Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Emirati executives dominated Forbes Middle East’s sixth annual Top 100 CEOs list, with 31 UAE nationals featured among the region’s top corporate decision-makers.
Egyptian executives ranked second with 15 entries, followed by Saudi nationals with 13.
The UAE also emerged as the leading base for executives on the list, with 49 of the 102 individuals featured across 100 entries based in the country.
Saudi Arabia followed with 18 executives, while Qatar accounted for 11, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a major corporate hub in the Gulf.
Among the highest-ranked UAE-based leaders is Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, Chairman of Masdar, and Executive Chairman of XRG.
The list also spotlights 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.
Other UAE executives featured prominently in the ranking included Hana Al Rostamani of First Abu Dhabi Bank in 11th place; Hamad Al Ameri of Alpha Dhabi Holding in 12th; Bakheet Al Katheeri of Mubadala Investment Company in 20th; and Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) in 21st.
Forbes said the 2026 ranking reflects a changing role for CEOs in the Middle East, with leaders increasingly navigating artificial intelligence, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting capital markets alongside traditional business growth.
UAE companies were featured among those driving innovation and international expansion. International Holding Company (IHC) launched Judan Financial, an AI-enabled platform with nearly $237 billion in assets under management, while NMDC Group expanded into Europe through NMDC Infra’s acquisition of a 51% stake in Spain’s Lantania Aguas in January 2026.
In the banking sector, Emirates NBD acquired a 60% majority stake in India’s RBL Bank in June 2026 through a primary capital infusion of around $2.75 billion.
Banking and financial services remained the most represented sector on the list, accounting for 30 entries across the ranking’s 29 sectors.
UAE institutions including First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and Dubai Islamic Bank were among them.
Forbes Middle East said the ranking was compiled using company questionnaires, stock market disclosures, industry reports, annual reports and financial statements.
The assessment considered factors including regional impact, executive tenure, company size based on revenue and market capitalisation, recent performance, and innovation initiatives.
