The 100 most powerful Arabs of 2025

This year’s top 100 most powerful Arab list features a wide array of key movers and shakers from across the GCC and beyond

by Gareth van Zyl

April 8, 2025

Credit: Gulf Business

Gulf Business’ definitive ranking of the Top 100 Most Powerful Arabs in the world is here — and 2025 marks a major milestone.

This isn’t just a regional snapshot. These are the Arab leaders reshaping industries, steering policy, and driving global impact. Our annual list is the result of rigorous research, heated editorial debate, and careful consideration.

This year, we welcome a brand-new number one.

A quiet force with extraordinary reach, he tends to avoid the spotlight — but his influence is impossible to miss. He oversees more than $1.4tn in assets across sovereign wealth funds, banking powerhouses, and AI-led ventures. From cutting-edge tech alliances and crypto strategies to a central role in the global race for artificial intelligence, his impact extends far beyond the UAE.

Curious? Explore our new number one and more below.

This year’s edition also welcomes six new entrants, alongside 21 women power listers whose work continues to inspire and challenge norms across sectors.

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