It is no surprise, therefore, that ranking just 100 people in Dubai is a difficult task. While it’s important to state that no singular list could capture in one snapshot the entirety of Dubai’s most powerful leaders, this list has sought to mark the most inspirational and influential from among the emirate’s elite.
Compiled by the editorial board of Arabian Business, this list represents a power ranking of those 100 people at the very top of Dubai.
The list includes some expected, and unexpected, names, and is as diversified as Dubai’s very own business and lifestyle ecosystem.
Here are the 100 people you need to know in Dubai:
Rank: 1
Name: Pavel Durov
Designation: Founder
Company: Telegram
Industry: Technology
With a net worth valued at $15.1 billion, Durov became known as Russia’s Mark Zuckerberg after he launched Vkontakte, Russia’s biggest social network at age 22. He then launched Telegram in 2013, an instant messaging service/app that supports end-to-end encryption
for messages, video, and audio calls.
With a reported 700 million active users, it has bypassed Whatsapp usage in Russia, according to Vedomosti, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of total traffic exchanged in Russia from the start of 2023. And while Vkontakte made Durov a wildly popular tech celebrity, it triggered friction within the Kremlin. He fled Russia in 2014 after refusing to cooperate with the Russian secret service to provide encrypted data of his first social network’s users.
He shifted himself and Telegram headquarters to Dubai in 2017. In early February 2021, he received UAE citizenship, making Durov a citizen of four countries.
Rank: 2
Name: Sir Tim Clark
Designation: President
Company: Emirates
Industry: Aviation
Instrumental in the transformation of Emirates Airline into the global giant that it is today, Clark joined Emirates founding team in 1985 as head of Airline Planning, and in 2003, became president. He is also chairman of the Emirates Airline Foundation.
With vast experience in the civil aviation business, he joined British Caledonian in 1972, and later held the role of managing director of Sri Lankan Airlines. In June 2022, he was appointed to the Emirates Board as an independent non-executive director.
Under his leadership, in January 2023, Emirates was handed a perfect score for safety standards in IATA test, a rare occurrence in the industry given the complexity of airline operations. With this strong audit report, Emirates has demonstrated the excellence of its systems and processes to ensure safe operational practices and the high standards of its modern fleet of Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s.
Rank: 3
Name: Mohamed Alabbar
Designation: Founder and managing director
Company: Emaar/Noon
Industry: Real Estate/Retail
A driving force behind Dubai’s economic growth, Alabbar has steered the growth of Emaar Properties, Dubai’s biggest listed property developer by market value, widely recognised for Dubai Mall and The Burj Khalifa. With retail businesses that span across over 20 markets around the world, Alabbar has interests in F&B, e-commerce, venture capital, logistics, hospitality, and technology. He is also the chairman of Eagle Hills developer and has steered the region’s F&B sector with Americana.
He is behind Noon Food, launched to create a more sustainable ecosystem for businesses and consumers. With the launch of his e-commerce firm noon in 2016, Alabbar has collaborated with government departments to provide a broad platform for start-ups in Abu Dhabi and Ajman. With the imminent launch of his latest venture Zand, the world’s first combined digital corporate and retail bank, Alabbar is on a fast track towards the future.
Rank: 4
Name: Dr. Mohammad Al Olama
Designation: Brain surgeon
Company: Valiant Clinic & Hospital
Industry: Healthcare
Awarded in 2015 as one of the UAE’s pioneers, Emirati Dr. Al Olama boasts extensive experience in successfully treating brain trauma, brain tumours, spine tumours, and vascular malformations like aneurysms.
Recognised for several firsts, he was the first neurosurgeon to initiate the real usage of ICP monitoring and EVD monitoring for head trauma patients; the first neurosurgeon to perform endoscopic surgery in the DHA and foetal surgery for the repair of myelomeningocele in the Arab region; and he introduced pentothal anaesthesia for head trauma patients.
He also treats infants with hydrocephalus and implants devices like spinal cord stimulator for pain, deep brain stimulator for Parkinson’s disease and dystonia, and vagus nerve stimulator for epilepsy. As the General Secretary of Arab Paediatric Neurosurgical Society, he holds multiple prestigious positions including the president of Emirates Society of Neurological Surgeons and the president of Gulf Neurosurgical Society.
Rank: 5
Name: Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi
Designation: UAE astronaut
Company: UAE Space Agency
Industry: Science
Set to blast off with three colleagues on 26 February at 11.07 am, UAE time (scheduled), on a Falcon 9 rocket as part of the SpaceX/Nasa Crew-6 mission, Dr. Al Neyadi is the first Arab astronaut set to travel for a six-month stay on the International Space Station.
With a computer science background, he applied to become an astronaut in 2017 to the UAE’s space programme. After selection, Dr. Al Neyadi and Maj Al Mansouri, a former fighter jet pilot, embarked on their 12-month training in Russia’s Star City to prepare for the country’s first space mission.
Both braved long hours of survival training in the harsh winter, mastered the Russian language, and spent hours in gravity simulators. The duo underwent more advanced training at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas from 2020 to early 2022. Their graduation has now qualified them for NASA-led missions to space.
Rank: 6
Name: Sunny Varkey
Designation: Founder
Company: GEMS Education
Industry: Education
Dubai’s education pioneer who has established a global education empire, under Varkey’s leadership, GEMS now owns and operates over sixty schools in the MENA region alone.
Today, the group is the largest non-governmental operator of private K-12 schools in the world, boasting 140,000 students from 175 countries.
Born in Kerala, India, the family moved to Dubai in 1959, and at age four, Varkey moved home to attend boarding school. He returned to Dubai in 1970, by which time his parents had already launched ‘Our Own English High School.’ He took over the school in 1980 and since then, has never looked back.
He established the Varkey Foundation which supports the $1 million Global Teacher Prize, widely recognised as the most prestigious prize in education. As a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Varkey has signed up to The Giving Pledge, which pledges half of his wealth
to charity.
Rank: 7
Name: Huda Kattan
Designation: Founder and chairwoman
Company: Huda Beauty
Industry: Retail
An iconic beauty entrepreneur who has smashed social media boundaries, Kattan is best known for founding Huda Beauty in 2013, her billion-dollar cosmetics brand. She also co-founded the fragrance range Kayali in November 2018 and the Wishful Skincare line in 2020.
A lifelong passion for beauty led Kattan to enrol at a makeup training school in Los Angeles, cultivating a roster of clientele including A-list celebrities and a royal family. Soon after, Huda set up her beauty blog HudaBeauty.com and later launched a YouTube channel, Facebook page and an Instagram account by the same name.
The impetus for Huda Beauty came after Kattan and her sisters worked together to create a collection of false eyelashes under the Huda Beauty brand name. As one of the world’s most-followed social media influencers, Huda Beauty was named as the most hyped celebrity brand in 2022 by Cosmetic Business.
Rank: 8
Name: Conor McGregor
Designation: Professional Mixed Martial Artist (MMA)
Company: UFC
Industry: Sport
An Irish professional mixed martial artist, McGregor fought Floyd Mayweather in a boxing bout in 2017 which propelled him to become one of the richest athletes of all time. Over the span of his career, he has competed as a featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight participant.
In 2008, he embarked upon his MMA career followed by two big title wins, namely Cage Warriors Featherweight and Lightweight Championships, which he held until he signed with UFC. Known as the biggest pay-per-view draw in MMA history, in July 2021, he lost to Dustin Poirier in his fourth UFC fight since 2016 for which he earned a reported $22 million.
In the process, he suffered a broken tibia and underwent surgery to have it repaired. He is expected to return to action in 2023, but is working with Hollywood celebrity Jake Gyllenhaal in Amazon Prime’s revisit of the eighties classic, Road House.
Rank: 9
Name: Mohammad A. Baker
Designation: Deputy chairman and CEO
Company: GMG
Industry: Diversified
At the helm of his family-owned company with a forty-year legacy, Baker has been instrumental in transforming GMG to become a leading global company affiliated with the world’s most successful brands in the well-being sector.
Transitioning from a single Dubai store to a global company that enables well-being through their health, sports, and food divisions, GMG has launched over 120 brands into its markets across the MENA region and Asia. Some of these include home-grown brands such as Sun & Sand Sports, Supercare Pharmacy, Farm Fresh, and more, plus international brands like Nike, Mama Sita’s, amongst others.
In October 2021, he helped the company embark on a new corporate strategy with a new brand identity and purpose-centric vision. Under Baker’s leadership, GMG has continued to expand its portfolio across 12 countries and over the years, has grown drastically with a potential to reach 700 million consumers.
Rank: 10
Name: Ghassan Aboud
Designation: Founder and chairman
Company: Ghassan Aboud Group (GAG)
Industry: Diversified
Following his short-lived career in media, in 1994, Aboud recognised the potential for international traders in Dubai with the launch of his trading company. Just around three decades later, his small automotive trade venture expanded to become a conglomerate, spanning over 10 countries across several key sectors.
Today at the helm of over 2,500 employees, his Group is based in Dubai with offices in Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Belgium, and Australia across industries spanning retail, hospitality, media, food, digital marketplaces, automotive, and more.
The Group launched Live Point Art Production in 2008, followed by Crystalbrook Collection, a hotel development and management company in Australia, and then Grandiose Supermarket in 2016 with hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores across the UAE.
He also steered GAG’s foray into digital e-commerce with its B2B marketplace BuyGro launched in 2020 in the UAE which integrates over buyers from cafes, grocery stores, and restaurants.
Rank: 11
Name: Hussain Sajwani
Designation: Founder and chairman
Company: Damac Holding
Industry: Real Estate
After identifying a gap in the market, Sajwani established DAMAC Properties in 2002 which has grown to become one of the region’s largest property development companies with projects in several global cities, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Baghdad, Jeddah, Riyadh, Amman, Doha, and Beirut.
DAMAC Properties is a publicly listed company with shares traded on the Dubai Financial Market. In addition to being an evolved investor, Sajwani has robust experience in global equity and capital markets.
Established in 1992, DICO Investments encompasses four key investment areas, including debt instruments issued by regional companies and banks; strategic holdings; long-term investments; and ownership of subsidiaries in growth industries. DICO Group aims to build a diversified portfolio across real estate, hospitality and manufacturing. The group’s global footprint extends across North America, Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Africa.
Rank: 12
Name: Kabir Mulchandani
Designation: Founder and chairman
Company: FIVE Group
Industry: Hospitality
A real estate, hospitality and philanthropic titan, Kabir Mulchandani is the storied entrepreneur behind the iconic FIVE Hotels and Resorts including celebrity favourite and Insta-famous, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, FIVE Jumeirah Village, the most reviewed hotel on Booking.com in the world and Switzerland’s ultimate dining and nightlife destination, FIVE Zurich. The much-awaited, FIVE LUXE, JBR is slated to open in Q4 of 2023 – the group recently announced famed entertainment extravaganza, Lío Ibiza, will come to Dubai for the very first time at the said property.
Amid his meteoric success as a global disruptor, Mulchandani maintains a conviction to commit himself and the company to ethical and globally-engaged action. Rather than settle for financial success alone, the pioneering entrepreneur has challenged FIVE to trailblaze sustainability within its no compromise luxury lifestyle and immersive entertainment customer experience.
Kabir Mulchandani’s activated vision, backed by bold investment, has already propelled FIVE’s luxury hospitality to industry-leading sustainability success. To date, FIVE has earned LEED Platinum and SPIRE Ratings for its Dubai hotels, emerging with the highest rated smart luxury properties in the world. Unceasing, at the Reuters NEXT Global Summit 2022, Mulchandani announced FIVE’s revolutionary Net Zero Building of Tomorrow, Today.
A plug-and-play project inspiring unmatched luxury living will simultaneously redefine sustainable building technology through an array of previously unimagined renewable technology and cutting-edge infrastructure applied in harmonic design.
His entrepreneurial journey has yielded a net worth of $2.5bn and he looks to be expanding FIVE’s global imprint with his sights set on multiple acquisitions.
