Top 10 CEOs Who Are Shaping the Future of UAE
In a dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape, the UAE stands out as a beacon of innovation and progress. At the heart of this transformation are visionary leaders whose strategic foresight and pioneering efforts are steering the nation towards a brighter future. This article celebrates the top 10 CEOs who are not only making waves in their respective industries but are also significantly shaping the future of the UAE. Through their exceptional leadership, these trailblazers are driving economic growth, fostering technological advancements, and setting new benchmarks for excellence, thereby positioning the UAE as a global hub of innovation and sustainability.
Amit Jain – CEO of Emaar Properties
Amit Jain is the CEO of Emaar Properties, one of the largest real estate companies in the UAE. Jain has played a pivotal role in Emaar’s growth, overseeing some of the most iconic projects in Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall.
Under his leadership, Emaar has expanded its global footprint, launching new projects in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and India. Known for his strategic thinking and financial acumen, Jain has successfully steered Emaar through economic challenges, focusing on sustainable growth and innovation in the real estate sector. His vision has contributed significantly to Dubai’s skyline and economy.
Raghu Malhotra – President, Middle East and Africa at Mastercard
Raghu Malhotra is the President of the Middle East and Africa for Mastercard, overseeing operations across 69 countries. Based in Dubai, Malhotra has been instrumental in expanding Mastercard’s presence in the region, driving digital transformation, and promoting financial inclusion. His leadership focuses on leveraging technology to enhance payment systems and introduce innovative solutions.
With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Malhotra is a prominent figure in the region’s fintech landscape, advocating for public-private partnerships to drive economic growth. His work has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the digital payments sector.
Mr. Hussein Abed Samhan, Chairman and CEO of Il Forno
Mr. Hussein Abed Samhan, the esteemed Chairman and CEO of Il Forno, has significantly shaped the culinary landscape of the UAE since founding the brand in 2000. Inspired by his travels to Italy, Mr. Samhan envisioned introducing the rich flavors of Italian cuisine to the UAE, establishing Il Forno as a premier dining destination. Under his visionary leadership, Il Forno has grown impressively, now boasting 30 branches nationwide and employing over 500 dedicated staff members.
Mr. Samhan’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to quality and authenticity have been pivotal to Il Forno’s expansion and success. Each restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of traditional Italian eateries, where customers can enjoy a variety of classic dishes made from the freshest ingredients. The menu, crafted with a deep respect for Italian culinary traditions, includes an array of pizzas, pastas, and other Italian delights that cater to diverse palates.
Mr. Samhan’s emphasis on customer satisfaction and consistent quality has cemented Il Forno’s reputation as a beloved brand in the UAE’s competitive restaurant industry. His commitment to delivering exceptional Italian dining experiences has made Il Forno a true success story, celebrating the essence of Italy in every dish and setting new benchmarks for culinary excellence in the region.
Avinash Ratta the CEO & Managing Director of GRAINVELOCITY
Avinash Ratta is the CEO and Managing Director of Grainvelocity, a pioneering growth project management and executive consulting firm in the UAE’s food and beverages sector. Founded in 2017, Grainvelocity specializes in time-bound, turnaround growth and innovation projects across FMCG, F&B, retail, and education sectors. Ratta’s leadership has driven the firm’s success, earning recognition from the UAE F&B Manufacturer’s Group and the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.
Ratta’s career includes notable roles at UNILEVER and NESTLE, and leadership positions such as CMO, EVP, and CEO at IFFCO Group, Agthia Group, and Aujan Coca-Cola Group. His extensive academic background includes an MBA from INSEAD, a Master’s from Princeton University, and a B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology.
Grainvelocity has successfully managed 25 projects across 15 categories in 10 markets, driving growth in regional enterprises and family-owned businesses in MENA, with a focus on the UAE, KSA, and key GCC markets. The firm’s philosophy, “Making Profitable Growth Happen,” emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and market expansion. Under Ratta’s leadership, Grainvelocity has introduced innovative products and coached talent through the UAE’s F&B Innovation Lab, aiming to enhance the UAE’s F&B manufacturing and retail sectors.
Key achievements under Ratta’s leadership include chairing the F&B Gulfood Manufacturing event, partnering with the UAE F&B Manufacturer’s Group, leading growth programs at Agthia Group, and launching sustainable innovations for Aujan Coca-Cola Group. Grainvelocity continues to impact the UAE’s economy by providing better options for consumers and developing new supply chains.
Zubair Mohammed Sultan CEO of MSZ Corporate Services
Zubair Mohammed Sultan, a dynamic leader in the UAE, is shaping the future of the region through his company, MSZ Corporate Services Provider. Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, Zubair pursued higher education in Australia, earning a business management degree from the Sydney School of Business and IT. In 2009, he relocated to Dubai and, after a stint as a business consultant, founded MSZ Corporate Services Provider in 2013.
