Top 100 Arabs 2025

30. Helal Al Marri

Director general, Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism

Origin: UAE

Residence: UAE

Sector: Tourism

2024 Rank: 31

Al Marri is responsible for the planning, oversight and delivery of Dubai’s vision and targets for the tourism sector, which welcomed 18.72 million international visitors to the emirate in 2024.

This marked a 9 per cent year- over-year increase. Al Marri is pivotal in realising the UAE 2031 Tourism Strategy, targeting 40 million visitors and a Dhs450bn GDP contribution.

He has been successful in aligning DET’s efforts with Dubai’s D33 strategy, fostering foreign investment and SME growth. As head of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA), he is responsible for developing the centre’s strategic and development plans that aim to position Dubai as a leading global MICE destination.

Al Marri is mandated to manage various sides of the business including exhibitions and conferences; real estate; and hospitality – all collectively driving towards the company’s growth strategy in line with Dubai’s vision to create a global platform for business tourism.

Ayman Mohammed Alsyari

Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani