Azzam Kaddour, General Counsel, Mubbadrah Investment
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Top 10 Prominent Business Leaders in GCC - 2026
In the Gulf Cooperation Council, there is a new generation of business leadership that is transforming the economic course of the region. With GCC gradually becoming less dependent on oil, the current leaders are expanding organizations by diversifying organizations, introducing digital transformation and venturing into foreign markets simultaneously. They play a critical role in creating resilient, competitive, and future-based economies.
The peculiar feature of GCC business leaders is their capacity to compromise between tradition and aggressiveness. They strongly believe in old commercial traditions and are adopting innovation in various fields that include financial technology, renewable energy, logistics, healthcare, tourism, and artificial intelligence. The business strategies are not restricted to domestic expansion. There is an increase in companies investing in Asia, Europe and Africa and attracting investment in the region around the globe. The flexibility characterizes this leader period. The market volatility, change in regulation, and fast-evolving consumer expectations are influencing the environment in which leaders are focusing on agility and data-driven decision-making. There is a trend of many large organizations adopting startup forms of operation, such as lean structures, increased speed of operation, and being technology-led, without losing scale or stability.
The development of people has become a priority. Business executives are pursuing the national talent, affirming their capabilities by training and mentoring employees and offering young professionals meaningful opportunities. Growing inclusivity, especially the progress of women into higher positions, will mean more comprehension that human capital is equally essential to long-term growth as financial prowess. Corporate agendas now have sustainability and governance entrenched in them. Investing in clean energy, green finance, and clear governance structures, leaders are setting business goals with the environment and social responsibility.
GCC business leaders do not just adjust to change, as the region is currently undergoing a historic transformation. They are actively shaping it. They are making the Gulf a dynamic and influential center of the global economy through the prism of strategic vision, disciplined implementation and global perspective.
CEO Insights Asia in this issue presents a list of ‘Top 10 Prominent Business Leaders in GCC - 2026' who have leveraged their extensive industry expertise and experience in offering effective skills to the market. The following list has been prepared after being closely scrutinized by a distinguished panel of judges including CXOs, analysts and our editorial board. We recognize their valuable contribution to the ever expanding and competitive market and their ability to sustain themselves and emerge as top contestants through their reliable knowledge.
| Company Logo | Company Management | Company Name | Company Description |
|---|---|---|---|
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Ahmad Mazhar , Executive Director | Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company | He has been instrumental in steering corporate governance and pioneering new business developments, leveraging his analytical skills to unlock value and drive sustainable growth across various sectors |
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Ahmed Khbeer, Partner & Group CEO | Tafaseel BPO | He brings expertise in business process outsourcing, leveraging cross-border capabilities and commercial acumen to drive scalable solutions and high-impact results |
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Ali Al Kuwari, CEO | Msheireb Properties | With over 19 years of experience, he is skilled in overseeing complex, large-scale projects, driving operational efficiency, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards |
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Arianna Tanganelli, Partner | Benial Consultancy | She is dedicated to fostering connections in the business world, offering comprehensive relocation and investment services, and combining her international experience with her investment expertise |
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Azzam Kaddour , General Counsel | Mubbadrah Investment | He leverages his pragmatic, commercial acumen and cross-border capabilities to lead organizations effectively while developing strong governance systems |
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Colm O'Mahony, CEO - Middle East & Africa | Sodexo | A global executive and board member with over 30 years of leadership experience, he currently serves as CEO for the Middle East & Africa region, driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and more |
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Maroun Sadaka , Managing Director - Qatar & Kuwait | TK Elevator | His expertise spans financial management, operational oversight, and strategic planning, enabling him to drive efficiency and growth in complex, cross-border business environments |
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Dr Mohammad Shoaib Hai , Regional Chief Business Officer - Saudi Arabia | Speed Tech | A senior management professional with a strategic vision and business acumen, developed through over 23 years of comprehensive experience across diverse functional domains |
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Dr Osama T Albaharna, Managing Director | Continental Group Holding | A professional with experience in strategic planning, business communications, project management, product and program management, and customer service across both startup and business environments |
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Tariq Khoshhal , CEO | Dallah Investment Holding | He excels at driving performance, optimizing operations, and delivering substantial revenue growth, consistently boosting multimillion-SAR profits for leading commercial enterprises |
Other Issues
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