Revealed: Top 100 most powerful Arabs 2017

The last year was a tumultuous one for the Arab region, with economies hit by low oil prices and continuing political upheaval.

But despite such headwinds, the 100 individuals on our annual 100 Powerful Arabs list were able to maintain their power and influence, and in some cases stand taller than ever before.

Once again, Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud, founder and chairman of Saudi’s Kingdom Holding Company, tops the list.

Emirates airline and Emirates NBD chairman Sheikh Ahmed ranks second, followed in third place by Khalid Al-Falih, chairman of Saudi oil firm Aramco.

(Read the complete list here: Top 100 most powerful Arabs 2017 )

This year’s list – which includes 25 women – saw the UAE claiming the top spot in terms of the country of origin.

In terms of positions held, CEOs topped the list, and sector-wise, the biggest group of individuals belonged to the finance industry.

But the list continues to feature personalities from a wide range of areas including: media, sport, telecoms and technology, among others.

As in previous years, everyone in our ranking was weighted under the following criteria:

Financial capital

Human capital

Expansion plans

Personal fame

In general, politicians and royal family members were excluded unless they had an unassailable leaning towards corporate activity.

Read the complete list here: Top 100 most powerful Arabs 2017

Also read:

Revealed: Top 5 most powerful Arabs from Saudi Arabia

Revealed: Top 5 most powerful Arabs from the UAE

Revealed: Top 5 most powerful Arabs from Qatar