Travel and Tourism Leaders Shaping the Middle East
Alexandra
Top Travel Influencers in the Middle East
Forbes Middle East has unveiled its 2025 edition of the prestigious Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders list, honoring the individuals at the forefront of the region's most ambitious destinations and initiatives. This year's selection encompasses a diverse group of executives across ten countries in the MENA region, highlighting their significant contributions to a sector experiencing robust growth.
Spotlight on Leaders and Their Domains
This year's rankings feature a notable concentration of talent from the United Arab Emirates, which boasts 49 honorees, followed closely by Saudi Arabia with 24 representatives. Other countries represented include Egypt with seven leaders, Oman with five, and both Jordan and Morocco contributing four. Qatar and Bahrain have three representatives, while Kuwait and Tunisia each have one, showcasing the breadth of leadership in this vibrant industry.
Among the professionals making the list, 15 are Emirati, 14 hail from Saudi Arabia, and nine are British nationals, emphasizing the international appeal and collaborative spirit within the Middle East. The selections this year reflect a powerful momentum in the sector, fueled by bold visions, strategic government initiatives, and record-breaking investments.
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Criteria for Selection
To determine the honorees, Forbes Middle East assessed candidates based on critical metrics such as organization scale, measured by revenues, asset values, hotel room counts, and passenger volumes. Furthermore, the evaluation considered their experience, notable achievements, and overall impact on the tourism landscape. All ranked individuals are actively based in the MENA region, which spotlights its growing influence in global travel.
Among the Top Leaders
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, continues to lead the rankings for the fourth consecutive year. Under his stewardship, the group recorded considerable revenue of $39.6 billion in the financial year 2024/25, marking a 6% increase from the previous year and maintaining assets valued at $49.7 billion. Following closely are Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, and Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Group CEO of Qatar Airways, making up the top three slots.
This year's honorees illustrate the trend toward innovative approaches that have facilitated unprecedented achievements in the Middle East. Noteworthy milestones include Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas, leading the first-ever airline IPO listed on the Saudi Exchange, valued at $1.1 billion. Meanwhile, Fernando Eiroa of Dubai Holding Entertainment debuted the world’s first Real Madrid-themed park, Real Madrid World, adding new dimensions to family entertainment in the area.
Noteworthy Developments
In May 2025, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, announced plans for the region's first Disney theme park and resort in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, adding yet another feather to the cap of tourism growth. Meanwhile, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism in Morocco, oversaw the establishment of the country's first tourism project bank, designed to streamline investments and innovation.
Table: Top 10 Travel and Tourism Leaders in the Middle East 2025
| Rank | Name | Country | Nationality | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum | UAE | Emirati | Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group |
| 2 | Fahd Hamidaddin | Saudi Arabia | Saudi | CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) |
| 3 | Badr Mohammed Al-Meer | Qatar | Qatari | Group CEO, Qatar Airways Group |
| 4 | Saleh Al Geziry | UAE | Emirati | Director General for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi |
| 5 | Fatim-Zahra Ammor | Morocco | Moroccan | Chair, MNTO; SMIT |
| 6 | Raed Alidrissi | Saudi Arabia | Saudi | CEO, MATARAT Holding |
| 7 | Hesham Al Qassim | UAE | Emirati | CEO, Wasl Group |
| 8 | Humaid Al Dhaheri | UAE | Emirati | Managing Director & Group CEO, ADNEC Group |
| 9 | Mohamed Al Zaabi | UAE | Emirati | Group CEO, Miral |
| 10 | Paul Griffiths | UAE | British | CEO, Dubai Airports |
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The Middle East has long been a crucial part of international tourism, enriched by a kaleidoscope of cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and a wealth of history. Developing globally recognized infrastructure and hosting events such as Expo 2020 has boosted the region's profile. With tourism now one of the pillars of economic diversification, the potential for growth remains robust.
As travel and tourism continue to evolve, innovations within the sector promise to attract millions of visitors in the coming years. With investments in entertainment, hospitality, and travel technology, future endeavors are poised to reshape the regional landscape profoundly.
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