Top 50 Business Leaders in the Middle East: 2025 Edition
From visionary founders to powerhouse CEOs, the business landscape of the Middle East in 2025 is being shaped by leaders who are redefining what success looks like in a fast-changing world.
This year’s standout figures are not just growing companies—they’re building industries, transforming cities, and leading billion-dollar initiatives that are fueling regional progress.
Let’s take a look at some of the most influential business leaders in the Middle East right now.
Leading the Region’s Economic Growth
1. Hana Al Rostamani – Group CEO, First Abu Dhabi Bank (UAE)
One of the most powerful women in banking, Hana continues to drive massive growth at FAB. Under her leadership, the bank reported a net profit of $3.5 billion and total assets of $335 billion in just the first nine months of 2024. Her strategic push toward digital banking and regional expansion is reshaping the financial sector in the UAE and beyond.
2. Shaista Asif – Co-founder & Group CEO, PureHealth Holding (UAE)
In 2025, PureHealth became the UAE’s largest integrated healthcare platform, and Shaista is at the helm. She’s credited with building a data-driven ecosystem that’s transforming public health and private care standards across the GCC.
3. Hussain Sajwani – Founder & Chairman, DAMAC Properties (UAE)
A name synonymous with luxury real estate, Sajwani continues to dominate the high-end property market. His company recently issued a $750 million sukuk, reinforcing investor confidence in UAE’s booming property sector.
Regional Powerhouses Making Global Waves
4. Sarah Al Suhaimi – Chairperson, Saudi Tadawul Group (KSA)
As the first woman to chair Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange, Sarah plays a key role in Vision 2030’s financial sector transformation. She’s also a board member at Saudi Aramco and PIF, making her one of the Kingdom’s most influential executives.
5. Ronaldo Mouchawar – VP, Amazon MENA (UAE)
Ronaldo helped build Souq.com, which later became Amazon’s MENA arm. In 2025, he continues to lead the e-commerce giant’s expansion in logistics, AI-driven shopping, and local vendor empowerment.
6. Tayba Al Hashemi – CEO, ADNOC Offshore (UAE)
As head of one of ADNOC’s most critical arms, Tayba oversees operations that directly impact the UAE’s oil output. She’s a driving force behind ADNOC’s cleaner energy initiatives and offshore innovation.
Disruptors & Innovators in Tech and Finance
7. Hatem Dowidar – Group CEO, e& (formerly Etisalat) (UAE)
Under Hatem’s leadership, e& is no longer just a telecom—it’s now a regional digital conglomerate investing in fintech, AI, and cloud infrastructure.
8. Fares Akkad – Regional Director, Meta (MENA)
Fares is shaping how businesses in the Middle East leverage platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp for customer engagement, marketing, and growth.
9. Randa Sadik – CEO, Arab Bank (Jordan)
Jordan’s largest bank continues to thrive under Randa’s guidance. She’s focused on digital transformation and supporting startups through strategic financing.
Visionaries Behind Landmark Projects
10. Eng. Aiman Al-Mudaifer – CEO, NEOM (KSA)
Recently appointed to lead one of the world’s most ambitious projects, Aiman is responsible for driving forward NEOM’s $500 billion vision, including The Line, Oxagon, and Trojena.
11. Suzanne Al Anani – CEO, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (UAE)
Suzanne manages the engineering and expansion of Dubai’s airport infrastructure, a critical part of the region’s logistics and tourism growth.
Powerful Women Redefining Leadership
These women are not just breaking glass ceilings—they’re rewriting the playbook.
- Wadha Al-Khateeb – CEO, Kuwait National Petroleum Company
- Dana Nasser Al Sabah – CEO, KIPCO
- Muna Al Gurg – Vice Chair, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group
- Nissrine Elqobai – CEO, ENY Consulting
They are excelling in traditionally male-dominated sectors like energy, finance, logistics, and industrial development.
Emerging Names to Watch in 2025
- Alisha Moopen – Managing Director & CEO, Aster DM Healthcare GCC
- Raman Pathak – Co-founder & CEO, Jeebly (UAE logistics innovator)
- Adeeb Ahamed – Founder, Lulu Financial Holdings & Twenty14 Holdings
- Kami Viswanathan – President, FedEx Express MEISA
These leaders are introducing fresh thinking and agility to fast-changing industries—from digital health to last-mile delivery and fintech.
Final Thoughts
The Middle East is no longer just keeping up with global business trends—it’s leading them. The individuals featured in this year’s Top 50 list are more than just executives—they’re visionaries, problem-solvers, and architects of the region’s future economy.
As GCC countries continue diversifying beyond oil, investing in smart cities, AI, renewable energy, and global capital, these leaders will be the ones guiding the transition.