Headquartered in Dubai, with branches in KSA, the UK, and India, MSZ Corporate Services Provider specializes in helping startups and established businesses launch and grow in the UAE. Under Zubair’s leadership, the company has grown into a seven-figure consulting firm, renowned for its comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of its clients. Services include business setup, license acquisition, visa processing, office setup, accounting and bookkeeping, VAT and corporate tax filing, product registration, and golden visa processing.
Zubair’s commitment to excellence and passion for aiding other businesses has fostered a strong referral network and numerous successful partnerships. MSZ’s ISO 9001-2015 certification and multiple licenses underscore its reliability and professionalism. Through his visionary leadership, Zubair Mohammed Sultan is significantly contributing to the UAE’s vibrant business landscape.
Pedada Raja Srinivas , MD Sabson Energy
Machines powered by electricity fascinated me from childhood, leading me to study their functioning closely. My passion for energy began when I joined a major fertilizer group in India as a Project Management Trainee in 1994, despite being selected for the Indian Navy. However, in 1995, an opportunity in the energy field reignited my passion, leading me to work with MAN Diesel Power Plants and MAN Energy Solutions, implementing over 150 captive projects until 2008 in India. Moving to the Middle East in 2009, I successfully executed an 85 MW IPP project by June 2010, which shaped my current roles and responsibilities.
Our company was founded to address the power shortage in remote regions of the Middle East. In 2010, in partnership with Sabson, Bajarsh group Chairman Mr.Yahya and other Industrial houses, we launched an investment company, securing funding from the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. This led to the successful implementation of the first IPP project in Yemen’s Hadhramaut region, which remains operational. Our focus is on establishing, operating, and managing power plants, providing advisory services, and enhancing local economies. Despite challenges, we remain committed to delivering high-quality projects, backed by a dynamic team and strong investor support.
Under my leadership, we own over 250 MW of capacity and operate around 400 MW across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, with successful rehabilitation of two major projects in the Far East. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our strong service network and the use of advanced technology to streamline processes and enhance customer service. We continuously learn from past experiences, adapt to market and technological changes, and view every challenge as an opportunity for growth, ensuring that our customers benefit from our innovative approach.
We’ve partnered with MAN Energy Solutions to implement 90 MW power stations at two locations in the Middle East and Africa, with potential expansion of 45 MW. Last year, we collaborated with major industry players in renewable energy, focusing on solar solutions and energy storage. We’re leading public-private partnerships in power, exploring new energy projects across the MENA region. We handle large electro-mechanical projects on an EPC basis, leveraging our expertise and commitment. Our team leaders are hands-on, fostering a supportive work environment and providing ongoing training to ensure success and satisfaction in every project.
Arif Naqvi – Former CEO of Abraaj Group
Arif Naqvi was the founder and former CEO of Abraaj Group, a private equity firm based in Dubai. Under his leadership, Abraaj became one of the largest emerging markets-focused private equity firms, managing billions of dollars in assets. Naqvi was known for his vision of investing in high-growth sectors across emerging markets, focusing on healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Despite the firm’s later controversies, Naqvi’s influence on Dubai’s financial sector and private equity landscape was significant. He championed the role of private capital in driving economic development and social impact in the Middle East and beyond.
Amit Kaushal – CEO of Dubai Holding
Amit Kaushal is the CEO of Dubai Holding, a diversified global investment company with operations in over 13 countries. Since taking on the role, Kaushal has focused on aligning the company’s strategies with Dubai’s economic diversification plans, emphasizing investments in innovation and technology. Under his leadership, Dubai Holding has expanded its real estate, hospitality, and digital businesses. Kaushal’s strategic vision is centered on creating long-term value and fostering sustainable growth across Dubai Holding’s portfolio. His leadership reflects a commitment to supporting Dubai’s ambition to become a leading global city in various sectors, including tourism, real estate, and digital innovation.
Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim – CEO of Emirates NBD
Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim is the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD, one of the largest banking groups in the Middle East. Al Qassim has been pivotal in driving the bank’s digital transformation and expansion strategy. Under his leadership, Emirates NBD has embraced innovative technologies, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. Al Qassim’s focus on digital banking solutions and sustainable growth has strengthened the bank’s position in the competitive financial sector. His leadership reflects a commitment to supporting Dubai’s vision of becoming a global financial hub, with a focus on innovation and customer-centric banking services.
Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim – CEO of Emirates NBD
Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim is the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD, one of the largest banking groups in the Middle East. Al Qassim has been pivotal in driving the bank’s digital transformation and expansion strategy. Under his leadership, Emirates NBD has embraced innovative technologies, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. Al Qassim’s focus on digital banking solutions and sustainable growth has strengthened the bank’s position in the competitive financial sector. His leadership reflects a commitment to supporting Dubai’s vision of becoming a global financial hub, with a focus on innovation and customer-centric banking services.