7 Most Powerful Families in the World, Its Not Only About Richness

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The debate over who is the most powerful family in the world continues to circulate among people of all financial backgrounds. Regardless of whether the discussion focuses on business or entertainment, this debate continues to intrigue people.

While Forbes annually publishes a list of the world’s wealthiest individuals, public fascination seems to extend beyond the mere rankings. Individuals like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Bernard Arnault have captured the public imagination, transcending their financial status to become cultural icons. This article will explore the most powerful family in the world beyond their net worth. 

Here is a list of the most powerful families in the world according to Investopedia and Business Insider. 

1. Al Nahyan Family

Ranked one in the list of the most powerful families in the world is the Al Nahyan Family, generating about $305 billion net worth. Their wealth is only a layer of their power in major fields such as the economy, politics, and the energy market.

Known for his position as the ruler of Abu Dhabi and the President of the United Arab Emirates, the leader of the family, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, plays a pivotal role in establishing the family’s influence. 

2. Walton Family

The most powerful families are often the backbone of many industries catering to many people’s necessities. Among them is the Walton Family whose fortune is amassed from the ownership of Walmart, a giant retail business. 

Founded by Sam Walton in 1962, Walmart is best known for its low-price products. It handles more than 10,500 stores worldwide, signifying its importance in the industry. 

Jim, Rob, and Alice Walton are staying in the top 25 places on Forbes’ billionaire list with net worth accumulated around $171 billion as of 2023. 

3. Hermes Family

Hermes family is dubbed as one of the most powerful families in the world due to its immense influence in the luxury fashion industry. Renowned by its iconic Kelly and Birkin handbags, Hermes is celebrated for its exclusive ownership of the items. 

Its legacy runs back to the 19th century and has shown significant leaps. Today, even more prominent names are adorned in Hermes, demonstrating its supremacy in the industry.  

4. Bernard Arnault Family

LVMH is perhaps one of the largest bequests in the fashion market with Bernard Arnault playing mastermind behind it. The fashion house rules over a staggering number of 75 fashion and cosmetics brands such as Louis Vuitton, Sephora, and Tiffany & Co. 

Arnault started off the empire by purchasing Christian Dior in 1984 and has continued to flourish in the business. Today, all of Arnault’s five children work at the LVMH organization. 

5. Mars Family

According to Business Insider, the Mars Family is among the hidden richest families in the world due to their endeavor to avoid any limelight. 

Amy Weiss, a spokesperson for the Mars family stated, “For 99% of our history, we've chosen not to be in the public eye and we've really wanted our brands to engage consumers. And yet times have changed," he told Business Insider. 

Mars family generates their wealth through the candy empire which oversees brands like M&M, Snickers, Twix, and Dove with a total net worth of $141.9 billion as of 2023.

6. Al Thani Family

The Al Thani family has reigned in Qatar since the 19th century, surviving a series of wars, coup attempts, and the founding of modern Qatar. 

Renowned for his power in Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani transformed Qatar into a major world power for the country’s natural gas production. As quoted in Investopedia, the average income per person in a year reached $86,440 in 2010. 

Sheikh Hamad’s billion-dollar investments in Total, Sainsbury’s, Volkswagen, and Barclays Bank amassed a large portion of the family’s wealth. 

7. Al Saud Family

The Al Saud family, also known as the Saudi royal family, has a long history dating back a century. This extended family consists of approximately 15,000 members, many of whom hold influential positions in various business sectors.

The list of the most powerful families in the world comprises either wealthy families owning giant businesses or political inheritance. 

Investopedia | Business Insider | Forbes

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