Pavel Durov: The Russian Tech Billionaire Who Conquered Dubai
Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, has become the richest man in the United Arab Emirates with a net worth of over $17 billion. His journey from Russia to Dubai highlights the tech industry's growing influence in the region.
Pavel DurovTelegramDubaiTech BillionaireReal EstateReal EstateOct 03, 2025
Durov is followed by Hussain Sajwani, the chairman of Dubai-based luxury real estate developer Damac Properties, with a net worth of $10.2 billion. Globally, Pavel Durov ranks at number 118 in the Forbes global list. His rise reflects not only the global reach of his messaging app but also Dubai’s growing status as a hub for technology and innovation.
Who is Pavel Durov?
Born in St. Petersburg in 1984, Pavel Durov is often referred to as the “Mark Zuckerberg of Russia.” Durov first made his name by co-founding VKontakte, Russia’s largest social network. However, after clashes with authorities, he sold his stake and left the country in 2014. That same year, he shifted his focus to Telegram, which has since exploded into a global platform with over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide.
Durov left Russia after refusing to cooperate with the secret service and provide encrypted data of his first social network's users. Telegram was banned in Russia from 2018 to 2021. In 2018, Pavel and his brother Nikolai raised $1.7 billion from investors to create TON, a blockchain system; it was shut down after the SEC banned it. Durov became a French citizen in 2021 but lives in Dubai. According to information available on the Forbes billionaires website, he has five children that he shares with two ex-girlfriends. In the past, Durov has claimed to have donated sperm that led to him fathering 100 children.
How Pavel Durov Became Dubai's Richest
Durov relocated to Dubai, where Telegram is now headquartered. He later acquired UAE citizenship in February 2021. Relocating to Dubai gave Durov not only a strategic base for expansion but also UAE citizenship, placing him in a unique spot among the country’s wealthiest. Though Telegram remains free to use, Durov introduced Telegram Premium in 2022, offering paid features to power users. This, combined with the platform’s high valuation, cemented his billionaire status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pavel Durov?
Pavel Durov is a Russian-born tech entrepreneur and the CEO of Telegram, a popular messaging app. He is the richest man in the United Arab Emirates with a net worth of over $17 billion.
What is Telegram?
Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging and voice-over-IP service. It was founded by Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai Durov in 2013. Telegram is known for its security features and has over 1 billion monthly active users.
Why did Pavel Durov leave Russia?
Pavel Durov left Russia in 2014 after refusing to cooperate with the secret service and provide encrypted data of his social network's users. He sold his stake in VKontakte and moved to Dubai.
What is Durov's connection to Dubai?
Pavel Durov relocated to Dubai in 2014 and later acquired UAE citizenship in 2021. Dubai has become the headquarters for Telegram and a strategic base for Durov's business operations.
What is Telegram Premium?
Telegram Premium is a paid service introduced in 2022 that offers advanced features to power users of the Telegram app. It includes benefits such as increased file size limits, custom emojis, and more.
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