Rank: 13
Name: Colm McLoughlin
Designation: Executive vice chairman and CEO
Company: Dubai Duty Free
Industry: Retail
Raising the benchmark for the duty-free industry, under McLoughlin’s leadership, over the past 40 years, Dubai Duty Free has received over 750 awards, including the title of the ‘Best Duty Free Shopping in the World’ for the 16th consecutive year at the 19th Global Traveler’s GT Tested Reader Survey Awards. It won the award for the ‘Best Duty Free Shopping in the Middle East’ for the fourth time.
His career with Dubai Duty Free began as a then-member of the Irish Airport Authority consultancy team, then contracted by the Dubai government to launch its new duty-free operations. He remained in Dubai as new operation’s general manager followed by his role as the managing director. In July 2011, McLoughlin was appointed to his current role at Dubai Duty Free and its subsidiary businesses; The Irish Village, The Century Village, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and Jumeirah Creekside Hotel.
Rank: 14
Name: Arif Amiri
Designation: CEO
Company: DIFC
Industry: Finance
Responsible for the strategy and growth of DIFC, under Amiri’s helm, DIFC has become the leading global financial centre in the MEASA region and a powerhouse for the financial services sector. He has established an ambitious 2024 Strategy to further establish its position as the leading financial hub for the region. Aligned to the UAE’s commitment to innovation and economic diversification, Amiri’s vision for DIFC is further developing its fintech proposition and steering multiple initiatives towards the future of finance.
Prior to joining DIFC Authority, Amiri held multiple positions at Emaar Properties PJSC, where he expanded their portfolio. His previous experience also includes an eight-year term at HSBC Bank Middle East where he developed a deeper understanding of the financial services sector. He has also contributed to the region’s retail sector as the chairman of the Middle East Investor Relations Society from 2008 to 2011.
Rank: 15
Name: Alex Reinhardt
Designation: Entrepreneur, venture capitalist and expert in crypto technology
Company: Reinhardt Ventures
Industry: Technology
Considered one of the world’s 10 most influential people in the crypto industry, blockchain expert par excellence Reinhardt is not only a successful businessman, but also a business coach, prominent economist, an expert in startup development, and a venture capitalist.
Over the past few years, he has held more than one hundred coaching seminars which were attended by about half a million people. As a visionary entrepreneur, he has founded and successfully launched over 20 successful international start-ups. Every start-up founded by Reinhardt has a mission to change the world and improve the lives of ordinary people.
Growing up, his family immigrated to Germany and struggled financially, relying on social benefits. This experience taught him the value of hard work and determination and helped him become an expert in attracting investment and launching new businesses. To give back, he founded the Alex Reinhardt Academy to help others achieve success by merging his own experience with the expertise of world leaders across the fields of finance, business, and soft skills. Over 500,000 people have participated in the Academy’s courses and training, and his book, You’re Number One: How to Become a Leader in 30 Days and Remain One has inspired many to make a difference in their lives and went on to become a global best-seller.
In addition to teaching and mentoring, Reinhardt has also created the PLC Ultima ecosystem which includes a crypto debit card, cryptocurrency exchange, wallet, and crowdfunding platform. Boasting more than 1.5 million active monthly users, this ecosystem has provided ordinary people access to a global infrastructure to maintain decent lifestyles and independence, irrespective of inaccessibility to traditional financial instruments.
Now a resident of Dubai, Reinhardt’s teachings have benefited thousands of people all over the world, helping them live comfortably, earn more, and develop their professional skills. And despite his busy schedule of attending conferences and events all over the world, he never stops pushing himself to achieve even more ambitious goals. Truly a ‘man of the world’, millions of successful people follow Reinhardt’s lead.
Rank: 16
Name: Naaman Atallah
Designation: CEO
Company: Nakheel Properties
Industry: Real Estate
Playing a pivotal role in realising Dubai’s vision, Atallah has helmed Nakheel to become a world-leading master developer whose iconic projects boast retail, leisure, residential, and hospitality developments and master communities, including Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Islands, Palm Beach Towers and Tilal Al Furjan.
With over two decades of diverse experience in the real estate sector, previously he held the position of CEO in India’s Piramal Realty and was also the CEO at Dubai Properties. Here he launched new products and communities which increased revenue and brought Dubai Properties back into the limelight. He was also at Emaar as their COO and served as group managing director of Hamptons International, the UK-based property services of Emaar. As executive director Business Development, Atallah led the launch of the world’s first Armani Hotel and Residences.
Rank: 17
Name: Sunil Kaushal
Designation: CEO
Company: Standard Chartered Africa and Middle East (AME)
Industry: Banking and finance
With the launch of digital banks across nine key markets across Africa, Kaushal has driven the acceleration of Standard Chartered’s digital transformation in the AME region. In addition to his current role, he is a member of Standard Chartered’s Global Management team, the highest executive body within the bank.
Previously, he was the regional CEO of Standard Chartered South Asia and CEO in India. With the group for over two decades, Kaushal boasts over three decades of banking experience in diverse markets across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. He has held senior roles across wholesale, retail, SME banking and country management within the group. He has served as the head of corporate banking in the UAE, head of originations and client coverage in Singapore, global head small and medium enterprises and new ventures in Singapore and held the role of CEO of Standard Chartered Bank in Taiwan.
Rank: 18
Name: Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil
Designation: Founder, chairman and managing director
Company: VPS Healthcare Group
Industry: Healthcare
Aspired to work on developing medical facilities and enhancing the quality of healthcare in the Middle East, Vayalil launched VPS Healthcare in 2007 backed by a vision to deliver affordable, accessible healthcare services to those in need.
In just over a decade, VPS Healthcare has transformed into an integrated healthcare network with a presence in the GCC, India, and Europe with 22 operational hospitals, 13,000 employees, and over 125 medical centres.
In May 2022, VPS Healthcare consolidated its GCC assets under a new holding company, Burjeel Holdings, which will operate around 60 assets across a range of brands. This makes it one of the largest integrated health networks in the region, and will cater to all levels of socio-economic segments across a range of brands, just some of which include Tajmeel, Medeor Hospital, Burjeel Hospitals, Lifecare Hospital, and LLH Hospital.
Rank: 19
Name: Shayne Nelson
Designation: Group CEO
Company: Emirates NBD
Industry: Banking and finance
A seasoned banker with decades of diverse banking experience, Nelson has led Emirates NBD’s market capitalisation jump from $4.3bn to around $24.5bn with the acquisition of Turkey’s DenizBank. Under his leadership, the bank has witnessed growth with innovative technologies and boasts the largest market share in both corporate and retail banking in the UAE.
Under his leadership, the bank continues to expand with growth in KSA, Egypt and India. Prior to his current role, he held the role of CEO at Standard Chartered Private Bank in Singapore. He was also the chairman of Standard Chartered Saadiq Islamic Advisory Board and a board member of Standard Chartered Bank (China) Ltd.
Other leadership positions include regional CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Middle East and North Africa in Dubai; chairman of Standard Chartered (Pakistan) Limited, and chairman of the Banking Advisory Council to the Board of DIFC.
Rank: 20
Name: Khalid Al Ameri
Designation: Influencer
Company: Self-employed
Industry: Social media
A celebrated and extremely popular influencer with a gift of storytelling, Al Ameri has evolved into a global phenomenon that has made Dubai proud. Prior to his stardom on social media, he was a public investor with a passion for content creation. He took a leap of faith when he launched his own YouTube channel in 2011, focusing on culturally relevant content centred around Middle Eastern topics mostly about family, human interest stories, and his travels.
Over the years, Ameri has reinvented himself as an influencer par excellence, boasting over 2.4 million followers on Instagram and 1.79 million on YouTube, while his wife Salama Mohamed can be seen regularly in his videos and is his biggest supporter. With hit videos such as ‘Shopping While Married’ and two seasons of ‘The Ramadan Show’, Ameri is the first social media personality to be inducted in the Downtown Dubai Walk of Fame.
Rank: 21
Name: Bally Singh
Designation: Co-founder and chairman
Company: Hoko Group
Industry: Marketing and events
Over the last 26 years, Singh has built numerous companies that have grown significantly and created substantial shareholder and stakeholder value.
Currently the co-founder and chairman of Hoko Group which consists of several separate entities, each creating their own and distinctive brands and value. Hoko Group has worked with brands such as Alfa Romeo Sauber, McLaren, Microsoft, OKX, MoneyGram, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism and The Marriott Group, amongst many others.
Recently, Singh appreciated the visionary approach of the Middle East. Particularly the Web3 and Blockchain industries which have led to a huge and significant growth. Seeing the potential of this growth, Singh has helped bridge the gap between the corporate, governmental and Web3 industries. Providing an environment where people can network, discuss the evolution of the industry and create synergies. Singh has crafted a unique space to enable these ideas to flourish.
Singh is no stranger to the concept of bringing different worlds together and the power of collaboration and personal experiences. Through another one of his companies, The Rich List, Singh has curated large scale events, globally. Working around the Formula One calendar, The Rich List has created high end, bespoke, luxury experiences for high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients such as the Young Presidents Organisation, Alfa Romeo Sauber, Red Bull, Heineken, Dom Perignon and DP World. Previous attendees and performers at the events have included, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, Pharrell Williams, Paris Hilton, Bella Hadid, Craig David, and The Weeknd, amongst others.
The coming year looks particularly exciting with enormous scope for expansion. Various projects have already commenced, further cementing and enhancing Singh’s work in the UAE and increasingly in Saudi Arabia.
Rank: 22
Name: Ajaz Sheikh
Designation: CEO
Company: The Arts Club (Dubai)
Industry: Arts
An iconic, 159-year-old London institution that blends some of Dubai’s futuristic aspects to create one of the world’s most luxurious private members spaces has been steered by Les Roches alumnus Sheikh. Launched in December 2020, it had already filled its membership books and now operates a waiting list.
In the UAE, The Arts Club opened its doors at ICD Brookfield Place in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and is the first international outpost of The Arts Club in London, which has long been a bastion of the arts, sciences, and literature. Offering a satiable blend of business and leisure spread across four floors, for both the Dubai and London locations, the Clubs are ultra-private and exclusively for members and their guests, with membership based on being proposed, seconded, and then reviewed by an election committee to ensure that there is a regionally representative community of individuals.
Rank: 23
Name: Sultan Bin Sulayem
Designation: Group chairman and CEO
Company: DP World
Industry: Logistics
Bin Sulayem’s expertise has spearheaded Dubai’s rapid expansion across free zones and ports. He steered leading marine terminal operator DP World’s expansion internationally with the purchase of the P&O Group for $6.8 billion in March 2006. This propelled it to become one of the largest global port operators and trade enablers in the world with 78 marine and inland terminals in six continents.
He also propelled the rapid development of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) into a business park of over 7300 companies, and established Nakheel, the real estate and tourism property development firm behind many iconic Dubai projects, including The Palm. He also launched Istithmar World, a major investment house focusing on private equity with a portfolio of investments across retail, tourism, hospitality, and more. He also pioneered the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), a market for gold and precious metals, energy, and other commodities.
Rank: 24
Name: Sunil Kumar Sekharan
Designation: CEO
Company: Spinneys
Industry: Retail
Having joined Spinneys as a store manager 27 years ago, Sekharan has helped steer Spinneys to remain a leading, locally owned supermarket chain with over 65 stores in the UAE and Oman. He juggled several roles within the chain until 2019 when he was appointed in his current role.
Of the UAE’s supermarket business and an estimated market-share of around 7.5 percent, Spinneys has retained its fresh food business at 55 percent, as compared to its competitors. And as the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence has revealed that food wastage in the UAE is estimated to be 3.2 million tonnes, Spinneys is doing its part as the first retailer to join the ‘Food for Life’ initiative. This supports the UAE’s goal to halve food waste by 2030 in line with the National Food Security Strategy 2051 as the country works towards becoming a global leader in sustainable food systems.
Rank: 25
Name: Amir Khan
Designation: Retired boxer
Company: Amir Khan Foundation
Industry: Philanthropy
Considered one of the UK’s most well-known boxers who embarked on his career at just age 17 and who recently retired at age 35, Khan is a former unified world junior welterweight champion known for his fast-handed attacking style. He will be remembered for his multiple wins, including his five-defence reign as world junior welterweight champion from 2009 to 2011; a win in 2010 against Marcos Maidana; and his fights with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Terence Crawford, amongst others.
