MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE accounted for more than half of the leaders featured in Forbes Middle East’s 2026 ranking of the region’s top travel and tourism executives.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, retained the top spot in the Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders 2026 list, dominated by 56 UAE-based figures.
Hamad Al Khater, Group CEO of Qatar Airways, came in second place, followed by Ageel Alshaibani, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority.
The UAE’s representation far exceeded that of other countries, with Saudi Arabia accounting for 18 entries and Egypt for eight, according to the list.
Four UAE-based leaders featured among the top 10, including Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, in fourth place; Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, in sixth; and Mohamed Abdallah Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, in ninth.
Other UAE figures in the top 25 included Ahmed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, at No. 13; Thomas B. Meier, Group CEO of Jumeirah, at No. 23; and Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO of Etihad Aviation Group, at No. 24.
The UAE’s strong representation on the list comes against the backdrop of an expanding travel and tourism sector, which generated nearly $68.5 billion for the economy in 2025.
The wider Middle East travel and tourism sector grew 5.3% in 2025, outpacing global growth of 4.1% and contributing $385.8 billion to the region’s GDP, according to data cited by Forbes from the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Forbes said its ranking assessed leaders across airlines, airports, private aviation, hospitality, destinations, experiences and the public sector, based on factors including business scale, operational and financial performance, experience and track record, ownership and strategic achievements during 2025-26.
Hotels and resorts accounted for half of the 100 entries, followed by the public sector with 14, airlines with 11 and airports with seven.