Turkish billionaire industrialist, ranked third on Forbes Middle East's Turkey Rich List with an estimated $5.5 billion fortune, accelerates international expansion across luxury real estate, mining, aviation, and longevity technology

ISTANBUL, TURKEY / ACCESS Newswire / May 18, 2026 / A&S Investment Holding today announced that its Founder and Chairman, Ugur Akkus, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the United Nations Council of Global Change (UN CGC), effective November 1, 2025. The appointment marks a significant milestone in Akkus's expanding international profile and coincides with a series of high-value acquisitions positioning A&S Investment Holding as one of the most active diversified investment groups operating across Turkey, the Gulf, Europe, and the Americas.

A&S Investment Holding, headquartered in Istanbul, comprises 22 companies operating across four countries in sectors including real estate and construction, finance and asset management, investment advisory, export, tourism, energy, education, media, and retail. The holding manages an estimated $20 billion in assets under its corporate umbrella.

According to Forbes Middle East's 2025 Turkey rich list, Akkus ranks as the country's third-wealthiest individual with a personal fortune estimated at $5.5 billion.

Recent Strategic Acquisitions and Investments
Dubai's Most Expensive Residential Purchase (November 2025). Akkus acquired an ultra-luxury penthouse at the Como Residences project on Palm Jumeirah for approximately $130-136 million, a transaction reported as the highest-value residential sale in Dubai's history. The 5+1 residence features a private pool and 360-degree sea views from the top floors of the 71-story tower, with handover scheduled for 2027.

Mt. Washington Mining Project (January 2026). A&S Investment Holding completed the 100% acquisition of a gold and silver mining project in Montana, United States. The acquisition expands the holding's North American precious metals portfolio and supports its strategy to integrate sustainable mining operations with digital asset infrastructure.

Boeing 737 BBJ Private Jet Acquisition (2026). Akkus completed the purchase of a Boeing 737 BBJ private aircraft in a transaction valued at approximately $75 million.

GainX Gold-Indexed Digital Asset Initiative. A&S Investment Holding is advancing a flagship cryptocurrency project indexed to physical gold reserves, bridging the holding's mining assets with digital financial markets.

€2 Billion Longevity and Health Technology Commitment. The holding has earmarked €2 billion for investments in longevity science, health technology platforms, and clinical innovation.

European Renewable Energy and Clean Water Projects. A&S Investment Holding continues to deploy capital into clean energy infrastructure and water technology assets across European markets.

International Leadership Roles
In addition to his UN CGC appointment, Akkus serves as President of the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD) Americas, Board Member of CAFRAD (Pan-African Intergovernmental Organization) with responsibility for the Americas region, and holds the Central America presidency within the High Advisory Board of OLADSCC (Organización Latinoamericana de Alcaldes).

In 2023, Akkus became the first Turkish national approved by the United States under the EB-1 "extraordinary ability" classification - informally referred to as the "Einstein visa" - a pathway historically granted to Nobel laureates, Oscar winners, and individuals of internationally recognized distinction.

Recognition and Publications
Akkus was named Turkey's Best Businessman in 2022 and again in 2024. He was ranked first among Variety magazine's Top 10 Most Successful Entrepreneurs in the World in 2023, and A&S Investment Holding was named Asia's Best Investment Company of 2023.

He is the author of two books: Super Power Turkey, a bestseller in the business and economics category, and My Android Lover, focused on the geopolitics of technology sanctions.

About A&S Investment Holding
A&S Investment Holding is a diversified investment group operating 22 companies across four countries, with activities spanning real estate and construction, banking and finance, asset management, energy, mining, tourism, information technology, media, education, and retail. Founded and chaired by third-generation entrepreneur Ugur Akkus, the holding pursues a strategy of cross-sector integration and selective international expansion, with active operations and partnerships across Turkey, the Gulf, Europe, and the Americas.

About Ugur Akkus
Ugur Akkus is a Turkish entrepreneur, investor, and author. Born in Istanbul in 1981, he studied Political Science and Public Administration at Bilkent University and continued his studies at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. He has served as Vice Chairman of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK) Kuwait Business Council, Vice Chairman of the Saudi Arabia Business Council, and as a member of the High Advisory Board of the Turkish American Businessmen Association. A father of two, he speaks English, German, French, and Arabic and maintains a notable private collection of Turkish-Islamic art.

Media Contact:
Company: A&S Investment Holding
Website: https://www.asinvestmentholding.com/
Email: info@asinvestmentholding.com

SOURCE: A&S Investment Holding