He was also the youngest British boxing Olympic medallist at age 17 at the 2004 Olympics, and at age 22, became one of the youngest British world champions following his WBA title win. In 2014, Khan established his own charity organisation, the Amir Khan Foundation which helps to support individuals, families and communities globally, and to offer relief and support during times of hardship.
Rank: 26
Name: Khalid Elgibali
Designation: Division President – Middle East and North Africa
Company: MasterCard
Industry: Technology
Based in Dubai, Khalid Elgibali is responsible for leading the company’s dynamic business across the Middle East and North Africa – driving growth and innovation to meet market-specific needs, forming new partnerships, and delivering on Mastercard’s continued commitment to invest in the region.
Elgibali has held senior positions at leading financial institutions including HSBC Middle East, Standard Chartered Bank, Barclays and Citigroup. He brings a wealth of experience to the role alongside a deep understanding of the region’s economic and corporate landscape.
A technology leader focused on the future
Since joining Mastercard in 2016, Elgibali has helped reinforce the company’s position as a technology leader and trusted payments advisor to regional governments, enabling the successful execution of national-level programs that support their digital agendas and long-term visions.
From driving commercial growth through diversification of revenue streams, pioneering cutting edge technology solutions and building strategic partnerships with the region’s leading public and private stakeholders, Elgibali is on a mission to create a future-ready digital ecosystem through innovations in payments.
Most recently, Mastercard played a key role as a premier sponsor of Expo 2020 Dubai, rolled out its multi-rail strategy across key MENA markets, forged several government partnerships to drive financial inclusion and digital transformation, and empowered small businesses with key insights, funding, products and technology required during the Covid-19 pandemic under Elgibali’s leadership.
A polyglot fluent in six languages, including Arabic, English, French, Russian, Italian and Portuguese, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the American University in Cairo and attained his MBA from Strathclyde Graduate Business School in Glasgow, Scotland.
Rank: 27
Name: Prashant Goenka
Designation: Director
Company: Emami
Industry: FMCG
Steering the success of Emami and transforming it into one of India’s fastest growing healthcare and personal care companies in the international markets, Prashant is driven by a vision to amplify safe and natural personal care brands. Today, Emami boasts an enviable portfolio of over 300 products under many brands like Creme21, Navratna, Kesh King, 7 Oils in One, Boroplus, Smart & Handsome, Zandu etc. The company has established a reputation for creating product categories from scratch and carving out a disproportionate share of those categories in the personal care and healthcare segments.
With current international operations spanning over 65 countries, headquartered in UAE, Prashant has spearheaded the business, turbocharged growth and constantly focused on innovation in Middle East, Russia, South East Asia. Under his leadership, Emami has established its offices and manufacturing in multiple international locations.
Multiplying the organisation’s revenues by multiple-fold, Prashant led the acquisition of the iconic German brand previously owned by Henkel, Creme21, with a high equity in the skincare industry for over 50 years. More importantly, it was Prashant’s longstanding pledge to champion inclusion and diversity and to also adapt to international culture.
Delivering extraordinary results, Prashant is a resourceful solutions provider, brave and displaying passion and integrity in the building of successful brands within the global marketplace. Prashant is active across key chambers and professional organisations and ex city chapter chair of the Young President Organisation; YPO.
As one of the successful Indian business leaders in this part of the world, he believes the best is yet to come. He lives by the mantra of dreaming big, continuous learning and constantly moving forward. In that process, he acknowledges it’s alright to fail, but rise up with such a spring and an attitude that tomorrow is ours to win.
Rank: 28
Name: Renuka Jagtiani
Designation: Chairwoman
Company: Landmark Group
Industry: Retail
A group that has transformed the retail sector in Dubai, growing from a single store in Bahrain in 1973 to now over 2,200 retail outlets, Jagtiani has been pivotal in guiding the group’s corporate strategy for over two decades. She helped to grow the fashion and hospitality businesses for the group in the MENA region and the Indian subcontinent, and as a cornerstone of the group’s journey, has been instrumental in creating the high-street fashion brand Splash in 1993.
Under her leadership, the group forayed into ecommerce and invested in the MENA region’s largest privately-owned logistics and distribution hub, with a vision to reach its customers, irrespective of where they shop. Recently in Q3 2022, Landmark Group appointed Kabir Lumba as the new CEO for Landmark Retail while Jagtiani will remain actively involved in the business and will focus on bolstering the strategy, vision, and strengthening governance.
Rank: 29
Name: Ian Johnston
Designation: CEO
Company: DFSA
Industry: Finance
Backed by a wealth of advisory experience, prior to his current role, Johnston was consulting to regulators and policy makers in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and has undertaken projects funded by the World Bank and the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development. The DFSA, the independent regulator of financial services conducted in and from DIFC, have re-appointed Johnston, who served as the DFSA’s chief executive from 2012 to 2018, to his new role from 1 September 2022.
And since January 2022, Johnston has also served on the DFSA’s Legislative Committee. He had previously joined the DFSA in the role of managing director, leading the Policy and Legal Services Division. Prior to his current role, Johnston joined the Australian Securities and Investments Commission as the executive director of Financial Services Regulation. This followed his role as a special advisor with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (HKSFC).
Rank: 30
Name: Saygin Yalcin
Designation: Founder and CEO
Company: SellAnyCar.com & Carnab.com
Industry: Entrepreneurship
A serial tech entrepreneur behind the largest used car portal in the GCC, during a visit to Dubai, Yalcin observed a gap in the UAE’s e-commerce space. This prompted his move to Dubai at age 24, and in 2009, he launched Sukar.com, an online fashion store later acquired by Souq.com and then by Amazon.
The idea for his business came while he tried to sell his car on the classifieds which involved a time-consuming process. After diligent market research, Yalcin launched his portal SellAnyCar.com which offered to purchase any seller’s car for a fair price in under 30 minutes. His team next developed a digital marketplace that hosts over 25,000 companies for bidding on cars bought by SellAnyCar.com.
His success was followed by the launch of Carnab.com, another platform which sells second-hand cars to consumers online. In Dubai, Yalcin is a keen investor in new companies.
Rank: 31
Name: Suresh Vaidhyanathan
Designation: Group CEO
Company: Ghassan Aboud Group (GAG)
Industry: Diversified
Having played key strategic roles with the region’s foremost business conglomerates for over two decades, Vaidhyanathan is an accomplished business leader with a wealth of experience spanning over multiple countries in the MENA region across multiple business sectors. In his current role, he steers growth across a portfolio of businesses which include healthcare, retail, food, automotive, logistics, eB2B digital platforms, and hospitality.
Vaidhyanathan has taken the Group’s digital transformation on an upward trajectory with the launch of digital platforms and other upcoming transformative projects. A few of their key businesses include an automotive business platform; hospitality brand Crystalbrook Collection; and BuyGro.
Rank: 32
Name: Mishal Hamed Kanoo
Designation: Chairman
Company: Kanoo Group
Industry: Diveresified
Spearheading one of the largest, family-owned independent group of companies in the GCC region, Kanoo is recognised as one of the most iconic business figures in the Middle East. He plays an integral role in the Group which has diversified interests in shipping, travel, machinery, logistics, oil and gas, power, chemicals, JVs, retail, and commercial activities, among others.
In 1991, Kanoo joined the family firm immediately after university in the role of assistant shipping manager. To pursue higher studies, he left the business to attend the American University of Sharjah (AUS) for his second MBA. He also worked as an auditor at Arthur Andersen in Dubai prior to re-joining the Group in 1997 in the role of deputy chairman, followed by his appointment to his current role in 2015. A frequent speaker at conferences around the world, Kanoo is a visiting lecturer at the AUS School of Business Administration.
Rank: 33
Name: Alex Alexandrov
Designation: Founder
Company: Velas
Industry: Fintech
Ukrainian Canadian Alexandrov took a leap of faith on cryptocurrency in 2012 when discovered Bitcoin and started mining it at a mere $4 per token. A struggling building manager at the time, he launched Velas, an ecosystem of decentralised products which enable blockchain technology benefits and allows for a high speed and low-cost withdrawal of funds from other blockchains.
An early adopter of the cryptocurrency wave, in 2016, he went on to launch Coinpayments, the largest altcoin payment processor that has expanded tenfold per year, with over three million total users, accepting over 2,095 different kinds of cryptocurrencies, used by over 70,000 merchants worldwide. Now delving into the social media sector fuelled by his passion for music, Alexandrov has launched BitOrbit, a decentralised social media platform where users can share content free of cost or offer it under paid subscriptions, including music.
Rank: 34
Name: Sunil John
Designation: Founder
Company: ASDA’A BCW
Industry: Media and marketing
At the heart of the media and communications business in the Middle East for over 25 years, John has led ASDA’A to become the benchmark PR consultancy in the Arab world. In 2008, after WPP Group acquired a majority stake, he relaunched the firm as ASDA’A BCW. During the pandemic, he steered the firm through a strategic reset to make ASDA’A BCW and its offerings agile and relevant to the changed landscape.
He also spearheaded the annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey in 2008, which became globally recognised, widely cited pieces of public opinion research by media and policymakers. He has embraced a digital-first mind-set while delivering integrated and creative communications through ASDA’A BCW’s Power of Three, namely integrating data and digital into PR through two fully owned subsidiaries: PSB Middle East for research and Proof Communications for digital, social and design.
Rank: 35
Name: Dr. Reem Osman
Designation: CEO
Company: Saudi German Hospitals Group (SGHG)
Industry: Healthcare
With over two decades of experience in the field of healthcare, in her current role since 2012, Dr Osman has managed to establish a firm foothold for SGHG Dubai in the Middle East’s burgeoning healthcare industry. As Jeddah’s first hospital built in 1988 by medical pioneers in KSA, SGHG was founded by the Batterjee family under Bait Al Batterjee Medical Co, in collaboration with German University Hospitals. This launched advanced German healthcare standards and expertise to KSA’s community for the first time.
With three hospitals spread across Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman alongside clinics in Jumeirah, DAMAC Hills, and DAMAC Hills 2, in February 2022, SGHG announced plans to construct a 200-bed hospital in Mirdif, Dubai, which will be built at an estimated value of $122m. Scheduled to open in 2023, SGHG Mirdif will provide the latest digital expertise and technology to boost the patient health experience.
Rank: 36
Name: Hind Abdul Hamied Seddiqi
Designation: Chief marketing and communications officer
Company: Seddiqi Holding
Industry: Retail
The director general of Dubai Watch Week, Seddiqi played a pivotal role in its launch which has succeeded in drawing the leading talents of watchmaking to converge in the Middle East for the unique non-commercially driven networking event. The granddaughter of the founder of Ahmed Seddiqi and Sons, the largest watch retailer in the UAE, with 51 locations and growing, the company represents more than 60 luxury timepieces and jewellery brands.
Within the group, she is responsible for developing integrated marketing strategies for each business unit in addition to their internal and external executive communication plans and strategies. She also heads the Customer Experience (CX) communications for all business units, including Seddiqi Properties. She is also actively involved in the conceptualisation and implementation of corporate and communications strategies across their business portfolio.
Rank: 37
Name: Michael Lahyani
Designation: Founder and CEO
Company: Property Finder
Industry: Real Estate
The man behind the largest and number one property platform in the Middle East, boasting over 100,000 properties available online, Lahyani initially worked with PwC in Geneva, Switzerland. After he identified a gap in the property advertising space in Dubai, he launched the Middle East’s first real estate classifieds, both online and print.
While Australia’s REA Group acquired 51 percent of propertyfinder.ae in 2007, he re-bought back REA Group’s stake and now owns one hundred percent of the company. After a Swedish tech investor funded the company with $20m in 2015, its value skyrocketed to $200m, followed by General Atlantic’s investment of $120m in November 2018. Soon after, the company acquired JRD Group, a UAE-based real estate technology provider and owner of Justproperty.com as well as Propspace. Also a keen investor in startup technology companies, Layhani co-founded Merro, his own investment platform.
