We present the leading figures whose commitment to leveraging their resources, expertise, and influence help propel the Arab world’s economies forward.
Revealed: Meet the 100 Most Influential Arabs in 2024
In the dynamic landscape of global business, Arab entrepreneurs have played a significant role in shaping industries, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth. Their influence transcends borders, impacting not only the Arab world but also resonating on a global scale. Among the plethora of influential Arab businessmen and women, several stand out for their remarkable contributions, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit.
One such luminary is Emirati billionaire and philanthropist Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, whose diverse business interests span across multiple sectors, including construction, banking, real estate and energy. Through his organisation, Al Ghurair has spearheaded transformative projects that have fuelled economic development in the UAE. His visionary leadership and strategic investments have positioned him as a driving force behind infrastructure development and economic expansion in the region.
Another towering figure is Lubna Olayan, a trailblazing businesswoman from Saudi Arabia. As the CEO of Olayan Financing Company, she has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for women in the male-dominated world of finance and investment. Olayan’s commitment to corporate governance, innovation, and social responsibility has not only propelled her own company to success but has also inspired a new generation of female entrepreneurs in the Arab world.
In the realm of technology and entrepreneurship, Ronaldo Mouchawar has indeed left an indelible mark. As the co-founder of souq.com (acquired by Amazon in 2017), he revolutionised the digital retail landscape in the Middle East, providing a platform for communication, collaboration, and commerce. His pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for the region’s burgeoning retail and e-commerce startup ecosystem, catalysing innovation and fostering entrepreneurship across borders.
Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum has played a pivotal role in shaping Dubai’s economic landscape. His leadership in establishing Emirates and Dubai Aerospace Enterprise has propelled the emirate onto the global stage. With a blend of innovation and strategic foresight, he continues to drive growth, fostering prosperity and connectivity for Dubai and beyond.
These exemplary leaders demonstrate the spirit of innovation, resilience, and leadership that defines Arab entrepreneurship. Their success stories serve as beacons of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, symbolising the transformative power of vision, determination and hard work in overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness in the world of business. As they continue to chart new frontiers and push the boundaries of possibility, their legacy will endure as a testament to the enduring impact of Arab entrepreneurship on the global stage.
| Influential Arab | Influential Arab |
|---|---|
| 1. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais | 51. Easa Al Gurg |
| 2. Khaldoon Al Mubarak | 52. Olayan Alwetaid |
| 3. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair | 53. Elda Choucair |
| 4. Jassem Alzaabi | 54. Othman Ibrahim |
| 5. Abdulaziz Al-Sowailim | 55. Elham Mahfouz |
| 6. Khaled Al Huraimel | 56. Randa Mustafa |
| 7. Abdulla Al Khalifa | 57. Elie Habib |
| 8. Lubna Olayan | 58. Randa Sadik |
| 9. Abdullah Albader | 59. Eman Abdulrazzaq |
| 10. Mahdi Amjad | 60. Reem Osman |
| 11. Abdulnasser Bin Kalban | 61. Essa Kazim |
| 12. Maryam Buti Al Suwaidi | 62. Rola Abu Manneh |
| 13. Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh | 63. Fadi Ghandour |
| 14. Michel Ayat | 64. Ronaldo Mouchawar |
| 15. Abdulwahab Iesa Alrushood | 65. Fahad Al Hassawi |
| 16. Mohamed Alabbar | 66. Saeeda Jaffar |
| 17. Adel Ali | 67. Faisal Al Bannai |
| 18. Mohamed Al Hammadi | 68. Saad Sherida Al Kaabi |
| 19. Ahmad Bin Shafar | 69. Faisal Alayyan |
| 20. Mohamed Al Ramahi | 70. Sahar Cooper |
| 21. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum | 71. Ghada Alrumayan |
| 22. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi | 72. Sameh Muhtadi |
| 23. Ahmed Abdelaal | 73. Ghaith Al Ghaith |
| 24. Mohammad A. Baker | 74. Samer Soliman |
| 25. Ahmed Al Qaseer | 75. Hamid Al Zaabi |
| 26. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah | 76. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem |
| 27. Ahmed Ismail | 77. Ghassan Aboud |
| 28. Mohammed Alshaya | 78. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber |
| 29. Ajlan Bin Abdulaziz Alajlan | 79. Hana Al Rostamani |
| 30. Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Alajlan | 80. Syed Basar Shueb |
| 31. Amin Nasser | 81. Khalifa Al Zaffin |
| 32. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani | 82. Talal Al Ajmi |
| 33. Ala’a Mohamed Atta Khalil Eraiqat | 83. Helal Al Marri |
| 34. Mohammed Qasem Al Ali | 84. Talal Al Dhiyebi |
| 35. Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Al Saud | 85. Hisham Alrayes |
| 36. Mohammed Sankari | 86. Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah |
| 37. Amina Al Rostamani | 87. Huda Kattan |
| 38. Nadhmi Al Nasr | 88. Talal Said Marhoon Al Mamari |
| 39. Aziz Fakhroo | 89. Hussain Sajwani |
| 40. Mona Kattan | 90. Wafik Ben Mansour |
| 41. Bader Al Kharafi | 91. Ibrahim Koshy |
| 42. Nadir Al Koraya | 92. Waleed Al Mogbel |
| 43. Badr Jafar | 93. Isam Al Sager |
| 44. Naif Al AbdulKareem | 94. Sheikh Waleed Khamis Al Hashar |
| 45. Beshara Sherif | 95. Issam Kazim |
| 46. Najla Al Midfa | 96. Walid Hanna |
| 47. Bader Mohammed Al Meer | 97. J.K. Khalil |
| 48. Nisreen Shocair | 98. Yasser Abdul Malak |
| 49. Carlos Wakim | 99. Jamal Lootah |
| 50. Noor Sweid | 100. Zaid S. Al Khayyat |
Dubai Career Diary 
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