Meet Eyal Ofer, the richest person in Israel with a net worth of Rs 2.5 lakh crore - He once served in Israeli Air Force
Eyal Ofer net worth: As tensions between Israel and Iran continue with no resolution in sight, Israel isn't just defending itself with military strength — it's also showcasing power through technology and economic influence. Amid this ongoing conflict, one name stands out as a symbol of Israel's success on the world stage — Eyal Ofer, the richest person in Israel. His incredible journey from a shipping apprentice to a billionaire businessman highlights his role in shaping the modern global economy.
Early Life of Eyal Ofer: A Humble Beginning
Born in Haifa, Israel, in 1950, Eyal Ofer was raised in a family deeply rooted in the shipping industry. His father, Sammy Ofer, a Romanian-born Israeli tycoon, was once the wealthiest man in Israel. Eyal was exposed to hard work from a young age — he spent his summers on cargo ships, loading goods, scraping paint, and travelling to international ports. This early hands-on experience laid the foundation for his future business empire.
Eyal Ofer's education
Ofer completed his schooling at Atlantic College in Wales, a member of the United World Colleges network. Later, he studied Maritime Law at the University of London, further sharpening his knowledge of international trade and shipping.
Eyal Ofer's Military Background and Education
Before venturing into business, Eyal Ofer served as an intelligence officer in the Israeli Air Force from 1967 to 1973. His discipline and strategic mindset, developed during his military service, would later prove useful in navigating the complex world of global business.
Personal Life: A Glimpse into Eyal Ofer's Family and Lifestyle
Eyal Ofer is married to Marilyn Ofer, and the couple has four children. They currently live in Monte Carlo, Monaco, though they previously resided in London and also own a home in Herzliya Pituah near Tel Aviv. Eyal also owns a luxurious apartment in 15 Central Park West, one of Manhattan's most exclusive addresses, which he developed himself. His personal life reflects his global lifestyle and refined taste.
Eyal Ofer's Net Worth: How rich is he?
As of June 21, according to Forbes, Eyal Ofer's net worth is estimated at $30.3 billion, or around Rs 2.5 lakh crore. This makes him the 60th richest person in the world and the wealthiest in Israel. His fortune is far ahead of many other billionaires worldwide, solidifying his position as a financial powerhouse.
Career and Business Journey of Eyal Ofer
Real Estate Empire
In the 1980s, Eyal Ofer moved to New York City to begin expanding his family's real estate ventures. Through Global Holdings, he built a property empire with investments across Manhattan, London, and Europe. His residential projects include some of the world's most expensive and iconic buildings like 15 Central Park West, 520 Park Avenue, and 50 United Nations Plaza.
Global Holdings owns more than 120 properties and over 1,500 hotel rooms, and Eyal serves as its chairman. The company also holds a major stake in Miller Global Properties, focusing on commercial and residential developments.
Shipping and Maritime Business
Eyal Ofer is the chairman of the Zodiac Group, one of the largest private shipping companies in the world, operating over 180 vessels. It is the biggest operator of ships under the Red Ensign flag. He also served as a board director at Royal Caribbean Cruises, where he holds a significant stake.
His impact on the shipping industry is widely recognised. Lloyd's List has consistently ranked him among the Top 100 Most Influential People in Shipping, even placing him in the Top 10 multiple times.
Energy Ventures
Through O.G. Energy, Eyal Ofer has stepped into the energy sector, with a focus on renewable energy and green hydrogen. In 2022, he invested in Tree Energy Solutions (TES), a Belgium-based green hydrogen company. He also owns O.G. Oil & Gas, with exploration rights in Southeast Asia and Australasia, and holds a 70% stake in New Zealand Oil & Gas.
Investments in Technology
Eyal Ofer is also deeply invested in technology through O.G. Venture Partners, a venture capital fund that supports early-growth tech start-ups. Its Fund I launched in 2017 with $150 million, and Fund II in 2022 with $400 million. Notably, in 2024, Ofer-backed gaming start-up SuperPlay was acquired by Playtika for up to $1.95 billion, one of the largest deals in the mobile gaming space.
Awards and Global Influence
Eyal Ofer's influence goes beyond business. In 2014, he received an honorary lifetime membership of the Baltic Exchange in London for his contribution to global shipping. Past recipients include Winston Churchill and the Duke of Edinburgh. He is also a regular speaker at global forums such as the Milken Institute and the World Economic Forum in Davos.
In 2018, he joined the Advisory Board of Bloomberg New Economy Forum, aligning himself with global leaders in business and policy.
Eyal Ofer's story is one of vision, hard work, and smart investments across shipping, real estate, energy, and technology. From his early life as a deckhand to becoming a billionaire mogul, his journey is truly inspiring. With a net worth of Rs 2.5 lakh crore, Eyal Ofer not only dominates Israel's financial world but also leaves a strong mark on the global stage.
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