Rank: 38
Name: Dr. Sanjay Parashar
Designation: Chairman Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Company: Cocoona Centres
Industry: Healthcare
Practicing for over three decades and among the busiest surgeons in the UAE, Dr Parashar moved from Australia to Dubai in 2005 with the dream to make Dubai the Beverly Hills of the Middle East and become one of the best plastic surgeons in the world. Today, he is also the founder of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeons by Cocoona and operates a skin care range, Skin by Cocoona and Topline, a medical software and IT systems company.
He has performed over 15,000 surgeries, including abdominoplasty, rhinoplasty, liposuction, and more. Having worked at leading institutes in the US, Bahrain, South Korea, and Bahrain, Dr Parashar has spent multiple years working with and learning from some of the world’s best plastic surgeons, including Dr Ashok Gupta, Prof. David David, Dr Tony Moore, and more, to help him to refine his skills in laser surgery, craniofacial surgery, and aesthetic surgery.
Rank: 39
Name: Rashed Belhasa
Designation: Influencer
Company: Self-employed
Industry: Social media
A well-known YouTuber known for his ultra-luxurious life, Belhasa, or Money Kicks, became famous and successful at a very young age with a phenomenal number of Instagram and YouTube fans. He launched his YouTube channel in June 2013, and in 2015 and began posting videos called ‘Money Kicks’ about his high-end lifestyle and legendary sneaker collection, which helped him gain over 50,000 subscribers from around the world.
The game changed for him when he posted a video with the famous rapper Young Thug on YouTube which surged his popularity. With 2.2 million followers on Instagram and 3 million on YouTube, Money Kicks has been a part of music videos with Mo Vlogs, Dyler, and others. With a large sneakers collection valued at over $2 million, he is actively followed for his posts about his expensive cars and pricey shoes.
Rank: 40
Name: Ronaldo Mouchawar
Designation: CEO and co-founder/vice president VP Middle East and Africa
Company: Amazon
Industry: E-commerce
An ingenious tech entrepreneur who led ecommerce giant Amazon to become the largest digital retailer in the region, after graduating, Mouchawar started his career at information technology firm EDS in image processing and video scanning for car manufacturers, healthcare organisations and publishing companies. As the web started gaining traction in the US in the early 2000s, he returned to the Middle East and created an Arabic language portal Maktoob, the first successful web portal in the Middle East.
He went on to create a commerce site with its own brand identity and in 2006, co-founded Souq.com, setting up offices in Dubai. The brand expanded to become the largest e-commerce retailer in the region but was later bought by e-commerce giant Amazon for a record-breaking $580m. Subsequently, Mouchawar was then appointed as the vice president in 2017 of Amazon in the region.
Rank: 41
Name: Sadi Al Sadi
Designation: CEO
Company: Slimstock MEA
Industry: Technology
Since October 2017, Sadi Al Sadi H. has been at the helm of Slimstock, the leading inventory management specialist that enhances supply chain performance through its cutting-edge inventory optimisation platform, Slim4. An intelligent inventory management software powered by AI and machine learning, Slimstock offers an entire suite of solutions for supply chain optimisation.
The brand is committed to optimizing its client’s operations by constantly enhancing Slimstock’s software which provides forecasting, demand planning, collaboration and more to help businesses overcome their supply chain obstacles.
Backed by experience across corporate structuring, financial management, operational management, and business development, he is an expert in directing and nourishing Middle Eastern corporate and governmental relations. He is also the co-founder and the chairman of Break & Entry.
Rank: 42
Name: Mila Smart Semeshkina
Designation: Founder and CEO
Company: Lectera.com
Industry: Education
A well-known businesswoman, Semeshkina is also a venture investor as well as an edtech visionary. A popular and influential figure in the field of personal growth and development, her Instagram handle boasts over 2.4 million followers. Semeshkina’s book on personal development, “Learn or Leave the Market,” went on to become a global sensation and was translated into 16 languages. It’s not surprising that the book made an indelible mark around the world and ultimately became a global bestseller.
A shining example of a self-made woman, she has set the benchmark as an inspiring example for millions of women around the world. Featured on the covers of top media outlets for achieving her aspirations, Semeshkina has over a decade of experience in marketing and public relations. She has steered the promotion of a diverse range of major international brands and has extensive experience developing marketing strategies for projects in USA, Switzerland, Germany, UAE, and CIS countries. Additionally, she has launched several entrepreneurial endeavours and has provided private consulting services for major international companies in the realm of marketing and branding.
In her current role at Lectera.com, an international education platform based on the Fast Education teaching method, Semeshkina leads an international team of online education professionals. She manages and coordinates product development, brand promotion, educational content creation, and the operations of all companies within the Lectera group in the US, Europe, and UAE. For her achievements in the field of EdTech, she has received multiple awards, such as being named one of the Top-100 women in EdTech by HolonIQ and one of the Top-10 start-up CEO’s by EdTech Awards. Under her leadership, Lectera has attracted over 1.5 million students worldwide.
In addition to her business ventures, she is also a philanthropist and founder of the Women’s Empowerment Council, a community dedicated to helping women achieve their full potential in business and life. The council has more than 30,000 members worldwide and will host the Women’s Empowerment (WE) Convention in Dubai on 7-8 March 2023.
Rank: 43
Name: Avi Bhojani
Designation: CEO
Company: BPG
Industry: Media and marketing
With over 35 years of experience across education, media, marketing services, private equity, government sectors, and real estate direct investments, Bhojani has been at the helm of BPG since 1991. In the MENA region, he steers company interests across design, public relations, advertising, digital verticals, activation, and media asset management.
With a rich three decades history, BPG 1.0 launched in 1995 after bagging a mandate to build and execute the Dubai Shopping Festival from the Dubai government, followed by BPG 2.0 after winning mandates for public advocacy in Iraq, while BPG 3.0 arrived after a key gain in KSA. Big wins in 2023 include a remit from Jumeirah Group; Titan Eyewear; Assima Hospital; Ooredoo Telecom; and the Zayed Sustainability Prize in the UAE. The brand has launched its virtual headquarters, BPGverse, an in-house digital reality space for interactions and engagement between agency teams, clients, and brands.
Rank: 44
Name: Chris Roberts
Designation: CEO
Company: Eltizam Asset Management Group
Industry: Asset management
Amongst his many achievements at Eltizam, Roberts’ inclusive leadership brought about fundamental changes within the Group, setting in motion a relentless upward trajectory. When Roberts joined in 2014 as Group CEO, the company consisted of one business operating one contract with 150 employees. Under his vision, today Eltizam has a footprint across six countries with over eight business entities, employing over 6,500 staff across 30 nationalities and witnessing c.70 percent+ growth in 2022.
Steering Eltizam’s strategic restructuring in 2021, Roberts established four holding companies within the Group, namely EAMG Holdings, iFM Holdings, iREC Holdings and EAST-O Holdings to further focus onto strategic markets and business lines. He also led successful acquisitions of several companies, including OrionTEK Innovations, Fixis Technical Services, Kingfield Owners Association Management and Falcon Investments (the affiliate partner that has traded as Colliers in the MENA region since 1995). In the same year, Eltizam expanded its operations into Egypt with plans to further extend its reach to nine countries by the end of 2023.
As an experienced corporate leader, Roberts believes that it has become essential to develop formalised structures and programmes to instil the right corporate culture, measure its effectiveness, create feedback loops, listen, learn and adjust. He did this by forming Get Wonky in 2019, Eltizam’s company culture programme which comprises four pillars, ESG, Happiness, People Development and Technology; which ensure that the corporate culture is clear and measurable through quantitative and qualitative staff surveys and anecdotal interactions.
Roberts embodies over two decades of exemplary professional experience from the UK and Middle East. In each of his previous roles across distinguished organisations, he has developed systems, change management strategies and mechanisms for individual and global clients in both operations and business development.
Rank: 45
Name: Ahmed Galal Ismail
Designation: CEO
Company: Majid Al Futtaim Holding
Industry: Diversified
Taking over the helm from Alain Bejjani, Ismail held the role of CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties since 2018 and was responsible for the Group’s hotels, project management operations, malls, and communities. Previously, he held the role of VP Strategy of MAF Holding and as the CEO of MAF Ventures.
Committed to creating a customer-centric strategy, MAF reported a steady economic recovery in the regional retail and leisure sectors with H1 2022 revenue reported at $4.9 bn, up 15 percent from 2021. MAF recently launched its first rescue food program ‘Feed the Future’ at Mall of the Emirates, which focuses on recovering edible food from the food court, workforce catering, and restaurants in the mall for repurposing to the community. In a partnership with technology platform Replate, mall vendors can schedule, manage donations, and coordinate pickups with the UAE Food Bank, which oversee the distributions.
Rank: 46
Name: Faraz Khalid
Designation: CEO
Company: noon.com
Industry: E-commerce
Previously the co-founder and managing director of Namshi, Khalid’s wealth of experience and practical knowledge in building, launching, and scaling successful e-commerce enterprises in the region gives him the edge to lead noon.com towards further growth and expansion in the region. A joint venture between the KSA’s Public Investment Fund and Mohamed Alabbar. noon’s consumer platform first went live in 2017 in KSA.
An ecosystem of homegrown digital companies from the region, noon.com is a pioneer in the region’s digital landscape that has now grown to transform into the region’s leading online shopping destination with operations in the UAE, KSA, and Egypt. As it looks to grow its e-commerce position, noon.com is building the UAE’s largest fulfilment centre in Abu Dhabi, in a partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). The 252,000m2 facility will be in KEZAD and is predicted to create 6,000 new jobs.
Rank: 47
Name: Maaz Sheikh
Designation: CEO
Company: Starzplay
Industry: Media
The pioneer behind the UAE’s own localised Netflix, Starzplay Arabia was co-founded by Sheikh, Danny Bates, Khaled Benchouche, and Karin Baggstrom as a subscription video-on-demand streaming service. With movies, documentaries, TV shows, and Arabic content streamed in four languages across the MENA region and Pakistan, Starzplay Arabia has over 1.8 million subscribers.
Partnering with global studios, including Warner Bros, Universal, Discovery, 20th Century Studios, and more, Starzplay raised over $125 million in funding from Lionsgate, State Street Capital Group, and SEQ Capital and secured its first independent debt financing of $25m from Abu Dhabi-based Ruya Partners in 2021.
As the Middle East’s fastest-growing video streaming service, Starzplay Arabia platform’s number of subscribers reached 2.1 million, an increase of 20 percent. Having already signed a partnership with online fashion retailer Namshi, a Starzplay subscription is offered to their VIP customers as a value-added service.
Rank: 48
Name: Fatima Obaid Al Jaber
Designation: COO
Company: Al Jaber Group
Industry: Construction
A key player steering the development of the UAE’s construction industry, Al Jaber is shattering traditional male domination of the building industry in this region. In her current role at her family’s business since 2007, she has presided over the success of multiple key UAE-based construction projects.
She has also held several roles in the Abu Dhabi municipal government in various positions, and in 2009, Al Jaber went on to become the first Emirati woman elected to the board of directors at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce. An engineer by training, she oversees approximately $5bn in assets and 50,000 workers. Her key responsibilities include logistics, overseeing the management of contracting, trading, industrial, investment and real estate subsidiaries. On Al Jaber Group’s board as an executive director, she is also on the boards of Abu Dhabi Takaful Company and the National Investor.
Rank: 49
Name: Robert Booth
Designation: Co-founder and managing director
Company: Ellington Properties
Industry: Real estate
A property veteran who has developed, marketed, and sold some of the world’s largest projects across five continents, Booth forayed into property development in his native Canada where he developed the country’s largest master-planned urban community, Vancouver’s Concord Pacific Place. This was followed by a role as director of development in Concord Adex Developments Corporations where he led a Toronto based $2bn development scheme.
