US$1.4 billion was the estimated net worth of Samih Sawiris by Forbes in July 2026. Born in Sohag, Egypt, in 1957, Sawiris built a career as an entrepreneur and building contractor, eventually securing citizenship in Montenegro. His professional trajectory spans international markets, involving significant infrastructure projects and tourism developments across Egypt, Switzerland, and Germany.
Educational Foundations
Sawiris attended the Deutsche Evangelische Oberschule before moving to Germany for higher education. Between 1976 and 1980, he studied at the Technische Universität Berlin, where he completed an Engineering Diploma in engineering management.
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Early entrepreneurial ventures included the National Marine Boat Factory. In 1996, he established Orascom Projects for Touristic Development, followed by Orascom Hotels and Development in 1998. These entities merged into Orascom Development Holding AG. Sawiris served as chairman and chief executive officer of the organization from its inception until December 2021, when he transferred these responsibilities to his son, Naguib Samih Sawiris.
International Investments
Beyond his primary holdings, Sawiris expanded his portfolio into sports and travel services. In 2011, he acquired a 12.5% stake in the Swiss football club FC Luzern. Three years later, in 2014, he purchased 74.9% of the shares in the Raiffeisen Touristik Group. This acquisition facilitated the takeover of Thomas Cook (Germany) in December 2019. He also entered the technology sector in 2017 by investing in Bidroom, a membership-based platform for online hotel reservations.
Fast facts
- Born: 28 January 1957, Sohag, Egypt
- Citizenship: Egypt and Montenegro
- Education: Technische Universität Berlin, 1976-1980
- Net Worth: US$1.4 billion (July 2026)
- Languages: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Spanish, English, Greek, Al-Masriyah
- Key Role: Former CEO, Orascom Development Holding AG
Questions readers ask
When did Samih Sawiris step down from Orascom Development Holding?
He resigned as chairman and chief executive officer in December 2021.
Which major travel company did he acquire in 2019?
He acquired Thomas Cook (Germany) through his Raiffeisen Touristik Group.
Achievements
- Educated at Technische Universität Berlin and Deutsche Evangelische Oberschule
