Middle East’s Travel and Tourism Leaders: A Year of Innovation and Growth

Recognition of Top Leaders

Forbes Middle East has unveiled the 2025 edition of its prestigious list, showcasing the Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders in the Middle East. The list highlights the pioneering individuals behind some of the region’s most ambitious destinations, airlines, hotels, and tourism initiatives. This recognition is not just a ceremony; it’s a snapshot of the visionaries driving the future of tourism in a region rich in heritage and modern marvels.

Diverse Representation Across Countries

This year’s cohort encompasses executives from ten different countries. Notably, the UAE boasts the highest number of leaders with 49 representatives. Following closely are Saudi Arabia with 24, Egypt with seven, and Oman with five. Jordan and Morocco have four representatives each, while Qatar and Bahrain feature three each on this distinguished list. Lastly, Kuwait and Tunisia are represented by one leader each, namely Kuwait Airways and the Tunisian National Tourist Office (ONTT).

Nationalities Running the Show

The 101 individuals on the list reflect a mosaic of backgrounds. Among them, 15 are Emiratis, 14 are Saudis, and nine hail from Britain, illustrating the diverse leadership that fuels the region’s growth.

Impact of Vision and Strategy

This rankings not only highlight individuals but also underscore the powerful momentum building within the tourism sector. Bold visions, government strategies, and record-breaking investments are propelling the Middle East toward a future full of potential. Forbes Middle East meticulously evaluated these leaders based on several criteria, including revenue, asset value, number of hotel keys, and passenger counts. Their comprehensive approach illustrates how individual impact intertwines with aggregate success to shape the regional landscape.

Leading the Charge

Positioning himself at the top for the fourth consecutive year is Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group. His organization saw a significant revenue increase, reaching $39.6 billion in the 2024/25 financial year—an impressive growth of 6% year-over-year—along with assets totalling $49.7 billion.

Historic Achievements in the Sector

This year has been marked by historic milestones and innovative leaps in the tourism industry. Notably, in June 2025, Bander Almohanna, the CEO of flynas, made headlines by leading the airline through a $1.1 billion IPO, becoming the first airline listed on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul). Meanwhile, Fernando Eiroa, CEO of Dubai Holding Entertainment, launched Real Madrid World, the world’s first Real Madrid-themed park in April 2024, an exciting addition to Dubai’s vast entertainment offerings.

Innovations on the Horizon

Adding to the excitement, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, announced plans for the region’s inaugural Disney theme park and resort in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, marking a significant landmark that promises to draw tourists from around the globe. Additionally, in Morocco, the Minister of Tourism, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, actively spearheaded the creation of the country’s first tourism project bank, establishing a framework that features 200 investment-ready templates to further enhance tourism development.

The Top 10 Influential Leaders in Middle Eastern Tourism

Conclusion

The recognition of these dynamic leaders serves to illuminate the key figures who are not only steering the course of tourism in the Middle East but also setting standards for the global industry. Their achievements signify a remarkable transformation and innovation in travel experiences, driven by an insatiable desire for growth and sustainability. As travelers increasingly seek unique experiences, the foundation laid by these leaders will undoubtedly impact the region’s tourism landscape for generations to come.

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