Power, Oil & Billions: The World’s Wealthiest Leaders in 2025
In the world of global leadership, wealth and power often go hand-in-hand. As of 2025, several world leaders have amassed incredible fortunes, with vast resources at their disposal from industries like oil, real estate, and finance. While some have inherited their wealth, others have built vast empires during their time in power. These leaders hold not only political influence but also immense financial clout that allows them to shape economies, global policies, and even the direction of industries worldwide.
Let's take a look at who has all the wealth in 2025...
1. Mohammed bin Salman (Saudi Arabia)
Net Worth: Estimated between $30 billion and $500 billion
Position: Prime Minister and Crown Prince since 2017
Mohammed bin Salman, often referred to as MBS, is the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. He inherited immense wealth due to the country’s vast oil reserves and has become one of the wealthiest individuals globally. MBS has expanded the royal family's fortune by diversifying investments into sectors like technology, entertainment, and sports. His wealth is largely derived from Saudi Arabia’s oil industry, with royal assets and investments in companies like Uber and Lucid Motors adding to his financial clout. As Crown Prince and Prime Minister, his Vision 2030 aims to shift Saudi Arabia away from an oil-dependent economy by fostering development in tourism, entertainment, and renewable energy. However, his leadership has also been marked by criticism over human rights issues and foreign policy, particularly regarding the war in Yemen and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
2. Vladimir Putin (Russia)
Net Worth: Estimated at $70 billion
Position: President since 1999 (with a term as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2012)
Vladimir Putin’s wealth is one of the most debated subjects in the world. Officially, his net worth is hard to determine, but estimates place it at around $70 billion, accumulated through his control over Russian state assets and his tight ties with oligarchs. Putin has been at the helm of Russia for over two decades, leveraging state-owned enterprises and natural resources, particularly oil and gas, to bolster his financial influence. He has been accused of amassing wealth through opaque channels, with many of his associates and allies allegedly controlling vast portions of Russia's wealth. Putin’s leadership has been defined by his efforts to restore Russia’s global power, centralizing authority and cracking down on opposition, while overseeing significant economic fluctuations and sanctions from the West.
3. Hassanal Bolkiah (Brunei)
Net Worth: Approximately $30 billion
Position: Sultan and Prime Minister since 1967
Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, has one of the richest royal families in the world. The Sultan’s wealth primarily comes from the country’s vast oil and gas reserves, which make Brunei one of the wealthiest nations per capita. Bolkiah, who has ruled Brunei for over five decades, maintains a lavish lifestyle that includes a $20 billion palace and a fleet of luxury cars. His wealth is also tied to investments in the financial and real estate sectors, many of which are managed by the royal family’s holdings. Under his rule, Brunei has remained an absolute monarchy with a high degree of political and economic stability, although his regime has faced criticism for human rights abuses and lack of political freedoms.
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4. Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (United Arab Emirates)
Net Worth: Around $30 billion
Position: President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi since 2022
Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) is the leader of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Abu Dhabi, the richest of the seven emirates. His wealth stems largely from the vast oil reserves in Abu Dhabi, which he has used to build up a global investment portfolio, including stakes in energy, defense, and financial sectors. Under his leadership, the UAE has diversified its economy beyond oil, focusing on tourism, technology, and renewable energy. As president, MBZ has overseen significant modernization efforts while positioning the UAE as a regional superpower. His leadership style is often described as pragmatic, with a strong emphasis on maintaining stability and fostering international alliances.
5. Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (Saudi Arabia)
Net Worth: Estimated at $18 billion
Position: King since 2015
King Salman of Saudi Arabia, father of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is another member of the royal family who controls a massive fortune. His wealth is derived from the extensive oil reserves of Saudi Arabia, along with royal assets and investments managed by the family. Although he has stepped down from many of the day-to-day responsibilities, his influence remains strong, particularly in economic and geopolitical affairs. King Salman’s reign has focused on modernization and infrastructure development within Saudi Arabia, particularly through Vision 2030. His leadership has brought about significant economic reforms but has also been associated with strict political control and controversies related to regional conflicts.
