Top 10 Visionary CEOs Shaping the Future of the UAE

Top 10 CEOs Who Are Shaping the Future of the UAE

In a dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape, the UAE stands out as a beacon of innovation and progress. At the heart of this transformation are visionary leaders whose strategic foresight and pioneering efforts are steering the nation towards a brighter future. This article celebrates the top 10 CEOs who are not only making waves in their respective industries but are also significantly shaping the future of the UAE. Through their exceptional leadership, these trailblazers are driving economic growth, fostering technological advancements, and setting new benchmarks for excellence, thereby positioning the UAE as a global hub of innovation and sustainability.

  • Amit Jain – CEO of Emaar Properties

    Amit Jain is the CEO of Emaar Properties, one of the largest and most influential real estate companies in the UAE. Jain has played a pivotal role in steering Emaar’s growth trajectory, overseeing the development of iconic landmarks in Dubai, including the world-renowned Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. Under his strategic leadership, Emaar has not only expanded its local footprint but has also ventured into international markets, launching significant projects in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and India. His blend of strategic thinking and financial acumen has enabled Emaar to navigate economic challenges adeptly, focusing relentlessly on sustainable growth and innovation within the real estate sector. Jain’s vision has been instrumental in enhancing Dubai’s skyline and overall economic landscape.

  • Raghu Malhotra – President, Middle East and Africa at Mastercard

    Raghu Malhotra serves as the President of the Middle East and Africa for Mastercard, where he oversees operations across 69 countries. Based in Dubai, Malhotra has been a driving force behind Mastercard’s expansion in the region, championing digital transformation and financial inclusion initiatives. His leadership is characterized by a focus on leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance payment systems and introduce innovative financial solutions. With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Malhotra has established himself as a prominent figure in the region’s fintech landscape, advocating for collaborative public-private partnerships to stimulate economic growth. His contributions have earned him recognition as a thought leader in the digital payments sector.

  • Mr. Hussein Abed Samhan, Chairman and CEO of Il Forno

    Mr. Hussein Abed Samhan, the esteemed Chairman and CEO of Il Forno, has significantly influenced the culinary landscape of the UAE since founding the brand in 2000. Inspired by his travels through Italy, Mr. Samhan envisioned bringing the rich flavors of Italian cuisine to the UAE, establishing Il Forno as a premier dining destination. Under his visionary leadership, Il Forno has impressively expanded to include 30 branches nationwide, employing over 500 dedicated staff members. Mr. Samhan’s entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity have been pivotal to the brand’s growth and success. Each restaurant captures the essence of traditional Italian eateries, offering a warm atmosphere where customers can savor a variety of classic dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients. His dedication to customer satisfaction and consistent quality has earned Il Forno a beloved status in the competitive UAE restaurant scene, setting new standards for culinary excellence.

  • Avinash Ratta – CEO & Managing Director of GRAINVELOCITY

    Avinash Ratta is the CEO and Managing Director of GRAINVELOCITY, a pioneering growth project management and executive consulting firm focused on the UAE’s food and beverage sector. Founded in 2017, GRAINVELOCITY specializes in delivering time-bound, turnaround growth and innovation projects across various sectors, including FMCG, F&B, retail, and education. Ratta’s leadership has propelled the firm to success, earning accolades from the UAE F&B Manufacturer’s Group and the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development. With a rich background that includes notable roles at UNILEVER and NESTLE, Ratta has held leadership positions such as CMO and CEO at various esteemed organizations, including IFFCO Group and Agthia Group. His extensive academic credentials include an MBA from INSEAD and a Master’s from Princeton University. GRAINVELOCITY has effectively managed 25 projects across 15 categories in 10 markets, focusing on driving growth in regional enterprises and family-owned businesses in MENA. Ratta’s commitment to innovation and sustainability continues to enhance the UAE’s F&B landscape.

  • Zubair Mohammed Sultan – CEO of MSZ Corporate Services

    Zubair Mohammed Sultan is a dynamic leader in the UAE’s business landscape, shaping the future of the region through his company, MSZ Corporate Services Provider. Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, Zubair pursued higher education in Australia, earning a business management degree from the Sydney School of Business and IT. In 2009, he relocated to Dubai and, after gaining experience as a business consultant, founded MSZ Corporate Services Provider in 2013. Headquartered in Dubai with branches in KSA, the UK, and India, MSZ specializes in helping startups and established businesses launch and thrive in the UAE. Under Zubair’s leadership, the firm has transformed into a seven-figure consulting powerhouse, recognized for its comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of its clients, including business setup, license acquisition, and VAT filing. His dedication to excellence and a passion for helping others has fostered a robust referral network and numerous successful partnerships. MSZ’s ISO 9001-2015 certification and multiple licenses reflect its commitment to reliability and professionalism, significantly contributing to the UAE’s vibrant business ecosystem.

  • Arif Naqvi – Former CEO of Abraaj Group

    Arif Naqvi, the founder and former CEO of Abraaj Group, was instrumental in positioning the firm as one of the largest private equity firms focused on emerging markets. Based in Dubai, Abraaj managed billions of dollars in assets and was recognized for investing in high-growth sectors, particularly in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Naqvi was a visionary leader who advocated for the role of private capital in driving economic development and social impact in the Middle East and beyond. Despite the firm’s later controversies, his influence on Dubai’s financial sector and the private equity landscape remains significant and enduring.

  • Amit Kaushal – CEO of Dubai Holding

    Amit Kaushal serves as the CEO of Dubai Holding, a diversified global investment company with a presence in over 13 countries. Since assuming this role, Kaushal has been focused on aligning the company’s strategies with Dubai’s ambitious economic diversification plans, placing a strong emphasis on investments in innovation and technology. Under his stewardship, Dubai Holding has expanded its real estate, hospitality, and digital business sectors. Kaushal’s strategic vision is dedicated to creating long-term value and fostering sustainable growth across Dubai Holding’s extensive portfolio. His leadership embodies a commitment to supporting Dubai’s ambition to emerge as a leading global city in various sectors, including tourism, real estate, and digital innovation.

  • Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim – CEO of Emirates NBD

    Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim serves as the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD, one of the largest banking groups in the Middle East. His leadership has been pivotal in driving the bank’s digital transformation and expansion strategy. Under Al Qassim’s guidance, Emirates NBD has embraced innovative technologies, significantly enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. His focus on digital banking solutions and sustainable growth has solidified the bank’s position within the competitive financial sector. Al Qassim’s commitment to innovation reflects a broader vision of supporting Dubai’s transformation into a global financial hub.

  • Ayman Asfari – CEO of Petrofac

    Ayman Asfari is the CEO of Petrofac, a leading international service provider to the oil and gas industry, with a significant presence in Dubai. Asfari has played a crucial role in expanding Petrofac’s operations across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. His leadership focuses on delivering innovative solutions while maintaining high standards of safety and sustainability. With extensive expertise in engineering and project management, Asfari has successfully navigated the complexities of the energy sector, positioning Petrofac as a key player in Dubai’s energy landscape.

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