In 2001, he moved to Dubai and joined Emaar Properties PJSC, appointed across several senior roles, where he steered the development and success of Emirates Hills, The Greens, The Dubai Marina, and Arabian Ranches, which added around 40,000 residential units onto the market. His flagship achievement was Downtown Dubai project where Booth managed multiple tasks, from launching the hotel to the key retail, hotel, and residential aspects; he still maintains his role at Emaar as advisor to the chairman.
Rank: 50
Name: Alexander Orlov
Designation: Co-founder
Company: Bulldozer Group
Industry: Hospitality
Behind some of Dubai’s most iconic restaurants including Cipriani, Gaia, Shanghai Me, Orlov has always been involved in business from an early age. He launched his first restaurant at the age of 27 and has been on an upward trajectory for the past 20 years.
Today, Bulldozer Group, a leading investment and brand management company that develops, owns and operates hospitality, entertainment and F&B concepts in the Middle East and Europe, own over 50 restaurants in over six countries with plans for new launches in 2023 and 2024. Launched in 2011, the group forayed into the sector by franchising globally renowned concepts and introducing them to new markets. Their focus shifted towards the concept of home-grown restaurant and entertainment brands and ultimately, gained an A-list following.
Rank: 51
Name: Adel Abdullah Ali
Designation: CEO
Company: Air Arabia
Industry: Aviation
Ali’s innovative achievements and contribution to air transport and tourism sector in the wider Arab world have made him globally recognised. He has managed to transform Arab aviation in October 2003 when he set up Air Arabia, the MENA region’s first low-cost carrier (LCC), opening a brand-new market niche in the region and paving the way for other low-cost carriers in the region.
Applying his 28 years of experience with industry leaders, including Gulf Air and British Airways, Ali is the pioneering aviator who drove Air Arabia’s growth to propel into the largest low-cost carrier in the MENA region, as well as the first publicly owned airline in the Arab World that is the largest by market value. In addition to his current role, he is also the chairman of Cozmo Travel, Alpha Sharjah Catering, Sharjah Information Systems Associates, and Alpha Aviation Academy.
Rank: 52
Name: Raja Easa Al Gurg
Designation: Chairperson and managing director
Company: Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG)
Industry: Diversified
A well-known businessperson in the region, Al Gurg is widely recognised for her stellar leadership of the Group under the mentorship of her father, Easa Saleh Al Gurg, the founder of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG). She is also the president of Dubai Women’s Association, Dubai Businesswomen Council, and a board member of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI).
She is also the deputy chairperson of the National Bank of Fujairah, on the Board of Trustees for the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, and is on the advisory board of Coutts Bank, the wealth division of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. As a keynote speaker, Al Gurg represents the UAE at multiple international conferences and roundtables, and is also part of the Dubai government’s official delegation for several trade and commerce meetings.
Rank: 53
Name: Farid Chedid
Designation: Chairman, founder and Group CEO
Company: Chedid Capital Holding
Industry: Finance
Beginning with the launch of the group in 1998, Chedid embarked on a two-decade journey, building a leading insurance and reinsurance powerhouse that operates across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and South Asia. Chedid Re, one of its subsidiaries, is recognised among the top 20 reinsurance brokers worldwide and is a registered Lloyd’s broker.
Under his helm, Chedid Capital Holding today includes Chedid Re, Chedid Insurance Brokers Network, Ascoma and Chedid Corporate Solutions, among others, with over 1,600 employees across 64 subsidiaries. In 2009, the Group established Seib Insurance in Qatar, which deals in corporate and complex risks. In 2015, Chedid Capital acquired a major stake in City Brokers, the leading insurance provider in Mauritius and East Africa, and Al Manarah Insurance Services in the UAE.
Chedid’s growth philosophy has equally focused on investments in industry-wide education and knowledge exchange, the impetus for the launch of the Corporate Risk Management Institute, CRMI, in 2020. In 2021, Chedid Capital acquired majority shares in Groupe Ascoma, the first and largest independent brokerage network in sub-Saharan Africa with 29 subsidiaries and head offices in Monaco with international operations offices in Paris. In 2022, the Group continued its upwards digital transformation by acquiring BuyAnyInsurance, UAE’s leading aggregator, and intends to expand in the territories it operates in.
His contribution to the insurance field has been recognised with many accolades over the years, including The Middle East and Africa Industry Achiever of the Year by Global Re and Strategic Risk consortium in 2016. A fellow of the Middle East Leadership Initiative (MELI), member of The Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN), Chedid also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at Notre Dame University, Lebanon; as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador; and is a member of Human Rights Watch, Beirut Committee.
Rank: 54
Name: Alisha Moopen
Designation: Deputy managing director
Company: Aster DM Healthcare
Industry: Healthcare
Managing the company’s operations in India and GCC, Moopen joined the company as a director in 2013, and is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and development of the company. She will be spearheading the expansion of the group into new markets which is currently present in 7 countries with a network of 30 hospitals, 121 clinics, and 459 pharmacies.
A chartered accountant from the ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland), Moopen had previously worked with Ernst & Young. As an active philanthropist, Moopen is a trustee of Aster DM Foundation and is involved the Aster Volunteers programme.
She has also steered Aster DM Healthcare’s recently launched Wellth, described as the first of its kind in the UAE. A hub of integrative medicine in the UAE, Wellth will offer complementary therapies including functional medicine, nutrition therapy, Ayurveda, yoga, mental and emotional health, reiki, Chinese medicine, and homeopathy.
Rank: 55
Name: Badr Jafar
Designation: President and CEO
Company: Crescent Enterprises
Industry: Logistics
In addition to his role as CEO, Jafar is also the chairman of Gulftainer, the largest privately owned container port operator in the world; and Pearl Petroleum, a partnership between Crescent Petroleum, Dana Gas, OMV of Austria, MOL of Hungary and RWEST of Germany. A member of the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel on Humanitarian Financing, he also fulfils the roles of several advisory positions in the humanitarian and development sectors, is a member of the UNESCO International Commission on the Futures of Education, and is a member of the Board of overseers of the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
An avid believer of the role of the arts in innovation economies, Badr founded the non-profit Middle East Theatre Academy (META) to help motivate the region’s youth and promote self-expression, using various art forms such as writing, directing, producing, and acting.
Rank: 56
Name: Joelle Mardinian
Designation: Influencer and entrepreneur
Company: Joelle Group
Industry: Entrepreneurship
A TV show host, makeup artist, entrepreneur, and founder of beauty company Joelle, Mardinian has built a successful beauty empire and boasts a social media following of over 18 million. She helms Joelle Group, a beauty conglomerate which includes the high-end beauty salon Maison de Joelle, cosmetic clinic Clinica Joelle, skincare brand Joelle Paris, and more recently, a line of coloured lenses, EyeCandy.
Born in Lebanon, she later moved to London to study makeup professionally followed by a move to Dubai where she launched her career into television as a sports presenter on the MBC channel. Recognising her talent, the producers offered her the opportunity to host her own beauty program ‘Beauty with Joelle’. She recently launched a new reality TV show called ‘Joelle Unfiltered’ on Shahid VIP, which has been four years in the making and scheduled to premiere on 14 February.
Rank: 57
Name: Mo Vlogs
Designation: Influencer
Company: —
Industry: Social media
An influential YouTuber from Dubai frequently seen at super car events, 26-year-old Mo Vlogs moved to London with his sister to attend higher education at Queens Mary University where he launched his first YouTube channel in 2013. After he returned to Dubai, the channel grew more successful and was followed by the launch of his second channel ‘Mo Vlogs’, shining a spotlight on the opulent Dubai lifestyle and supercars.
Some of the videos that quickly propelled him to global stardom include ‘rich kids of Dubai’ and ‘racing my cars in front of Buggati’, amongst others. According to his channel’s statistics, he has amassed over 11 million subscribers on his YouTube channel as of 2023 and has worked with some of the most popular YouTubers, including Adam Saleh, Logan Paul, and Andrew Tate. He is also the proud owner several luxury cars, including Bugatti, Ferrari, and others.
Rank: 58
Name: Richard Teng
Designation: CEO
Company: Binance Singapore
Industry: Blockchain
A seasoned finance expert with over 30 years of financial services and regulatory experience, Teng was previously Binance MENA’s regional head, where he helped to expand the regional cryptocurrency ecosystem and foster an ecosystem of innovation. Previously, he held the role of CEO of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), where he steered ADGM towards gaining international recognition by global regulators and industry bodies.
Under Teng’s leadership, FSRA launched multiple firsts in the region, including digital banking, venture capital, FinTech regulatory sandbox, private REIT regime, manager licensing regime, and a framework for digital asset exchanges. Prior to ADGM, he was the director of Corporate Finance in the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the chief regulatory officer of the Singapore Exchange (SGX) where he helmed the regulation Group responsible for rule formation, framework, policy across listing, trading, and clearing.
Rank: 59
Name: Adnan Chilwan
Designation: Group CEO
Company: Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)
Industry: Banking
A recognised expert in Islamic banking and finance, Chilwan is backed by an extensive banking career that spans over two decades. Establishing Islamic Banking and Finance as a global norm, he steered the growth of Islamic finance as DIB became a member of UAE Trade Connect, a commercialised blockchain platform co-created by Etisalat Digital, Avanza Innovations, and multiple banks in the UAE in February 2022.
Recognised as a formidable force in Islamic finance, in June 2022, DIB became the first Islamic bank in the UAE to go live with the Arab Monetary Fund’s Buna system, the regional cross-border payment platform for the Arab Region. Buna will enable financial institutions and Central Banks to receive and send cross-border multicurrency payments in a transparent, safe, and cost-effective manner and is operated by the Arab Regional Payments, Clearing and Settlement Organisation, a subsidiary of the Arab Monetary Fund.
Rank: 60
Name: Patrick Chalhoub
Designation: CEO
Company: Chalhoub Group
Industry: Retail
A leading luxury retail distribution company headquartered in Dubai, Chalhoub’s family business began in 1955 in Damascus, Syria. They later shifted base and its activities to Beirut and in 1983, went on to launch their first Louis Vuitton boutique in the Middle East region. However, the Kuwaiti invasion sparked the move of the Group and activities to Dubai in 1990.
After he joined the business, Chalhoub developed a regional distribution platform in the Jebel Ali Free zone and by 2001, he was appointed co-chief executive officer alongside his brother. Steered by his expertise, Chalhoub Group joined exclusive collaborations with several brands, including Sephora, Dior Couture, alongside the launch of fully owned concept stores, including the Level Shoe District in Dubai Mall. He has also been instrumental in guiding the development of a sustainability strategy with a focus on sustainability across education, environment, and humanitarianism.
Rank: 61
Name: Dr. Habib Al Mulla
Designation: Founder and lawyer
Company: Habib Al Mulla and Partners
Industry: Legal
One of the UAE’s most highly respected legal authorities, Dr Al Mulla has over 38 years of experience in UAE law and was instrumental in drafting many of Dubai’s modern legislative structures. He was the architect of the legal framework establishing DIFC, the UAE’s first financial free zone. Also a frequent commentator on the legislation and economy of Dubai, he is often consulted to draft and advise on Federal and Emirate level laws.
Previously, he served as chairman of the Legislative Committee of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Over the years, Dr Al Mulla has been responsible for several key government positions including as a member of the federal parliament of the UAE, the UAE Federal National Council, member of the Legislative Committee, and a member of the Economic Committee. Most recently, he served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC).
Rank: 62
Name: Magnus Olsson
Designation: Co-founder and chief product architect
Company: Careem
Industry: Transport
Prior to his role at Careem, a grassroots ride-sharing app that has grown into a full-fledged platform, Olson held the role of an engagement manager at McKinsey & Company where he fostered strategy and business building for clients. He moved to the Middle East in 2006, and prior to the pandemic in early 2020, he met Mudassir Sheikha at McKinsey & Company.
With Careem, they aspired to build something both ‘big and meaningful’ in the Middle East.
Today, Careem offers food and grocery delivery and payments, partner services such as home cleaning and ride hailing, micro mobility and more. Acquired by Uber for $3 billion in 2020, the brand still aims to simplify and improve lives. Now Olson and Sheikha are working towards building their Super App, which promises to kickstart a digital future and help to empower the start-up ecosystem.
