Top 100 Arabs 2025

4. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Chairman and chief executive, Emirates Group & Chairman, Emirates NBD

Origin: UAE

Residence: UAE

Sector: Diversified

2024 Rank: 3

Sheikh Ahmed holds strategic roles across Dubai’s key sectors, driving significant economic growth. As chairman and chief executive of Emirates Group, he led the company to a record half-year profit of Dhs10.4bn for 2024-25, with revenue rising 5 per cent to Dhs70.8bn over the same period in the previous year.

Emirates saw a 5 per cent revenue growth, while dnata’s revenue increased by 11 per cent.

Sheikh Ahmed’s strategic vision supports ongoing investments in technology and customer experience.

He is also chairman of Emirates NBD. The bank reported profit before tax of Dhs27.1bn in 2024. The bank expanded its regional presence and digital banking capabilities, with income exceeding Dhs44bn. Sheikh Ahmed’s leadership extends to Dubai Holding, which consolidated Nakheel and Meydan last year.

He also serves as president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chairman of Dubai Airports, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global aviation hub.

His role as the chairman of Expo City Dubai Authority highlights his commitment to sustainable development.

Yasir Al-Rumayyan

Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak