Iconic Business Influencers in the GCC
From real estate and finance to hospitality and retail, these dynamic business influencers are shaping the region’s economic landscape
In a world shaped by rapid innovation and evolving consumer expectations, a select group of business leaders is charting new courses across industries. From revolutionising the retail landscape to steering banking into the digital era, these influential figures are not just responding to change — they’re creating it.
This list shines a spotlight on the visionaries who are driving growth, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of commerce and finance with bold strategies and transformative leadership.
Technology: Mountasser Hachem
Founder and chairman, Monty Group
Visa services: Zubin Karkaria
Founder and CEO, VFS Global Group
Tourism: Issam Kazim
CEO, Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
Public parking provider: Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali
CEO, Parkin PJSC
Retail: MA Yusuff Ali
Chairman and MD, LuLu Group International
Fintech: Hosam Arab
CEO and co-founder, Tabby
Food delivery, ecommerce: Tomaso Rodriguez
CEO, Talabat
Banking and Financial Services: Sarah Al Suhaimi
Group chairperson, Saudi Tadawul Group
Retail: Sima Ganwani Ved
Founder and chairwoman, Apparel Group
Real Estate: Amira Sajwani
MD, Sales and Development, DAMAC Properties; founder and CEO, PRYPCO and co-founder, Amali Properties
Creative industries: Khadija Al Bastaki
Senior vice president, Dubai Design District
Hospitality, real estate, entertainment: Kabir Mulchandani
Founder and Executive Chairman, FIVE Holdings
Investments: Noor Sweid
Founder and managing partner, Global Ventures
Business: Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg
Chairperson and managing director, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG)