Home Lists MENA region’s most influential CEOs of 2025 Each CEO leads an organisation with a strong regional presence, consistent business performance, and a visible brand footprint across MENA and beyond by Gulf Business July 9, 2025 Follow us Follow on Google News Follow on Facebook Follow on Instagram Follow on X Follow on LinkedIn In this special feature, Gulf Business recognises the most influential CEOs across the MENA region. These business leaders are driving innovation, accelerating growth, and reshaping industries through bold strategies and decisive leadership. Our editorial team followed a structured and transparent methodology to curate this list. Each CEO leads an organisation with a strong regional presence, consistent business performance, and a visible brand footprint across MENA and beyond. The evaluation considered several key factors, including leadership during challenging periods, long-term strategic vision, industry influence, and public visibility through media and thought leadership. Representing a wide spectrum of sectors such as energy, finance, technology, real estate, and consumer goods, these CEOs are not only navigating complex market dynamics but also setting new benchmarks for excellence. Their impact extends beyond balance sheets, influencing policy, talent, and innovation across the region. HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Chairman and chief executive, Emirates Group Ahmed Galal Ismail CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Holding Abdulla Mubarak Nasser Al Khalifa Group CEO, Qatar National Bank Adel Mardini Founder and CEO, Jetex Alex Reinhardt Founder and CEO, Ultima Chain Dr Ali Asgar Fakhruddin Chairman and CEO, Sterling Perfumes Aloki Batra CEO, FIVE Hospitality and The Pacha Group Amin Nasser President and CEO, Aramco Ammar Alsoos Co-Founder and CEO, LikeCard Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo Group CEO, OOREDOO Group Badr Mohammed Al-Meer Group CEO, Qatar Airwaya Group Easa Al Gurg Group CEO, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group Elda Choucair CEO, Omnicom Media Group (OMG) Elena Sorlini CEO and managing director, Abu Dhabi Airports George Hojeige Group CEO, Virtugroup Hana Al Rostamani Group CEO, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) Hatem Dowidar Group CEO, e& Isam Jassim AlSager Vice Chairman and Group CEO, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) John Pagano Group CEO, Red Sea Global Karim Awad Group CEO and chairman of the executive committee, EFG Holding Khaldoon Al Mubarak CEO and managing director, Mubadala Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi Group CEO, AD Ports Group (Abu Dhabi Ports) Peng Xiao Group CEO, G42 Olayan Alwetaid Group CEO, Saudi Telecom Company (STC) Raki Phillips CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) Saad Sherida Al Kaabi CEO, QatarEnergy Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer CEO and managing director, DEWA Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem Group chairman and CEO, DP World Dr Sultan Al Jaber Group CEO and managing director, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Syed Basar Shueb CEO and managing director, International Holding Company (IHC) Tony Douglas CEO, Riyadh Air