FX.co ★ Seven most powerful dynasties in the world

Al Nahyan

The Al Nahyan family is the ruling dynasty in the emirate of Abu Dhabi—the wealthiest and largest of the seven emirates that make up the UAE. They came to power in Abu Dhabi back in 1761 and have not only maintained their influence but also significantly reinforced their position both domestically and internationally. Today, the Al Nahyan family controls one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which manages assets worth trillions of dollars and invests in various sectors of the economy, including real estate, technology, energy, and finance.

Walton

The American Walton family is known for being at the helm of the world's largest retail chain, Walmart. Company founder Sam Walton opened the first store in Arkansas in the early 1960s. Today, his descendants—Rob, John, and Alice Walton—are still managing Walmart and controlling a significant portion of its shares. The family exerts enormous influence on the global economy, being one of the largest employers in the US. Moreover, the Waltons are actively involved in philanthropy through the Walton Family Foundation, investing in education and environmental protection.

Hermès

The Hermès family owns the Parisian fashion house Hermès, founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès. The brand began its history by producing leather goods for horseback riding but eventually transformed into one of the world’s largest luxury goods manufacturers. Today, Hermès offers a wide range of products, from bags to perfumes, and operates over 300 stores in 45 countries. In 2023, the company’s revenue exceeded $13 billion, cementing Hermès' status as a leader in the luxury industry.

Arnault

The Arnault family is another powerful dynasty in the world of fashion, heading the largest luxury brand conglomerate, LVMH. The company includes globally renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Moët & Chandon, and many more. The most famous family member is its head, Bernard Arnault. The French businessman acquired a controlling stake in LVMH in 1989. Today, he serves as the company’s president, and his children are actively involved in managing its various divisions. LVMH operates over 5,500 stores worldwide.

Mars

The Mars family runs the world’s largest food (particularly sweets) and pet care company, Mars Incorporated. The business was founded by Frank Mars, who started making candy in the early 20th century. The most notable family members are Forrest Mars Jr. and his descendants, who expanded the company into a global giant. Today, Mars owns well-known brands such as M&M's, Snickers, Twix, and Bounty and manages thousands of stores around the world.

Al Thani

The Al Thani family is the ruling dynasty of Qatar, leading the country since the mid-19th century. The current Emir of Qatar is Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who assumed power in 2013. Under his leadership, the country continues to strengthen its position on the world stage, actively developing the energy sector, including the extraction and export of natural gas, making Qatar one of the wealthiest nations in the world. The Al Thani family is also known for its investments in real estate, art, and sports, including the successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Al Saud

The Al Saud family has been ruling Saudi Arabia since the country's founding in the early 1930s. The most prominent figure of the dynasty is King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who has led the country since 2015. His son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, plays a key role in implementing reforms aimed at modernizing the economy and reducing its dependence on oil. The Al Saud family controls the world's largest oil reserves through the state-owned company Saudi Aramco, making them one of the most influential players in the global energy arena.