Top 100 Arabs 2025

55. Issam Kazim

CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing

Origin: UAE

Residence: UAE

Sector: Tourism

2024 Rank: 54

Kazim has been instrumental in positioning Dubai as a premier global tourism destination. As CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) since February 2014, he oversees the promotion and marketing of the emirate.

Under his leadership, Dubai welcomed a record 18.72 million international visitors in 2024, a 9 per cent increase from 2023’s 17.15 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

This growth aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), aiming to double the city’s economy by 2033. Kazim’s strategic initiatives have diversified Dubai’s tourism offerings, attracting visitors from North East and South East Asia (24 per cent growth), Africa (20 per cent), and CIS and Eastern Europe (16 per cent).

The city’s hotel occupancy rate rose to 78.2 per cent in 2024, reflecting the sector’s robust performance. Dubai was also named the world’s leading shopping and exhibition destination at the 31st World Travel Awards.

Adel Abdulla Ali

Ala’a Eraiqat