Rank: 63
Name: Thomas Lundgren
Designation: Founder
Company: THE ONE
Industry: Retail
A unique retailer who refers to his affordable luxury furniture brand stores as theatres, Lundgren launched its first store in Abu Dhabi in 1996. And today across the MENA region, the brand boasts over 22 stores and 1 Bistro Restaurant across the Middle East and North Africa, with over 560 staff. Fascinated by furniture, he still plays a role in the design at THE One and curates around 60 percent of the creations showcased at his stores.
A UAE grown lifestyle brand showcasing seasonal collections of affordable home fashion, Lundgren supports multiple local and international charities and employs specially individuals. The brand promotes their Do Good initiatives, which include ethical sourcing, challenged employees, local volunteering as well as global education through THE Onederworld. THE One brand today consists of: THE One; FUSION by THE One; THE One Basics; THEOne.com; and THE One Bistro.
Rank: 64
Name: Ghaith Al Ghaith
Designation: CEO
Company: flydubai
Industry: Aviation
A hands-on leader with decades of commercial aviation experience, Al Ghaith was selected by the Dubai government to head budget carrier Flydubai, since it launched on 1 June 2009. With several achievements to his name, he has implemented products and pioneering technologies to improve the passenger experience, while ensuring that costs remain low. Responsible for Flydubai’s strategic direction, Al Ghaith collaborates closely with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the group’s chairman.
Prior to this role, for 14 years, he was the executive vice-president for commercial operations worldwide for Emirates. He joined Emirates as a management trainee in 1986 and in 1988, transitioned to deputy passenger sales manager for the UAE and next to deputy manager for overseas development and marketing. He became the UK and Ireland’s area manager in 1991, and then general manager for commercial operations for North America and Europe in 1993.
Rank: 65
Name: Reif Othman
Designation: Chef
Company: Reif Kushiyaki
Industry: Hospitality
Known for his unique Japanese-inspired creations, Othman is one of the few fully self-funded chef-restaurateurs in the UAE. Though he started his career as a finance broker in Singapore, he ultimately followed his passion and began training with chef Violet Oon.
He next joined Raffles Grill restaurant in 2007, and then moved to Dubai to work at Al Mahara restaurant in Burj Al Arab. He ultimately moved to Zuma in 2009 where he steered its success until 2015.
He also helped to launch H Hotel’s Play Restaurant & Lounge followed by TERO by Reif Othman where he developed his signature wagyu katsu sando.
Taking a leap of faith, in 2019, Othman launched Reif Kushiyaki inside Jumeirah’s Dar Wasl mall which by popular demand, led to a branch at Time Out Market Dubai with plans for REIF Japanese Kushiyaki in Dubai Hills.
Rank: 66
Name: Ola Doudin
Designation: CEO and co-founder
Company: BitOasis
Industry: Fintech
A pioneer in the region’s cryptocurrency ecosystem, Doudin launched the first cryptocurrency platform in the Middle East in 2015. BitOasis is MENA’s largest digital asset trading exchange and platform headquartered in the UAE. It currently aims its services at individuals, professional traders, and investors across the region and internationally.
In 2013, Doudin purchased her first-ever Bitcoin and was compelled by its potential, and one year later, she launched BitOasis. This online wallet and exchange is available across the MENA region, and was the first to use multi-signature technology to protect digital assets.
More recently, according to a Reuters report, BitOasis signed a deal with Mastercard for crypto-linked cards which will enable BitOasis customers in the MENA region to make purchases online or at points of sale. This collaboration will help to add an element of consumer protection which currently does not exist when paying with a digital asset.
Rank: 67
Name: Fadie Musallet
Designation: Deal broker and entertainer
Company: —
Industry: Media
Best known for helping create mega stars and now a familiar face on Netflix’s Dubai Bling, Musallet embarked on his career first in the medical sales field. To be nearer to his mother in Palestine, he moved to Dubai eight years ago. His deal brokering across entertainment and entrepreneurship has merited Musallet a glittery international reputation with influencers, celebrities, rappers, and more.
Against all odds during the covid pandemic, he managed to throw a record-breaking concert titled ‘KISS 2020 Goodbye’ with the rock band KISS. A man who has brokered some of the most successful deals for Money Kicks, Lebron James, superstar Kevin Hart, DJ Khaled, and others, was noticed by the Dubai Bling producers. And despite his multi-million dollar deals, Musallet’s larger purpose is his non-profit organisation ‘The Giving Family’, which distribute meals to labourers and those in need.
Rank: 68
Name: Dr. Pramod Warhekar
Designation: Consultant ophthalmologist and lasik surgeon
Company: Mediclinic City Hospital
Industry: Healthcare
With over two decades of experience in the field of comprehensive ophthalmology for both children and adults, Dr Warhekar’s expertise in laser surgeries, cataract surgery, and glaucoma have earned him a stellar reputation.
Also known for his pioneering Lasik eye surgery techniques, just some of his key areas of expertise include glaucoma evaluation and treatment with medicine cataract phaco-emulsification with injectable premium implants; the treatment of keratoconus with corneal crosslinking and intracorneal rings; orthokeratology, a technique using special night-time lenses for glasses-free vision, especially in children; laser and/or surgery, paediatric eye problems, refractive surgery procedures such as Intra LASIK, LASIK, Epi LASIK, PRK corneal collagen cross-linking, and more.
A member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, Dr Warhekar has trained and worked in multiple hospitals across KSA, the UK, as well as in India.
Rank: 69
Name: Rizwan Sajan
Designation: Founder and chairman
Company: Danube Properties
Industry: Real estate
Capturing the niche for affordable housing in the UAE, Sajan’s entrepreneurial journey began when he established a brokerage business buying and selling building materials. This led to the establishment of Danube, which started as a supplier of building materials to hundreds of projects during the Dubai construction boom. When he launched development company Danube Properties, its first Dreamz by Danube scheme sold out within hours of its 2014 launch.
This was followed by the launch of Glamz, Starz and Miraclz. the trio it launched in 2016. And now, Danube Properties is moving into the high-end real estate development market with Viewz, a set of twin high-rise towers with apartments and Sky Villas. Launched in partnership with Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) master developer, DMCC, the project will feature Aston Martin furnished amenities and interior common areas. Viewz will be developed within Cluster K and is Danube Properties first project in JLT.
Rank: 70
Name: Saverio Sbaragli
Designation: Chef
Company: Burj Al Arab
Industry: Hospitality
At the helm of Al Muntaha, a Michelin-starred, French-Italian fine-dining restaurant located at Burj Al Arab, Sbaragli trained under the French chef Alain Ducasse, the first chef to have three restaurants awarded with three Michelin stars simultaneously. Born and raised in Tuscany, he later moved to France to further develop his culinary skills and went on to train under Alain Ducasse and Alain Passard.
After mastering the intricacies of French cooking, Sbaragli returned to Italy where he honed his culinary skills at Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence. He shifted base to Switzerland in 2012 where he received his first Michelin star at Il Lago, Four Seasons de Bergues Geneva. This was followed by a second Michelin star in 2018 as head chef at Tosca, Geneva. And finally, his joined Al Muntaha, which means ‘the ultimate’ in Arabic, as the head chef where he reinterprets classic French fine-dining cuisine.
Rank: 71
Name: Shaji Ul Mulk
Designation: Founder and chairman
Company: Mulk Holdings
Industry: Diversified
A global business powerhouse, Ul Mulk has steered Mulk Holdings to diversify interests in the manufacture of building facades, facade contracting, healthcare, plastics and sports assets with operations and manufacturing bases in the US, Europe, India, UAE, Oman, and Ghana.
The flagship product of the Group is the manufacture and distribution of the A2 fire-rated aluminium composite panel under the brand name, Alubond A2. The brand has grown into the world’s largest aluminium composite panel manufacturer with an installed capacity of 25m2 and installations in more than one hundred countries.
He chairs the Mulk Foundation and is responsible for philanthropic initiatives in the UAE and India, offering free medical clinics, free libraries, support for disabled children and an orphan marriages programme. An avid cricket enthusiast, Ul Mulk is the only Indian member of the Emirates Cricket Board.
Rank: 72
Name: Tom Harvey
Designation: General manager
Company: Spinneys
Industry: Retail
After working across several of the leading supermarket groups in UK, Harvey shifted his base to the UAE to join the Spinneys commercial team in 2017. Throughout his six years at Spinneys, he has been responsible for the development of the Spinneys Local Business Incubator Programme, launched in 2020 to help develop businesses within the FMCG sector in the UAE, and to identify and support entrepreneurial ambitions.
The programme offers entrepreneurs a fast track to market with multiple benefits as well as helps to support local food production and stimulate economic growth in the sector. Heading a team spread across four continents to source all the products for their Spinneys stores across the UAE, Oman and KSA, he steers the overall commercial functions for the Group.
He is a regular guest speaker on Dubai One TV and DubaiEye radio where he discusses issues related to the food industries.
Rank: 73
Name: Fahad Al Hassawi
Designation: CEO
Company: Du
Industry: Telecoms
A thought leader in the industry and a prominent figure in the ICT sector, Al Hassawi oversees the telecom operations at du’s digital lifestyle and innovation divisions, including infrastructure development, technology, network investment, and the continuous 5G rollout. He has also been instrumental in paving the way for the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs and business executives. He is also guiding du through its digital transformation program to enhance customer experience and maximise its business and operational capabilities.
Committed to boosting the high-growth potential of the SME market and its role in contributing towards UAE’s vision for advancing national economy, du is a one-stop-shop for SME. It provides user-friendly and accessible solutions designed to reach more SMEs alongside the tools to grow their businesses. Having juggled multiple leadership roles since du’s establishment in 2006, previously, Al Hassawi was the deputy CEO of EITC, overseeing telecom operations.
Rank: 74
Name: Clarence Seedorf
Designation: Former footballer
Company: Self-employed
Industry: Sport
Considered one of the best midfielders of his generation and one of the most successful players in UEFA Champions League history, Seedorf is the only player to have won the Champions League with three clubs: Ajax, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. At age 16, Seedorf smashed records when he debuted as an exceptional right sided midfielder and the youngest player ever with Ajax Amsterdam.
In 1993 and 1995, he led the team to win the Eredivisie title, and was voted Dutch talent of the year in 1993 and 1994. For Real Madrid, Seedorf’s unforgettable 45-yard strike against the Spanish team Atlético Madrid caught the attention of Inter Milan who hired him ahead of the 1999/2000 season. Off the field, Seedorf launched the non-profit Champions For Children Foundation, developed football schools in the US, Netherlands, and Suriname, and is an advisor for football academies and football federations.
Rank: 75
Name: Haider Ali Khan
Designation: CEO and board member
Company: Emerging Markets Property Group (EMPG)
Industry: Property
A tech visionary who has propelled Dubai-Based Emerging Markets Property Group (EMPG) into its promising future, Khan boasts several patents to his name, and has worked with Silicon Labs, Goldman Sachs, and National Instruments in the US. With 10 brands under its wings, EMPG’s classifieds portals constitute some of the most robust brands in their markets across the MENA region, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Their flagship ventures include the UAE’s Bayut and Dubizzle; Zameen in Pakistan, OLX in Pakistan and Egypt, Kaidee in Thailand, Lamudi in Indonesia, Philippines and Mexico, and Mubawab in North Africa. With 217 million visits to the EMPG portals, their diverse team of 6,750 people across 16 countries are striving to create the world’s best classifieds experience. In a bid to focus on preparing for an initial public offering in the near future, EMPG raised $200m in a funding round in November 2022.
Rank: 76
Name: Taim Al Falasi
Designation: Emirati lifestyle influencer
Company: Self-employed
Industry: Social media
A trailblazer at personal brand building through social media, Al Falasi boasts 4.2 million followers on Instagram and over half a million followers on her YouTube channel. During her studies at Zayed University, she embarked on two humanitarian campaigns and also published an online entertainment magazine. The big moment came when she produced several videos with four celebrities for her magazine which went viral to over half a million viewers on YouTube, which she had joined in July 2012.
