Pavel Durov and Juli Vavilova Attend amfAR Gala at Cannes Film Festival 2025

Relocation to Dubai and Business Expansion

In 2017, Pavel and Nikolai Durov moved their headquarters from Berlin to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The decision was driven by multiple factors, including the desire for a more business-friendly environment, favorable tax policies, and the increasing regulatory pressures from various governments.

Dubai’s strategic location and business climate provided Telegram with the flexibility to expand globally without the constraints faced in other jurisdictions. The company established offices in Dubai, and Pavel became a prominent figure in the local tech scene, recognized as one of the wealthiest and most influential entrepreneurs in the region.

Telegram continued to innovate, launching new features such as voice calls, payment integrations, and improved user interfaces. The company’s focus remained on privacy, security, and user control over data.

Financial Growth and Wealth Accumulation

Telegram’s revenue model primarily relies on premium features, such as increased cloud storage, larger group capacities, and advertising in channels (in some regions). Although Telegram has historically maintained a stance against intrusive advertising, Pavel announced in recent years that the platform was generating significant revenue, reaching $1.4 billion in 2024.

His personal net worth grew substantially, driven largely by his ownership stake in Telegram. In 2023, Forbes listed Pavel Durov as a billionaire with a net worth of approximately $11.5 billion. By August 2024, his net worth had increased to around $15.5 billion, making him the 120th richest person in the world. His wealth and influence have earned him recognition as one of the most powerful entrepreneurs in Dubai and the Middle East.