Representational image (Pixabay)
Dubai is often called the world’s shopping and luxury capital, home to some of the richest billionaires. But the city’s wealthiest man is not a Sheikh or oil magnate, it is Russian-born tech entrepreneur Pavel Durov.
According to Forbes, Durov has a real-time net worth of $17.1 billion as of September 29, 2025, making him the richest billionaire living in Dubai. Globally, he ranks 139th.
Born in St Petersburg in 1984, Durov studied philology at St. Petersburg State University. At just 22, he co-founded VKontakte (VK), Russia’s largest social media platform. His success earned him the nickname “Russia’s Zuckerberg.” But a clash with Moscow’s security services forced him to sell his stake and leave Russia after he refused to share user data.
In 2013, Durov launched Telegram, the encrypted messaging app that today has over 1 billion monthly users. Telegram’s popularity, especially for its strong stance on privacy, remains the main source of his wealth. Unlike many tech companies, it is fully owned by him.
Durov moved to Dubai in 2017, attracted by the UAE’s tax-friendly system and global lifestyle. He became a UAE citizen and now lives in a lavish 15,000-square-foot mansion in Jumeirah Islands.
His personal life, however, often draws attention. Durov has five children with two ex-girlfriends, and has also claimed to have fathered around 100 children through sperm donation, according to Reuters.
On September 28, 2025, Durov sparked fresh controversy when he accused French intelligence of pressuring him to censor Moldovan Telegram channels during elections. He shared on X (formerly Twitter) that officials promised favorable treatment in his French court case if he cooperated. Durov refused, stating Telegram will never remove content for political reasons. France’s foreign ministry dismissed his claims.
Durov is still under judicial supervision in France after his 2024 arrest on suspicion of organised crime linked to Telegram’s usage, charges he denies.
Shivam Verma is a journalist with over three years of experience in digital newsrooms. He currently works at NewsX, having previously worked for Firstpost and DNA India. A postgraduate diploma holder in Integrated Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Shivam focuses on international affairs, diplomacy, defence, and politics. Beyond the newsroom, he is passionate about football—both playing and watching—and enjoys travelling to explore new places and cuisines.
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