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Thursday, November 20, 2025

Khalifa bin Butti al Muhairi: Story of a Lost Billionaire

Tech Outstanders
Khalifa bin Butti al Muhairi at a business event before NMC Health scandal

Khalifa bin Butti al Muhairi, known to be the youngest UAE Billionaire, went from a sudden rise in the financial sector to a dramatic collapse. The blog unveils the truth of KBBO Group founder’s journey from 2018 Forbes billionaire to NMC Health scandal and 2021 Bankruptcy filing. 

Who is Khalifa bin Butti al Muhairi?

Khalifa bin Butti al Muhairi is the UAE’s ex-billionaire and businessman, founder of KBBO Group (KBBO stands for Khalifa Bin Butti Bin Omair). His company is known for managing healthcare, consumer products, and investment businesses. Khalifa Al Muhairi caught international attention in 2018 when Forbes listed him as the youngest Arab Billionaire, with a net worth of $1.5 billion. Later, the Billionaire’s life took a turning point when the NMC Health Scandal occurred, along with financial issues. Financial backlash led to Khalifa bin Butti al Muhairi's bankruptcy in 2021.

Early Life and Career

After graduating from Suffolk University in Boston, USA, Zayed bin Khalifa bin butti al Muhairi began his career and professional journey in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). He gained business skills and experience in finance that helped him later to handle his business.

Later in 2006, he cofounded Brokerage House Securities (BHS) in the UAE, one of the top-ranked brokerage firms providing financial trading services. In 2007, Khalifa al Muhairi became the founder of One Financial Markets. The firm provides trading and investment services globally, geographically operating in the Middle East, Europe, South America, Central, and Southeast Asia. 

The Business Empire: KBBO Group

In 2008, Khalifa bin Butti al Muhairi founded KBBO Group in the UAE, a multi-sector company mainly based on 3 main divisions: Emirates Hospitals Group (Healthcare), Consumer Products Group (Frozen food and daily consumables), and Investments Division.

2018 Forbes Listed Billionaire

In 2018, Khalifa bin Butti al Muhairi was officially declared a Billionaire with a net worth of US$1.5 billion by Forbes. He was considered one of the youngest Arab billionaires at the age of 39 and among the seven UAE billionaires. Al Muhairi was ranked on 1,561th number in the global billionaires list. According to Forbes, his major assets were shares in NMC Healthcare, founded by BR Shetty, an Indian businessman. 

Khalifa bin Butti al Muhairi Downfall & Crisis

NMC Health Fraud Exposure & Impact on Al Muhairi’s Wealth

The downfall of Al Muhairi began in 2019, when Muddy Waters Research released a report alleging that NMC Health had manipulated the financial records of the firm. Following the exposure, the company was found to be in debt of approximately $2.7 billion, resulting in a severe decline in Al Muhairi’s wealth, as he was one of the major shareholders in NMC Health. His financial standing swiftly declined almost overnight due to liabilities and investigations. This scenario highlights how even high-net-worth individuals can face sudden financial crises, making it crucial to know how to Deal With a Financial Emergency in 2025

The Bankruptcy of Zayed Khalifa bin Butti al Muhairi

NMC Health Fraud investigation removed Khalifa bin Butti al Muhairi from the Forbes billionaires list. In 2021, he filed for bankruptcy in the UAE. He sold all of his high-value assets, the Kensington mansion in London, and other properties that totaled approximately $520,000.

Deloitte KBBO restructuring

In late 2023, court approval was announced by Deloitte, the world’s largest multinational professional services firm, for reconstructing the KBBO Group. The court allowed KBBO Group to issue new bonds of $40.8 million. 

Khalifa bin Butti al Muhairi’s Net Worth & Assets in 2025

As of 2025, Al Muhairi’s net worth is no longer listed on any major ranking site. His current assets include KBBO Group Restructuring and Emirates Hospital Group (Part of KBBO Group). Officially, there are no current legal filings regarding the assets that he holds and are up for sale. 

Legacy & Lessons From a Fallen Billionaire 

Khalifa bin Butti al Muhairi’s story reflects how a lack of insight into investments can lead to a crisis. A billionaire to bankrupt fillings, Al Muhairi’s life shows, if wealth is not handled with caution, then net worth can decline overnight. 

Regardless of unfortunate events, Al Muhairi is striving to reconstruct KBBO Group while taking a serious part in legal and formal processes. He has not given up or walked away but is taking actions for the best possible outcomes to secure his existing wealth and legacy. 

Conclusion

Al Muhair’s early success, the foundation of several financial and multisector firms, and ranking as the UAE's youngest billionaire on the Forbes listing to subsequent bankruptcy. UAE’s former Billionaire story confers risks of high-stakes businesses and financial investments. Even though we do not have any specific numbers to estimate Khalifa bin Butti al Muhair’s net worth in 2025, his story doesn't just end with bankruptcy filings. Al Muhairi is striving for financial stability and reconstructing the KBBO Group. Businessmen, young entrepreneurs, and investors must understand how investment choices can impact wealth and long-term outcomes. Explore our guide on Fund Comparison Strategies: Making Informed Investment Decisions with MarketPulse.