6. Donald Trump (United States)
Net Worth: Approximately $3.1 billion
Position: 45th President (2017–2021)
Donald Trump’s wealth comes primarily from his real estate empire, branding, and business ventures. Before becoming the President of the United States, Trump inherited a real estate business from his father and expanded it into a global brand. While his net worth has fluctuated due to market conditions and legal challenges, Trump remains one of the wealthiest individuals to have held the office of President. His presidency was marked by tax cuts, deregulation, and strong economic growth, although his tenure was also marred by controversy, particularly regarding his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his impeachment trials. Trump’s post-presidency has kept him in the public eye, with his business empire continuing to evolve.
7. Srettha Thavisin (Thailand)
Net Worth: Estimated at $1.3 billion
Position: Prime Minister since 2023
Srettha Thavisin transitioned from being a successful businessman to becoming the Prime Minister of Thailand in 2023. Before entering politics, Thavisin was the CEO of Sansiri, one of Thailand’s largest real estate developers, and built a fortune through property development and investments. His wealth comes from a combination of his real estate ventures and various business interests. As Prime Minister, Thavisin is focused on improving Thailand’s economic performance, addressing infrastructure challenges, and dealing with the country’s political divisions. His rise to power signals the growing influence of business leaders in politics, particularly in emerging economies.
8. Najib Mikati (Lebanon)
Net Worth: Approximately $2.8 billion
Position: Prime Minister (served multiple terms, latest ending in 2025)
Najib Mikati is a Lebanese businessman and politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Lebanon in several terms. His wealth comes from his family's telecommunications empire, specifically their ownership stake in the company Investcom, which was sold to the South African mobile giant MTN in 2006 for $5.5 billion. Mikati has also invested in other sectors, including banking and real estate. His tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis, political instability, and the struggle to manage a deeply fractured nation. Despite these challenges, Mikati has remained a central figure in Lebanese politics.
9. Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue (Equatorial Guinea)
Net Worth: Around $600 million
Position: Vice President since 2016
Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the son of Equatorial Guinea’s long-serving dictator, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has been accused of amassing vast wealth through corruption and embezzlement. His net worth comes from his political position and alleged access to government funds, particularly from the country's oil exports. Mangue’s lavish lifestyle, including purchasing luxury properties in the United States and Europe, has led to numerous investigations into his financial dealings. His father’s regime, which has been in power since 1979, is one of the most authoritarian in Africa, and Mangue’s leadership has been marked by continued allegations of corruption and human rights violations.
Related: Putin and Trump: A Relationship That Continues to Shape Global Politics
10. Maha Vajiralongkorn (Thailand)
Net Worth: Estimated at $30 billion
Position: King since 2016
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as King Rama X, ascended to the throne in 2016 following the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Vajiralongkorn’s wealth is primarily derived from the Crown Property Bureau, which controls extensive land holdings, investments, and assets across Thailand. The king has also spent much of his life as a wealthy, reclusive figure, living in luxury in both Thailand and abroad. His reign has seen a consolidation of royal power and increased influence in political matters, with his leadership drawing both admiration and criticism. His wealth and status as a monarch have further solidified his position at the top of Thailand’s political and social hierarchy.
Conclusion
The wealth of these global leaders presents a complex picture of power, privilege, and political influence. For those who built their fortunes before assuming leadership positions, such as Srettha Thavisin or Donald Trump, their wealth seems to be a product of personal ambition and success in business, which they then leveraged to gain political power. In contrast, leaders like Vladimir Putin and Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, whose wealth is often linked to their political positions, raise concerns about the potential for corruption and a focus on personal gain rather than public service. When leaders amass vast fortunes while in power, it can give the impression that their primary motivation may not be to serve their people but to consolidate wealth and influence for themselves.