After recognising a big gap in the region for a strong, female Arabic voice, Al Falasi created the TaimShow, her own online radio show which debuted to over 40,000 listeners and celebrated all things Khaliji. And today, this style icon is best known for her travel, food, and shopping vlogs, and between building her empire, is always searching for new places to visit and get inspired.
Rank: 77
Name: Lucy Bruce
Designation: Founder and trustee
Company: Harmony House, Insignia and Home Grown nursery
Industry: Marketing
A humanitarian, entrepreneur, and educator, Bruce and her husband Gaurav Sinha launched Harmony House in December 2009, a registered charity in both India and the UK. The House provides food, shelter, education, and medical care for slum children and offers social support and vocational training to under-privileged mothers and young women.
Harmony House launched its second centre in July 2013 and today, is comprised of two day-care shelters which support and educate over 1000 children whilst providing vocational services and training programmes. The couple also launched Insignia Worldwide in 2003, the region’s leading brand marketing firm in the luxury, travel and hospitality sectors.
In 2011, Bruce partnered with Beverly Jatwani to create the Home Grown Children’s Eco nursery, Dubai’s first eco and socially responsible children’s nursery concept that promotes a holistic learning environment for children aged from twelve months to four years.
Rank: 78
Name: JS Anand
Designation: CEO
Company: LEVA Hotels
Industry: Hospitality
With 20 years of hands-on, diverse experience in the hospitality industry, Anand has worked with global hotel giants including Hilton, IHG, and Marriott, and IHG. He has helmed LEVA since its launch in 2018, and today, the Group has five properties across the MEA region, including its Dubai based flagship Leva Hotel Mayaza Centre.
Bagging a Travelers’ Choice Award ranking at the top 10 percent of best hotels worldwide on TripAdvisor in two consecutive years in both 2020 and 2021, the brand’s flagship hotel Leva Hotel Mazaya Centre also ranked number seven out of 865 hotels in Dubai on TripAdvisor.
Steering their unique portfolio of three complementary and well differentiated hotel brands, these include LEVA Hotels, LEVA Hotel Residences, and EKONO by LEVA. Expansion plans in the pipeline include the addition of 75 new properties to its portfolio by 2032 with locations across MEA and Africa.
Rank: 79
Name: Ahmed Abdelaal
Designation: Group CEO
Company: Mashreq
Industry: Banking
With over two decades of experience in senior roles across international and regional banks, Abdelaal brings extensive experience across banking products and services that covers a wide range of disciplines. Just some of these areas include trade finance, payment and cash management and also investment banking which includes DCM, ECM, Project Finance, advisory, Islamic banking, portfolio management, as well as experience with structured trade, global market products, and working capital solutions.
Under his leadership, Mashreq has launched several industry firsts, including Neo NXT, the first smart teen banking proposition targeting Gen Z and the first phase of Neo NRI, the first non-resident account opening enabled from a UAE banking app. And Cashew, a ‘buy now, pay later’ service provider was launched to consumers in KSA and the UAE as the region’s first investment of its kind from a traditional bank in a FinTech company.
Rank: 80
Name: Mudassir Sheikha
Designation: CEO and co-founder
Company: Careem
Industry: Transport
A tech entrepreneur who has revolutionised the concept of ride sharing, Sheikha initially worked at Trilogy Software followed by a role at Brience, a San Francisco-based mobile experience start-up in March 2000. This was followed by a leadership role at DeviceAnywhere in Pakistan where he steered its offshore development centre. After Keynote Systems acquired DeviceAnywhere, he joined Dubai’s McKinsey & Company office.
He partnered with his former McKinsey colleague Magnus Olsson to launch Careem in 2012, which went on to become a leading technology platform for the region, later acquired by Uber for $3 billion in 2020. Since its acquisition, Careem is moving its focus from mobility towards becoming a super app, helped by a $50 million investment plan to leverage the brand’s strategy that was launched in 2020. In Dubai, Careem provides customers 11 services, including payments, food and grocery delivery, ride-hailing, micro-mobility, payments, and more.
Rank: 81
Name: Shanila Laiju
Designation: CEO
Company: Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres
Industry: Healthcare
With a career trajectory that evolved from a clinic supervisor to operations manager, and then group chief operating officer; Laiju boasts over 18 years of experience in leading a people-focused hospital administration. She has spearheaded organisational planning, multimillion-dollar capital projects, and contract negotiations while increasing the brand’s visibility and growth. She also served as a mentor in the Women Leadership program at Aster DM Healthcare and for over seven years, has been a member of the Aster DM Group’s senior management committee.
Other career highlights include the launch of the 88-bed Medcare Women & Children Hospital, and more recently, Medcare Women & Children Hospital became the first hospital in Dubai to receive the Gold Seal Accreditation as Centre of Excellence for Endometriosis Multidisciplinary Care (COEMEC) by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), USA. This accreditation is awarded for meeting the highest global standards of medical care for endometriosis.
Rank: 82
Name: Karen Wazen
Designation: Influencer and entrepreneur
Company: Karen Wazen Eyewear
Industry: Social media
Founder of her own sunglasses brand Karen Wazen Eyewear, a UNHCR supporter, and an executive board member of Fashion Trust Arabia, Wazen is a fashion entrepreneur and influencer. As of January 2022, she officially became the first Middle Eastern woman and the first influencer to ever be the face and spokesperson of a Roberto Cavalli campaign. She forayed onto the digital space in 2016 with her blog Karen’s Choice, and today, boasts 7.9 million followers on her Instagram page.
Key brands like Cartier, Dior Beauty, and Breitling sought her out for collaborations and she also graced multiple magazine covers, including Grazia Morocco and L’Officiel Levant. Leveraging her influence to represent the Middle East at events including the Cannes Film Festival, Wazen has been a powerful voice in advocating for refugees and is known to highlight major causes and humanitarian issues with UNHCR, including visits to refugee camps in northern Lebanon.
Rank: 83
Name: Abdallah Abu Sheikh
Designation: Co-founder and CEO
Company: Astra Tech
Industry: Technology
A serial tech dynamo, Abu Sheikh is considered one of the MEA region’s top tech entrepreneurs as well a global keynote speaker. Known for igniting pioneering innovations that are ahead of their time and are focused on digitisation, sustainability, and mobility, in March 2022, he launched Astra Tech.
This UAE-based technology investment and development group set out to disrupt the consumer technology space and challenge the status quo. He is also the CEO and co-founder of BARQ, a tech-driven network of electric vehicles built to serve the MENA region’s last mile delivery sector, RIZEK which was launched in 2020 and later acquired by Astra Tech in 2022, as well as BOTIM, the largest and most popular Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) solution in MENA which will be used as the base for Astra’s ultra app.
As the company moves forward towards launching its Ultra Platform, designed to address ‘platform fatigue,’ Astra Tech has received $500m of support from partners and investors, with plans to merge services, products, and selected consumer technologies.
Rank: 84
Name: DJ Bliss
Designation: DJ and actor
Company: Bliss Inc Entertainment
Industry: Entertainment
One of the pioneers of the music and nightlife scene in the Middle East, DJ Bliss started out as the only Emirati-born DJ playing the English genre. In the late nineties, he recognised his talent for music and began experimenting with musical mixing.
A few years later, he bagged his first big TV break in the early 2000s as the host on Dubai One’s ‘That’s Entertainment’ show. On an upward trajectory, he became the most in demand DJ and host in the nation. This prompted him to launch ‘Bliss Inc Entertainment’ which became the cornerstone for UAE’s music entertainment industry.
He established an industry network with major multinational music companies including Universal Music and BMG. He also made headlines as the first Emirati DJ and artist to have a number 1 album, Made In Dubai on iTunes, and is now a part of the Netflix reality show, Dubai Bling.
Rank: 85
Name: Yogesh Mehta
Designation: CEO
Company: Petrochem Middle East
Industry: Energy
Driven by passion and a need to succeed, Mehta established the brand in 1995, and over two decades later, Petrochem has grown to become the largest chemicals distributor in the Middle East and the twelfth largest distributor in the world. Petrochem distribute chemicals across pharmaceutical, oilfield, and paint industries, across 27 countries.
His business thrived during the covid pandemic as the demand for isopropyl alcohol, one of the main products the company manufactures, jumped due to the demand in hand sanitisers. Mehta’s first job was at his father’s chemical manufacturing factory in western India, followed by his own chemical trading business.
He relocated to Dubai in 1990, and in five years, managed to establish a successful chemical distribution business by building a state-of-the-art storage terminal for bulk and drum chemicals. Under his leadership, Petrochem Middle East has now expanded to include trading and logistics.
Rank: 86
Name: Nour Arida
Designation: Owner and founder
Company: Generation Peace
Industry: Social media
A nine-time cover girl with 10.7 million followers on her Instagram page, Arida has collaborated with Sephora, Rimmel, and Boucheron, for whom she is a brand ambassador and spokesperson. She forayed into her career working as a brand manager and buyer for multiple fashion labels, including Frame Denim, Rag & Bone, Theory, and others.
She also worked as a buyer at one of the Middle East’s largest retail stores where she picked up insider expertise across consumer behaviour. With her experience as a fashion buyer and her rising influence, Arida aspired to put her fashion industry experience to use. She went on to co-create Generation Peace, a children’s clothing line inspired by her daughter Ayla. Collaborated on with designer Rebecca Zaatar, this sustainable range is more than just fashion, but is meant to spark conversations about equality, tolerance, and consciousness.
Rank: 87
Name: Farah Zafar
Designation: CEO
Company: Lyvely
Industry: Media
Transitioning from rock star lawyer to tech entrepreneur, Zafar is leading Lyvely, the first game-changing integrated content and communication platform developed to provide an integrated experience with the features and functions of a professional website, social media platforms, e-commerce, and video/live streaming apps. Lyvely is designed for a Web3 future and offers their platform users their own digital currency, LVLY for investment purposes, to make purchases, or incentivise fellow creators.
Over the past two decades, Zafar has helped create successful billion-dollar corporations which set the foundation for her current position at Lyvely. With over 20 years of experience in the Middle East, she has contributed to the growth and success of key development companies, Omniyat and Al Mazaya Holdings. She also held positions with the region’s most prominent visionaries and leaders and is known for her ability to structure and grow billion-dollar development entities and lead robust teams.
Rank: 88
Name: Tam Khan
Designation: Actor, athlete and entrepreneur
Company: TK MMA & Fitness
Industry: Sports
A Hollywood actor, successful entrepreneur, and a globally renowned mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, Khan is the first person ever to bring MMA to Dubai. Well experienced in working with some of the world’s most famous fighters, including WWE star Ryback and Amir Khan, he is also the founder of TK MMA & Fitness in Dubai.
This state-of-the-art centre offers a wide range of MMA and fitness sessions, including Brazilian jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, MMA classes, strength training, and more. In 2020, he starred alongside Jackie Chan in ‘Vanguard,’ an action-thriller film that was partially filmed in Dubai. Today, Khan is considered one of the UAE’s biggest pioneers of the sport and is well-respected as a fitness influencer with over half a million followers who continue to be inspired by his healthy lifestyle and motivational tips for optimal well-being.
Rank: 89
Name: Abdulaziz Baz (Bin Baz)
Designation: Influencer, entrepreneur and comedian
Company: Heyyy Marketing
Industry: Social media
One of the biggest social media stars in the Middle East, Dubai-born comedian, and model Bin Baz boasts 5.1 million followers on Instagram and over 600K followers on his YouTube channel. Known for posting light-hearted parodies about daily life in the UAE, prior to his foray onto social media in 2013, he was an aspiring footballer who played for a major UAE club.
Having worked with fellow YouTubers including Money Kicks, Mo Vlogs, Anas Elshayib, and others, Bin Baz is also the founder of ‘Heyyy Marketing’, a leading influencer marketing agency, which combines data-driven insights and creative strategy to produce robust relationships between brands and creators. He also appeared in an Etisalat commercial with Hollywood actor Gerard Butler and Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan. Other commercial ventures on his roster include Esquire Middle East, Huda Beauty, Chandelle Jewellery, and Huawei, amongst others.
