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Miriam Adelson
United States
Net Worth
$34B
Source of Wealth
Las Vegas Sands
Global Rank
#39 of 157
About Miriam Adelson
Miriam Adelson is a physician, philanthropist, and the majority owner of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, one of the world's largest casino and resort companies. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, she earned her medical degree from Tel Aviv University's Sackler School of Medicine and built a distinguished career in addiction medicine and research before becoming one of the most influential philanthropists in the world.
Dr. Adelson's medical career has been defined by her pioneering work in substance abuse treatment and research. She founded and led a clinic for the treatment of drug addiction in Las Vegas, bringing compassion and scientific rigor to a field that desperately needed both. Her research contributions and clinical work have helped countless individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.
As the inheritor of her late husband Sheldon Adelson's business empire, Miriam has continued to oversee Las Vegas Sands' global operations while channeling enormous resources into philanthropy. She is one of the most generous donors to medical research, educational institutions, and cultural organizations in both the United States and Israel. Her philanthropic vision reflects her deep commitment to healing, education, and the preservation of democratic values.
Key Achievements
Pioneer in Addiction Medicine
Built a distinguished medical career focused on substance abuse treatment and research, founding clinics and contributing to the scientific understanding of addiction, helping thousands of patients recover.
Stewardship of Las Vegas Sands
Assumed leadership of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, one of the world's largest casino and resort operators, and continued to oversee its global operations spanning Las Vegas, Macau, and Singapore.
Transformative Philanthropy
Donated hundreds of millions to medical research, hospitals, universities, and cultural institutions, making her one of the most generous philanthropists in the United States and Israel.
Medical Research Advocacy
Championed funding for medical research and healthcare innovation, particularly in addiction medicine and biomedical science, advancing treatments that improve and save lives.
Notable Quotes
“Medicine is the noblest calling. To heal someone is the greatest gift you can give.”
— Miriam Adelson
“Philanthropy is not about writing checks. It is about investing in people and ideas that can change the world.”
— Miriam Adelson
Key Decisions
Founded a substance abuse treatment clinic in Las Vegas, applying her medical expertise and compassion to help individuals struggling with drug addiction.
Assumed majority ownership of Las Vegas Sands following the passing of Sheldon Adelson, stepping into a leadership role in one of the world's largest hospitality and entertainment companies.
Continued major philanthropic initiatives supporting medical research, educational institutions, and cultural organizations in the U.S. and Israel.
Early Life
Miriam Adelson was born in 1945 in Tel Aviv, in what was then British Mandate Palestine. She trained as a physician and became a specialist in drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation. She earned her medical degree from Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine and later conducted pioneering research into substance abuse at Rockefeller University in New York.
Philanthropy
Miriam Adelson, along with her late husband Sheldon Adelson, has been one of the most generous philanthropic donors in the United States and Israel. The Adelson Family Foundation has donated billions to medical research, education, Jewish causes, and support for Israel. The Adelson Medical Research Foundation has funded groundbreaking research into cancer, neurological diseases, and substance abuse. She has been a major donor to Birthright Israel, which has sent over 800,000 young Jewish adults on free educational trips to Israel.
Leadership Style
Following the death of her husband Sheldon Adelson in January 2021, Miriam stepped into a more prominent leadership role overseeing the family's vast business and philanthropic empire. As the majority shareholder of Las Vegas Sands Corp., she has guided the company through its strategic pivot to focus on the Asian market, including the massive Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore and operations in Macau.
Deep Dives
Go deeper into what makes Miriam Adelson exceptional.
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