Top 100 Arabs 2024

31. Helal Al Marri

Director general, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism

Origin: UAE

Residence: UAE

Sector: Tourism

2023 Rank: 32

Under Al Marri’s watch, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism welcomed a record 17.15 million international tourists in 2023, marking a significant rise from the previous year’s 14.36 million.

Al Marri is further overseeing the implementation of new initiatives in Dubai that aligns with the UAE 2031 Tourism Strategy. This initiative seeks to attract 40 million visitors by 2031 and increase the sector’s contribution to the emirate’s GDP to Dhs450bn. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism contributes to Dubai’s D33 strategy by attracting foreign investment, raising exports, nurturing SMEs and formulating plans for the emirate’s economic sectors.

Al-Marri is also a member of the Executive Council of Dubai. He chairs the Dubai Financial Market and sits on the boards of Emaar Properties, Taaleem and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Al-Marri also serves as director general of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority.

Ayman Mohammed Alsayari

Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani