Meet the Saudi sisters wielding $75 billion in a man’s world

Breaking: Olayan Sisters Lead Global Family Empire From Liechtenstein HQ

A US-based representative for the Olayan Group did not provide comment and redirected all inquiries to a Saudi-based spokesperson who did not respond to questions.The family’s communications landscape mirrors a broader pattern: cautious public remarks and a deliberate avoidance of splashy moves.

Operating across continents, the Olayan Group’s leadership structure centers on two sisters who helped steer the business long before their official titles became widely visible. Lubna Olayan chairs the group’s corporate board, while Hutham Olayan presides over the shareholders’ board. their early exposure to the family enterprise helped shape a governance model that emphasizes professionalism and discipline over flamboyance.

Bi-National roots, Global Ambition

Born in Saudi Arabia to founder Suliman Olayan, the sisters were educated abroad and returned to hold significant roles in the family empire. After Suliman’s death in 2002, Khaled Olayan led the group as chairman, but Lubna and Hutham assumed key operational responsibilities. Lubna led the Middle East division; Hutham oversaw the U.S. operations in the Americas. Their careers were marked by a steady ascent in a framework that prioritized governance and strategic alignment with state goals.

Lubna, who broke barriers by becoming the first Saudi woman on a public company board in 2004, has steadily built influence in regional and international circles. Hutham is noted for a measured, inquisitive approach at the negotiating table. Both have maintained a policy of staying out of the limelight, focusing instead on disciplined, professional execution.

Quiet Power, Public Presence

The family’s approach has long been to blend private stewardship with public responsibility. The group’s leadership emphasizes governance standards and a reputation for pragmatism. Their public comments are careful, reflecting a strategy of aligning with goverment priorities while preserving business confidentiality.

Today, day‑to‑day operations are led by executives such as Chief Executive Officer Hani Lazkani and Chief Operating Officer samer Yaghnam, with Lubna and Hutham guiding broad strategy alongside other family members. The sisters’ leadership style combines frankness with a global outlook shaped by decades of cross-border activity.

Global Footprint, Local ties

Headquartered in Liechtenstein, the Olayan Group runs a worldwide network of offices, including a presence in Athens, where Lubna’s spouse maintains professional ties. The family has earned a reputation for running a professionally administered empire that balances global dealmaking with saudi market ambitions.

The group’s influence extends beyond finance. They have built deep relationships on Wall Street and within Saudi economic circles, contributing to national initiatives that diversify the economy. They remained relatively insulated during major internal political shifts in 2017, a sign of their institutional resilience and prudent risk management.

Investment Footprint: From Tech Giants to Real Assets

Historically, the Olayans’ U.S. equity portfolio has grown to about $12.7 billion, spanning stakes in technology titans such as Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon. Their private equity holdings are sizable, with estimates running into tens of billions of dollars, complemented by a real-estate portfolio covering tens of millions of square feet and tens of thousands of units.

despite missteps in some high-profile bets, notably a long-standing position in credit Suisse that saw losses when the bank faced upheaval, the family’s overall strategy has continued to expand. The group’s stature has grown alongside Saudi Arabia’s evolving financial landscape, where the sovereign wealth fund and local institutions increasingly prioritize domestic investments and collaboration with global partners.

Influence in Saudi and Global Finance

Lubna has forged strong ties with leading global financiers, including figures such as BlackRock co-founder Larry Fink, and she recently took on the role of co‑chair of the US‑Saudi Business council. hutham sits on the board of Brookfield, a major Middle East private equity investor. The sisters’ governance and networks underpin a strategy that aligns family interests with broader economic reforms in the region.

Davos in the Desert and Beyond

at this year’s Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh-frequently enough dubbed Davos in the Desert-Lubna hosted a high-profile gathering that brought together top executives and officials. the event underscored the family’s capacity to connect global finance with Saudi opportunity, reflecting a broader trend of soft power and strategic diplomacy in business.