Rank: 90
Name: Jamal Abdulla Lootah
Designation: Group CEO
Company: Imdaad
Industry: Facilities management
Jamal Abdulla Lootah is the Group CEO and primary driving force behind Imdaad, a Dubai-based group of companies established in 2007 that delivers a comprehensive suite of sustainable integrated Facilities Management (FM) services. Lootah oversaw Imdaad’s meteoric rise to establish new benchmarks for high-quality services, earning the title of Visionary Leader of the Year at the Innovation in Construction and FM Awards 2020. Under his stewardship, the company has consistently broadened the scope of its offerings and succeeded in attracting and retaining many prestigious clients.
Renowned for his exceptional leadership style, excellent administrative capabilities, and capacity to create and uphold a strong company culture, Lootah began his career with the Security Department of the Dubai Ports Authority and was formerly the Director of Human Resources and General Administration at Dubai World. His passion for excellence is inspired by the “Be Number One” approach favoured by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Based in Dubai, Imdaad is the UAE’s leading FM company
Imdaad has secured numerous industry awards and recognitions as a result of Lootah’s unwavering focus on excellence, including the SKEA – Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award, the Dubai Quality Appreciation Award, the Green FM Organisation of the Year award at the Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC) Awards, and Overall FM Company of the Year at ITP Media Group’s FM Awards. Last year, the company also achieved its third consecutive five-star rating at the annual Taqdeer Awards in recognition of Imdaad’s commitment to global labour protection best practices and its employees’ significant contributions to Dubai’s growth and economic success.
Guided by his vision, Imdaad has consistently invested in cutting-edge new technology while delivering the highest levels of customer service. This strategy has enabled the business to flourish and land contracts for some of the world’s most famous structures and locations. Facilities Management Middle East magazine has crowned him the most important person in the region’s FM sector an unprecedented eleven times.
Rank: 91
Name: Oweis Zahran
Designation: CEO
Company: OWS Automotive
Industry: Automotive
As a dynamic entrepreneur in both the automotive industry and in the VC space, Oweis Zahran is a hands-on CEO with expertise in business development, operations, innovation and diversification. Through his strategic foresight, drive and determination, he has built multiple businesses and a strong foundation including his successful multi-million-dollar company OWS Automotive and the ever growing OWS Capital.
As an American, Oweis has been spending his time in the Middle East region since he was a teenager and dabbled early on in the business world. Once he graduated from the University Of Maryland, he moved to the UAE to launch his automotive venture.
He has been the force behind launching multiple innovative solutions in the automotive world and as a born leader and visionary, Oweis’s hands-on experience prepared him to seamlessly embrace a leadership role, which helped in the evolution, expansion and success of scaling his business from the MENA region to globally. From setting up the largest end to end transportation management companies, OWS Automotive, in the UAE and expanding it to seven countries to developing exclusive auto solutions to launching a joint venture with the governments of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, Oweis Zahran achieved a lot before he even celebrated his 30th birthday.
Oweis’s ability to build high-performance teams, including his strategically selected executive management staff, has served as a growth catalyst and infused productive energy to his businesses with massive expansion plans being rolled out for OWS Automotive into Saudi Arabia as well as South East Asia including Brunei, Philippines and Malaysia.
In 2020, OWS Capital was launched with a series of partnerships and verticals that came into being under its umbrella. One of them is MELT ME, a joint partnership with Hollywood icon Steve Harvey, who are already working alongside government bodies such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai tourism to bring unique IPs to the country. In 2021, one such event under MELT ME was the first annual Steve Harvey Golf Tournament which was a resounding success.
Primarily focused on bridging the gap between the Middle East and Western cultures, with a mandate to create synergy between the two regions whilst breaking down barriers and showcasing what each region represents, MELT ME will be redefining the celebrity events landscape in the Middle East region.
Under OWS Capital, cutting-edge health and wellness gym brand Platform Health Club was launched in 2022 across the UAE with an aim to deliver unique and personalized quality service. From celebrity trainers to high-tech and top-of-range equipment, the gyms will cater to health-conscious audiences in the country.
The vision for 2022 and beyond for OWS Capital is to bring unique experiences and cutting-edge businesses in the fitness and entertainment verticals to the region with ambitious expansion plans already in the works.
Rank: 92
Name: Elda Choucair
Designation: CEO
Company: Omnicom Media Group
Industry: Media and marketing
As one of the few women in a C-suite position in the regional advertising industry, Choucair has steered multiple projects to accelerate the Group’s transformation, including technological developments in automation, predictive modelling, and eCommerce. A 16-year veteran at the Group, she has held senior account positions at OMD and led PHD for over a decade. Under her leadership, PHD grew sevenfold and became a key player in the region.
In 2016, she was named CEO of PHD MENA, followed by her role as COO of the Holding Group, and in 2021, was appointed as the CEO. An active industry figure across multiple groups, Choucair is the vice-chair of the Advertising Business Group (ABG), board member of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) GCC and the International Advertising Association (IAA) UAE Chapter, and a founding board member of the Unstereotype Alliance, and the D&I Middle East Council powered by PWC.
Rank: 93
Name: Alex Hirschi
Designation: Founder and owner
Company: Supercar Blondie
Industry: Social media
One of the world’s biggest automotive entertainers, Hirschi was born in Australia and currently resides in Dubai. Prior to launching Supercar Blondie, she was a professional TV and radio broadcast journalist who hosted her own prime time talk radio show on Dubai Eye up until April 2017.
Two years later, her first TV Show, Car Crews with Supercar Blondie, launched on Insight TV. And today, her company Supercar Blondie produces content across topics ranging from super cars to tech, luxury across watches, super yachts, and mansions, and lifestyle, with a focus on celebrities, movies and travel.
Hirschi produces content across all social media platforms, including Instagram where she has over 11 million followers. And with an entire team of social media executives, editors, producers, and more, she has been the recipient of multiple accolades including Lifestyle Influencer of the Year from the Monaco Influencer Awards, amongst others.
Rank: 94
Name: Omar Jackson
Designation: Partner
Company: Berkeley Assets
Industry: Finance
A trailblazing private equity firm with its Asia HQ in Dubai, Jackson has steered the brand to quickly propel into a household name. He is also the founder of the Dubai born OJLS Investments and its innovative signature brand, OJ Lifestyle which has divisions in F&B with multiple ventures in the pipeline in partnership with popular hospitality groups.
Besides business, he has also realised his childhood passion and races with Ferrari in international GT Motorsport. Coming to Dubai from London a decade ago and now just age 31, Jackson has a significantly growing influence in the community in Dubai and beyond.
His philanthropic work in Tanzania, Sri Lanka and UAE has further positioned him as an influential figure that Dubai can truly be proud of. In early 2023, Jackson plans to launch ‘Your Digital Best-Friend’, a state-of-the-art digital personal assistant built to manage all personal, business and leisure requirements.
Rank: 95
Name: Sky Kurtz
Designation: Founder and CEO
Company: Pure Harvest Smart Farms
Industry: Agriculture
A driving force within the region’s tech-enabled agribusiness, Kurtz had previously co-founded Vence, a wearable technology solution for animal protein farming, and was also the vice president at Francisco Partners. In 2016, Kurtz and his business partner, Mahmoud Adi, launched Pure Harvest Smart Farms, a regional innovator in sustainable agriculture focused on the production of greenhouse fruits and vegetables using world-leading Dutch greenhouse growing technologies.
The company focuses on sustainably grown, premium quality, local fresh produce, as their high-tech greenhouses provide precise climate and environmental controls, enabling increased productivity and reduced waste. Pure Harvest Smart Farms received seed funding in 2017, and one year later, began constructing its first high-tech greenhouse in Abu Dhabi. In June 2022, Pure Harvest acquired BayWa’s controlling interest in the Al Dahra BayWa joint venture, which operates a large-scale, 11-hectare high-tech, controlled-environment agriculture production facility.
Rank: 96
Name: Saifi Ismail
Designation: President
Company: Yalla Group Ltd
Industry: Technology
A businessman and computer engineer, Ismail was instrumental in the UAE’s first unicorn technology company, Yalla Ltd., to list in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:YALA). He began his career in 2004 as a VAS Engineer at Huawei where he remained until 2006. He later acquired experience across key companies, including ZTE Corporation; Etisalat; and NetComm. In October 2019, he was appointed to his current role and became a member of its management team, overseeing the company’s IPO launch at the NYSE.
The company has two flagship mobile applications, Yalla, a voice-centric Group chat platform, and s Yalla Ludo, a casual gaming application featuring online versions of popular board games. Following its success, the company expanded its content by creating an integrated ecosystem that includes Waha, a social networking product designed for the metaverse, and games including Yalla Baloot, aimed at local gaming communities in the region.
Rank: 97
Name: Walid Hajj
Designation: Co-founder and CEO
Company: Lavoya Group
Industry: Hospitality
A visionary entrepreneur, Hajj has defined his unique imprint in the F&B sector, creating innovative concepts that have disrupted the industry and established him as a pioneer in the region. He launched Lavoya, a premium restaurants operator established in 2021, with the purpose of transforming dining experiences. In just one year, Lavoya launched three hugely popular franchise brands in the region, including Joe and The Juice, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and Barbar.
Previously, Hajj demonstrated his entrepreneurial acumen with the launch of Cravia, one of the region’s leading food and hospitality groups that brought world-class franchises to the Middle East including Zaatar W Zeit, Five Guys, Cinnabon, and Seattle’s Best Coffee. He stepped down from his role after private equity firm Fajr Capital, acquired a majority stake in Cravia in 2016. And today, Hajj is a highly sought-after speaker at global industry conferences and summits.
Rank: 98
Name: Shadman Sakib
Designation: Founder and CEO
Company: Vurse
Industry: Technology
With a vision to become a disruptor and a tech entrepreneur of this generation, Sakib was already building his tech business portfolio of innovative concepts while pursuing his education in the US and UK. In 2022, he launched Vurse, an interactive short video platform designed for users to showcase, consume, and engage with global talent and ideas.
The app offers video editing and employs purpose-designed machine learning driven systems to ensure users stay ahead of the latest trends. With big plans for expansion over the next five years in Dubai, his vision has been further bolstered by the announcement of the Dubai Metaverse Strategy, which aims to boost the UAE’s economy to $4 billion by 2030 through the metaverse sector. With AI and metaverse at the core of its technology, Vurse enables its users to stay updated with the latest trends and source the content that fulfils their needs.
Rank: 99
Name: Timothy Kelly
Designation: Managing director and executive vice president
Company: Atlantis The Palm & Carnab.com
Industry: Hospitality
Inculcating a people-over-profit business philosophy, Kelly is at the helm of Atlantis The Palm’s record of boasting the highest resort total revenue and the highest room revenue in October 2021. He also helmed the expansion of the world’s biggest waterpark, Aquaventure, with the addition of 28 new attractions. He also steered the success of the brand’s famed F&B concepts, with over two million diners’ in 2021 as the brand launched its Atlantis Atlas project, which introduced several new marine projects and locally sourced menus.
The end of 2022 saw the glittering launch of Atlantis The Royal, with 795 rooms and 44 suites, alongside 18 key restaurants, including a world-first beach and pool club by Nobu. Just adjacent to the original Atlantis, Atlantis Royal is already considered as the world’s best hotel for visitors looking to document their visit to Dubai on social media.
Rank: 100
Name: Thaksin Shinawatra
Designation: Former Thai PM and investor
Company: DNANudge and Owlstone Medical
Industry: Startup
One of the most influential leaders in Thai politics, Shinawatra is the first prime minister in the history of Thailand to lead an elected government through a full term in office. He owns a controlling stake in property firm SC Asset and has invested in two health tech startups, DNANudge and Owlstone Medical.
Starting his career as a police officer in Thailand, Shinawatra moved to the US for higher studies. Upon his return, he developed a telecommunications empire and went on to launch his Thai Rak Thai party. Popular amongst both the poorer voters and the larger corporates, while he was overseas, the military seized power. He relocated to the UK but returned after his allies won the first post-coupe, only to return in late 2007. With a new military-backed constitution steering the courts to pursue cases against him and his family, he now resides in Dubai.
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