- The inclusion of six Kuwaiti groups highlights the resilience and adaptability of the country’s family-owned enterprises, which remain key contributors to private sector employment, investment and economic diversification both domestically and across the wider region.
Six Kuwaiti business groups have been included in Forbes Middle East’s list of the 100 Most Powerful Arab Family Businesses for 2026, highlighting the growing regional and international presence of Kuwait’s family-owned enterprises.
The Kuwaiti companies featured in the ranking are Alghanim Industries, Alshaya Group, Alsayer Group, Al Mulla Group, Almudhaf & Alkulaib Group, and Alghanim & Sons Group.
The annual list recognizes leading family-owned businesses across the Arab world based on their scale, market influence, diversification and contribution to economic growth.
Among the highest-profile Kuwaiti entries, Alghanim Industries continues to expand its footprint across the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Asia through a network of more than 30 companies operating in 40 countries.
The group, founded by Yusuf Alghanim, employs more than 15,000 people and maintains partnerships with a range of international brands across technology, automotive, telecommunications and financial services. In recent months, the company expanded into electric vehicle charging infrastructure and satellite internet services in Kuwait.
Alshaya Group, one of the region’s largest retail franchise operators, manages more than 3,500 stores, restaurants, cafés and entertainment outlets across the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Europe.
The group represents more than 50 international brands, including Starbucks, H&M, Boots and P.F. Chang’s, and has continued its expansion through new retail ventures and acquisitions in regional markets.
Alsayer Group was recognized for its diversified operations spanning automotive, healthcare, education, investment, real estate and industrial sectors.
Beyond its commercial activities, the company remains active in social responsibility initiatives and educational partnerships aimed at supporting youth development and innovation.
Founded in 1938, Al Mulla Group operates more than 40 companies across eight countries and represents over 200 global brands.
The conglomerate has interests in automotive, engineering, financial services, healthcare, education and real estate, while continuing to expand its regional footprint through strategic partnerships and investments in energy and transportation projects.
The younger Almudhaf & Alkulaib Group earned recognition for its rapid growth across digital media, streaming technology, real estate and food and beverage sectors.
The company’s streaming platform, Shasha, has expanded its audience across regional and international markets, supported by exclusive sports broadcasting agreements.
Alghanim & Sons Group was also included in the ranking, reflecting its diverse portfolio spanning retail, automotive, real estate, contracting and investment sectors.
The company has recently expanded into Saudi Arabia through a major waterfront development project and continues to invest in new automotive infrastructure.
According to Forbes Middle East, Gulf countries continue to dominate the ranking, accounting for 86 of the 100 listed companies.
Saudi Arabia led the list with 32 companies, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 31 and Qatar with 10, underscoring the Gulf region’s dominant role in the Arab world’s family business landscape.
The inclusion of six Kuwaiti groups highlights the resilience and adaptability of the country’s family-owned enterprises, which remain key contributors to private sector employment, investment and economic diversification both domestically and across the wider region.