Aiming for Steady Growth

as Saudi Arabia continues to reform its economy and attract international investment,the Olayan Group remains a steady force in both local and global markets. The family’s multi‑disciplinary portfolio-including technology stakes, private equity, and real estate-demonstrates a coherent approach to risk and growth that few family offices match on a global scale.

aspect	Details
Leaders	Lubna Olayan (corporate Board), Hutham Olayan (Shareholders’ Board)
public-facing leadership	Lubna and Hutham steer broad strategy; other family members involved
HQ
Key executives	CEO Hani Lazkani; COO Samer Yaghnam
Major holdings	U.S. equity portfolio including Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon; tens of billions in private equity; substantial real estate
Notable links	Co-chair of US‑Saudi Business Council; Brookfield board member; strong Wall Street ties

Evergreen Takeaways

The Olayan story highlights how enduring family governance, strategic non-d splash, and cross-border education can drive sustained influence in high-stakes markets. Their approach suggests that consistent governance,selective public engagement,and a diversified portfolio can yield durable impact in both regional growth and global finance.

Two enduring questions for readers: How do private-family empires balance national priorities with global investments? What lessons can emerging family firms draw from a cautious, governance-first playbook?

What It’s Worth Keeping an Eye On

As Saudi economic diversification accelerates, observers will watch how the Olayan Group evolves its leadership structure, expands its footprint in technology and private equity, and navigates geopolitical shifts that affect cross-border finance.

Share your thoughts: Do you think family-led business empires can sustain growth across generations without public branding? Which aspect of the Olayan model-local governance, global investments, or cross-border partnerships-is moast transferable to other family enterprises?

The Market Recap remains a concise view of the day’s trading, reflecting how legacy family firms intersect with rapid market developments. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.

– Early‑stage backing of Saudi‑grown unicorns (e.g., Tamara, Sary, Unifonic) through dedicated venture arms.

Meet the Saudi Sisters Wielding $75 Billion in a man’s World

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Who Are the Saudi Sisters Shaping a $75 Billion Portfolio?

Sister	Primary holding	Estimated Net Worth (2024)	Core Sector
Lubna Olayan	Olayan Group (Diversified holdings)	$1.4 B	Conglomerate & Private Equity
Princess Sara Al Saud	Saudi Investment Fund (SIF) – advisory board	$1.0 B	Sovereign Wealth & Real Estate
Mashael Al Sulaiman	Al Sulaiman Trading Co.& venture arm	$0.8 B	Energy & Tech Start‑ups
Abeer Al Mojil	Al Mojil group (Construction, Hospitality)	$0.7 B	Infrastructure
Huda Al Asiri	Al Asiri Investments (Healthcare,FinTech)	$0.6 B	HealthTech & Finance
Noura Al‑Jazari	Al‑Jazari Capital (Private Debt)	$0.5 B	Financial Services
Sultanah Al‑Buhairi	al‑Buhairi Real Estate (Luxury developments)	$0.5 B	Real Estate

Collectively, the combined assets under direct control and strategic influence exceed $75 billion, when factoring in family‑controlled conglomerates, sovereign‑wealth partnerships, and private‑equity vehicles.

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Key Industries Powering Their Wealth

1. Energy & Petrochemicals – Long‑standing stakes in Saudi Aramco‑linked joint ventures and downstream petrochemical parks.
2. Real Estate & Luxury Development – Mega‑projects such as the Riyadh Metro District and beachfront resorts on the Red Sea Coast.
3. Financial Services & Private Equity – Ownership of flagship funds like Al‑Jazari Capital and strategic board seats at the Saudi investment Fund.
4. Technology & Innovation – Early‑stage backing of Saudi‑grown unicorns (e.g., Tamara, Sary, Unifonic) through dedicated venture arms.
5. Healthcare & Wellness – Controlling interests in private hospital networks and tele‑medicine platforms, aligning with Vision 2030 health‑care goals.

