Leadership | Page 4

Riz Ahmed's rise from SmartCrowd client to CEO reflects a leader whose belief in the platform runs deeper than strategy—it's personal. Now, he steps in to shape a new era of accessible, transparent investment for the region.

Hasnae Taleb is the first-ever Arab-African woman to hold a position at Nasdaq, a Wall Street prodigy, and a trailblazing investor reshaping global finance. As former Morgan Stanley, she now serves as Managing Partner at Mintiply Capital and GCC Partner at Fuel Venture Capital, breaking barriers, building influence, and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

Wissam Breidy is reframing real estate through a purpose-driven lens, building communities grounded in meaning, wellness, and long-term value. As CEO of HRE Development, he leads with intention and humanity, proving that the most powerful projects are those that leave a legacy beyond the skyline.

With Longevity Wellness Hub, Dani Afiouni is pioneering a new era of precision wellness rooted in science and self-mastery. His mission: empower people to understand their bodies and design a life of clarity, vitality, and resilience.

Ajay Rajendran has transformed Meraki Group into a global ecosystem that unites real estate, education, and construction under one human-centric philosophy. His approach blends innovation, craftsmanship, and purpose to create spaces and experiences that inspire lasting impact.

Global discussions about Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification often highlight large-scale developments, rapid tourism growth, and major international events. Yet, beneath this physical and social infrastructure lies a less visible but far more critical foundation, a rapidly evolving legal and business ecosystem being built for the long term. At the heart of this new ecosystem is […]

Fawaz Sous, CEO of OCTA Properties, is redefining Dubai's real estate landscape through innovation, integration, and intelligent collaboration. As featured in The Visionaries powered by Publsh, his approach transforms development into a seamless ecosystem built on connection and purpose.

The Managing Director of DMDC shares how trust, craftsmanship, and vision shaped his journey to the top of luxury construction.

"Loyalty is never instant; it is built slowly, over years, sometimes decades. For Babyshop, it has come from being present in people's lives at the moments that matter most."

Mehta on what it means to lead a company whose journey has been reflective of the nation's own growth tale, why effective succession planning is paramount to a family business, and the lessons he's learned from the brand's founder- his father Yogesh "Yogi" Mehta.

With over 25 years of experience, Jassim Al Khalifa has consistently demonstrated steadfast leadership and foresight in his resolve to become a lifelong leader focused on uplifting those around him. His professional and personal lives are prime examples of his innate abilities, which stand on the pillars of diligence, resilience, and confidence. Being a seasoned […]

In April 2018, as moviegoers filed into Riyadh’s first cinema in decades, Mohamed Al Hashemi stood quietly at the back, marveling at a scene that, just a year prior, existed only as an idea. The logistics, the regulatory hurdles, the skepticism—it had been a monumental challenge. But today, the cinema buzzed with life, a testament […]

"None of this is about lowering standards or working less. It is about recognising that leadership today looks different from leadership a decade ago."

A master mariner with a mind for business, Captain Pradeep Singh has navigated Karma Developers toward global recognition. His leadership stands as a beacon for innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking in real estate.

Born from a mission to redefine real estate through technology, Bayut sparked a movement that evolved into the global proptech and classifieds leader, Dubizzle group — and today, we go back to understanding the homegrown powerhouse that started it all.

Prince Khaled underscored the importance of digital health, AI integration, and longevity-focused innovation in building a healthier, more proactive society.

"Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. We're here to fix that — to showcase the founders building extraordinary companies elsewhere — and the Middle East is leading the way."

COO Chema Basterrechea explains why every RHG guest experience feels both globally consistent and locally meaningful.

"Through advanced deep ocean exploration using robotics, data innovation, digital twins and equitable partnerships, OceanQuest aims to shine a light on the deep ocean so we can better understand its role in the Earth system."

"We're building an economy of the future: one that empowers digital talent, attracts investment, and drives creativity."

"Our goal is to give companies control — instantly."

At Expand North Star 2025, Mohammad Alblooshi highlighted his pivotal role in Dubai's innovation ecosystem and how initiatives like Ignyte are accelerating the growth of startups and fintech ventures. The platform provides entrepreneurs with access to investors, mentors, corporate challenges, and a startup-focused marketplace, helping turn ideas into scalable businesses and positioning Dubai as a global hub for innovation.

At GITEX GLOBAL 2025, Entrepreneur Middle East spoke with Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, about the company's pivotal role in driving the UAE's digital transformation. Under his leadership, du is evolving into a technology powerhouse, leveraging AI, IoT, 5G+, and cloud innovation to build a smarter, safer, and more connected nation.

"Success in our sector used to be measured by selling out a tower. Today, it's about shaping districts and influencing how people experience city life."

At the helm of Dubai World Trade Centre's expanding portfolio, Trixie LohMirmand has turned GITEX Global into a symbol of the UAE's ambition. As the 45th edition opens today, LohMirmand marks 20 years of powering Dubai's rise as a world capital for innovation.

If we want the future to be shaped by individuals who act with conscience, lead with empathy, and think beyond themselves, leadership education must start as early as literacy and numeracy.