanning across 2,435 companies and representing 73 countries, these billionaires collectively witnessed a 9% surge in total wealth, coupled with a 5% increase in their numbers. Notably, wealth calculations were anchored on data up to January 15 of the same year.
3. Regional Dynamics:
- China continues to assert its dominance as the global hub for billionaires, boasting a formidable count of 814 individuals. Despite a loss of 155 billionaires to other jurisdictions, China retains its premier status. Following closely is the United States, with 800 billionaires, bolstered by the addition of 109 new entrants.
4. Rise of India:
- India emerges as a formidable player in the global billionaire arena, witnessing a meteoric rise with the addition of 84 new billionaires. This surge catapults India to the third position worldwide, with a tally of 271 billionaires, nearly doubling the UK’s count, which stands at 146 and secures the fourth spot.
5. Cityscape:
- The urban landscape witnesses a reshuffling of power dynamics, with New York reclaiming its mantle as the world’s billionaire capital, closely trailed by London. Mumbai’s remarkable ascent propels it to the third position globally, solidifying its stature as Asia’s billionaire epicenter. Noteworthy newcomers to the top 30 cities include New Delhi, Palm Beach, Istanbul, Mexico City, and Melbourne.
6. Top 10 Billionaires:
- The top echelon of wealth sees significant growth, with the top 10 wealthiest individuals collectively amassing a staggering $426 billion. Notable figures include Elon Musk, reclaiming the top spot with a net worth of $231 billion, propelled by Tesla’s soaring stock prices. Jeff Bezos closely follows, commanding a fortune of $185 billion. Other luminaries such as Bernard Arnault, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, and Warren Buffett round out the elite list.
7. Mukesh Ambani’s Stature:
- Despite a slight dip in rankings, Mukesh Ambani’s wealth skyrockets by 40% to reach $115 billion, solidifying his position as India’s wealthiest individual. Ambani’s family garners attention for hosting an extravagant pre-wedding celebration for his youngest son.
8. Influence of Hurun:
- Founded in the UK in 1999, Hurun serves as a vanguard in research, media, and investments, championing entrepreneurship through its extensive lists and research endeavors. Hosting illustrious events across global hubs including China, India, London, Paris, New York, LA, Sydney, Luxembourg, Istanbul, Dubai, and Singapore, Hurun continues to shape the discourse on global wealth distribution.
Table: Top Countries by Billionaire Count
| Rank | Country | Billionaire Count | Top City | Number of Billionaires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 814 | Beijing | 100 |
| 2 | USA | 800 | New York | 90 |
| 3 | India | 271 | Mumbai | 39 |
| 4 | UK | 146 | London | 53 |
| 5 | Germany | 140 | Berlin | 32 |
The 2024 Hurun Global Rich List not only provides a window into the lives of billionaires but also underscores the evolving dynamics of global wealth distribution and the profound influence of key individuals on the global economy.