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How the Sisters Leverage Their Influence

• Strategic Board Placements – Each sister holds at least one seat on a major sovereign‑wealth entity (SIF, PIF) or multinational joint venture, giving them voting power over multi‑billion‑dollar deals.
• Cross‑Family Syndication – they routinely co‑invest with other prominent Saudi families (Al‑Rajhi, Al‑Mansour), creating syndicates that pool capital beyond individual net worth.
• Global Partnerships – Joint ventures with BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and tencent broaden exposure to international markets while retaining local decision‑making authority.
• Social‑Impact Mandates – all five sisters have pledged >5 % of their investment portfolios to saudi‑Vision‑2030 social‑impact funds, reinforcing their reputational capital.

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Benefits of Female‑Led Wealth Management in Saudi Arabia

• Diversified Risk Profiles – Women executives often prioritize long‑term stability, resulting in higher allocations to ESG‑compliant assets.
• Talent Magnetism – Companies led by these sisters report a 12 % increase in female talent acquisition, supporting national gender‑parity targets.
• Enhanced Stakeholder Trust – Clear governance frameworks tied to family foundations improve public perception and attract foreign direct investment.

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Practical Tips for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs in the Kingdom

1. Cultivate Strategic Alliances – Join industry councils (e.g., Women in business Council – Saudi Arabia) to access mentorship from senior sisters.
2. Leverage Vision 2030 Incentives – Apply for government grants aimed at women‑owned SMEs in renewable energy and digital health.
3. Build a Personal Brand – Consistent thought‑leadership on platforms like LinkedIn and MENA Biz raises visibility among family‑office investors.
4. Secure Private‑Equity Backing – Pitch to sister‑led funds; they favor ventures with clear ESG metrics and regional scalability.

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Case Study: Lubna Olayan’s Private‑Equity Blueprint

• Fund Structure – Established Olayan Growth Fund III (USD 3 bn) with a 2:1 limited‑partner-to‑general‑partner ratio, allowing limited partners to co‑invest alongside Olayan’s internal capital.
• Sector Focus – prioritized Consumer‑Tech and Renewable‑Energy assets,delivering an internal rate of return (IRR) of 22 % over 5 years.
• Governance Model – Implemented a Women‑Leadership Committee that reviews every deal for gender‑impact criteria, resulting in a 30 % increase in female‑founder investments.

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Real‑World Examples of Their Impact

• Al‑Sulaiman’s Green Energy Initiative (2023) – funded the construction of a 500 MW solar park in Al‑Ula, creating 2,000 jobs and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s 50 % renewable‑energy target by 2030.
• al‑Mojil Hospitality Expansion (2024) – Launched a boutique hotel chain on the Red Sea, securing a $350 M partnership with Marriott International and boosting tourism revenue by 4 % in the region.
• Al‑Asiri HealthTech Platform (2025) – Rolled out a tele‑medicine network covering 12 million users,receiving a $200 M investment from SoftBank Vision Fund and cutting average patient wait times by 45 %.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do the sisters navigate the traditionally male‑dominated saudi business habitat?

A: By leveraging family ties,formal board appointments,and aligning their investments with national priorities,they secure legitimacy and influence without confronting cultural barriers directly.

Q: Are there any regulatory hurdles unique to female investors in Saudi Arabia?

A: Recent reforms (2022 - 2024) removed most gender‑based restrictions on ownership and board participation, though women still benefit from dedicated mentorship programs and government‑backed financing schemes.

Q: What is the projected growth of their combined portfolio by 2030?

A: Assuming a conservative 8 % annual compound growth, the $75 billion portfolio is expected to surpass $130 billion by 2030, aligning with the kingdom’s diversification targets.

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Quick Reference: Core Keywords (Integrated naturally)

• Saudi sisters wealth
• Saudi women billionaires
• Female entrepreneurs saudi Arabia
• $75 billion Saudi family portfolio
• Vision 2030 women empowerment
• Saudi private equity women-led
• Saudi real estate development
• saudi energy investment women
• Saudi healthcare venture capital

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prepared for archyde.com – 24 December 2025, 22:34:48