The UAE tops Forbes’ list of the most powerful CEOs in the region for 2025

The UAE topped Forbes Middle East’s list of the most powerful CEOs for 2025, with 32 CEOs, followed by Saudis with 18, and Egyptians with 16. Together, these nationalities make up 65% of the total list, a slight increase from last year.

This year’s list is topped by Amin Hassan Nasser, President and CEO of Saudi Aramco, followed by Sultan Al Jaber, Managing Director and CEO of ADNOC Group, in second place. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, came in third.

In fourth place was Syed Basar Shuaib, CEO and Managing Director of International Holding Company, followed in fifth place by Saad bin Sherida Al-Kaabi, Vice Chairman, Managing Director and CEO of Qatar Energy.

The 2025 ranking includes CEOs from 18 nationalities. In terms of sectors, banking and financial services leads with 24 entries, followed by energy and diversified companies with 9 entries each. The top 10 CEOs on the list operate across 6 different sectors, reflecting the diversity of executive leadership in the region.

This year, companies in the region are accelerating their efforts to diversify their economies and reduce their reliance on oil, while a clear trend is emerging toward investing in sustainable technology. The focus on artificial intelligence and sustainability is a prominent feature of the list, reflecting the growing global climate challenges.

AL BAYAN NEWSPAPER