101 Leaders Shaping the Future of Middle East Tourism & Hospitality

Despite ongoing challenges, the Middle East continues to stand out as a global tourism hub, fueled by its diverse attractions across the GCC and a strong pipeline of large-scale projects.

This year’s ranking offers an updated perspective on the region’s travel and tourism landscape, spotlighting 101 influential leaders spearheading major hospitality projects, destinations, hotel groups, airports, airlines, and travel services across both the public and private sectors.

Key industry developments include Miral’s collaboration with The Walt Disney Company to bring the Middle East’s first Disney theme park and resort to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi—the seventh of its kind worldwide. The list also recognizes organizations championing heritage conservation and eco-tourism, such as Diriyah Company, Boutique Group, the Royal Commission for AlUla, and newcomer ENVI Lodges.

The top three leaders are H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group; Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority; and Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Group CEO of Qatar Airways.

The U.A.E. hosts the largest representation on the list with 49 leaders, followed by Saudi Arabia with 24. Egypt accounts for seven, Oman for five, and both Jordan and Morocco for four each. Qatar and Bahrain are represented by three each, while Kuwait and Tunisia each contribute one leader—from Kuwait Airways and the Tunisian National Tourist Office (ONTT), respectively.

Ranking Highlights (Top 5)

1. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum – Emirates Airline & Group

2. Fahd Hamidaddin – Saudi Tourism Authority (STA)

3. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer – Qatar Airways Group

4. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry – Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)

5. Fatim-Zahra Ammor – Moroccan Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy

The full list spans 101 leaders across airlines, airports, private aviation, hospitality, destinations, tourism boards, and public sector entities shaping the future of regional travel.

Methodology

Leaders were assessed based on:

• Business scale (hotels, keys, visitors, revenues, investments, assets, fleet size, expansion footprint).

• Impact on the travel, tourism, and wider economy.

• Asset ownership and executive influence.

• Major achievements and initiatives in 2024–2025.

• Proven leadership experience and industry track record.