Top 100 Arabs 2025

54. Adel Abdulla Ali

Group CEO, Air Arabia

Origin: Bahrain

Residence: UAE

Sector: Aviation

2024 Rank: 53

Ali, a veteran in the aviation sector, established Air Arabia in October 2003 as the MENA region’s first low-cost carrier. Under his leadership, Air Arabia reported a record net profit before tax of Dhs1.6bn in 2024, marking a 4 per cent increase from the previous year.

The airline’s revenue surged by 11 per cent to Dhs6.63bn, and it expanded its network by adding

31 new routes from its six operational hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan.

Air Arabia’s fleet grew to 81 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, serving over 220 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

In recognition of this strong performance, shareholders approved a 25 per cent cash dividend for 2024. Ali’s strategic vision continues to position Air Arabia as a leading player in the global aviation industry.

Naguib Sawiris

Issam Kazim