Effective leadership can transform entire sectors, where leaders create a lasting impact in their industry. As a hub of thriving businesses, the GCC region has seen the rise of visionary leaders who recognize the potential to fill existing gaps. From empowering the team to uplifting their community, these top 10 inspiring personalities are turning setbacks into success.
These top 10 inspiring personalities are committed to expanding and growing their organizations while taking the community forward. With a client-centric approach and leadership rooted in authenticity and transparency, these leaders are driven forward by vision and purpose.
Top 10 Inspiring Personalities to Know as 2025 Comes to an End
In the sections that follow, you will read about the top 10 inspiring personalities in the region and how they established themselves in their current position. We will share what they do, their achievements, and the choices that led them to their current roles. You will also learn how they are shaping the sectors across the Gulf region.
1. Wassim Anastasiou | Transforming the Financial Landscape of the Gulf
An emerging influential voice in the Gulf region, Wassim Anastasiou is bringing a wave of transformation to the region’s rapidly evolving financial landscape. With over a decade of experience spanning the UK and UAE, he has established a reputation for enhancing operational excellence, fostering regulatory alignment, and driving digital transformation within the financial services sector.
His work within both FSRA and SCA-regulated environments has positioned him as a trusted figure in the region’s ongoing move toward more transparent, resilient, and globally competitive financial frameworks. Today, as Regional Director of MENA at Traze Securities LLC, Anastasiou drives the firm’s regional strategy, ensuring its growth aligns with the Gulf’s expanding economic vision.
Leveraging his strong expertise in payments, automation, and governance, Wassim directly supports national agendas focused on financial innovation, stronger capital markets, and deeper integration between GCC economies and global financial hubs. Through his leadership, he contributes to the development of smarter, more agile financial infrastructure as the region accelerates its digital and regulatory evolution.
His career reflects a broader regional story, one defined by globally seasoned talent shaping a new era of financial services in the MENA region. Wassim Anastasiou’s influence reaches beyond individual institutions, adding momentum to the sector’s modernization and reinforcing the Gulf’s position as a forward-looking centre for global finance.
2. Abdulrahman Abdullah Almarwani | Driving Innovation and Sustainability to the KSA Mining Landscape
A seasoned C-level executive with over 25 years of experience in the mining, cement, and heavy equipment industries, Abdulrahman Abdullah Almarwani brings in-depth knowledge and expertise to his associated companies and their stakeholders. With a proven track record of driving growth and expansion for leading companies in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, he is acclaimed for his decisive leadership approach and expertise in successfully taking multi-sector operations forward.
With over 12 years of experience in the field of cement industries, 10 years of experience in the field of leadership and management related to industry and mining, and 3 years of experience in the field of heavy equipment related to mining. To support his experience in the Executive MBA of International Management and Leadership programs, Abdulrahman graduated with an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) from Al Yamamah University, with a specialization in International Leadership and Management, along with an MBA from Inseec College in France. He also completed a High diploma in International Leadership and Management from Washington State University WSU, and a High diploma in IT for Managers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States.
As the Executive Administrative Manager in Gold and Minerals company (GMCO), Abdulrahman looks after the administrative aspects of the joint ventures ARTAR, Saudi Arabia, and KEFI Gold and Copper British company, which have many exploration licences, two of them ready to apply for mining licences. Parallel to this, Abdulrahman has co-founded INVALL S.A., and as its CEO, Abdulrahman co-established a joint venture between Invall Spain and Saudi investors.
To stay updated with the market dynamics and offer his expertise to uplift the region, Abdulrahman is an active member of several professional and academic committees. He is a Board Member of the Mining Code Association as Non-profit Committee in the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources , Member of the Saudi National Mining Committee, Board Member of Bisha University, and Member of the Industrial Consultancy Committee of the Mining Engineering Department at the Engineering College of King Abdulaziz University. which is the highest engineering body.
From successfully leading major projects, negotiating business agreements with stakeholders and government entities, to consistently fostering strong relations in the industry, he is an instrumental force in the industry. With a passion to empower the region, Abdulrahman Abdullah Almarwani is revolutionizing the heavy equipment and mining sectors of the Saudi Arabian region with his efficiency and visionary approach.
3. Shady Gabr | A Visionary Leader in the Beauty Landscape
An emerging entrepreneurial figure, Shady Gabr is acclaimed for building one of Egypt’s most successful beauty center networks, serving over 500,000 customers across the country. With a leadership style rooted in consistency, innovation, and customer experience, he expanded his brand from a single branch into a multi-location operation with high service standards and a strong market reputation.
In 2024, Shady expanded his vision into Saudi Arabia by establishing a new company dedicated to beauty-center services, marketing, and sales support for the beauty sector. In just two years, the company successfully opened two branches in Riyadh and Jeddah, attracting over 20,000 loyal customers and earning recognition as one of the fast-growing beauty-center providers in the Kingdom. His strategic plan aims to reach 10+ branches in Saudi Arabia within the next three years, supported by advanced digital systems, call-center operations, and integrated marketing solutions.
Beyond center operations, Shady is now leading negotiations for a major partnership deal in premium skin-care and hair-care products, positioning his company to become a key distributor within the Gulf. This move aligns with his long-term vision of building a comprehensive beauty ecosystem—offering services, products, and marketing solutions to elevate the industry across the region.
With his expanding presence in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Shady Gabr continues to stand out as a visionary leader shaping the future of the beauty business, combining operational excellence with digital transformation and a customer-first philosophy.
4. Nidal Natik | The Visionary Behind Abu Dhabi’s Leading Short-Stay Holiday Homes
A growth-driven leader, Nidal Natik is the CEO & Co-Founder of Royal Holiday Homes, Abu Dhabi’s leading short-term rental management company, supporting the emirate’s mission to redefine modern hospitality under the guidance of its visionary leadership. With over 15 years of experience across real estate, tourism, hospitality, and business operations, he has built one of the fastest-growing STR brands in the city—scaling from just four units in early 2023 to more than 150 premium furnished apartments and villas across Abu Dhabi’s most strategic and high-demand locations.
His leadership philosophy is rooted in innovation, service excellence, and people-first management. Nidal is widely recognized for transforming Royal Holiday Homes into a high-performance organization known for its 5-star hospitality standards, exceptional occupancy rates, and trusted reputation among homeowners and investors. He also leads Royal Properties, the company’s real estate consultancy division, helping clients identify high-ROI opportunities aligned with Abu Dhabi’s dynamic property landscape.
In alignment with the ambitions of DCT Abu Dhabi, Nidal is spearheading the development of a next-generation AI-powered STR ecosystem designed to streamline operations, elevate guest satisfaction, and empower homeowners with full transparency and real-time performance insights. This technological vision supports the emirate’s commitment to smart tourism, operational excellence, and seamless visitor experiences.
Beyond his business achievements, Nidal is an active contributor to Abu Dhabi’s tourism and short-term rental ecosystem. He shares insights on market evolution, revenue optimization, hospitality excellence, and the importance of digital transformation in maintaining the city’s global competitiveness. His entrepreneurial drive, industry knowledge, and dedication to supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism objectives have positioned him as one of the city’s most promising emerging leaders.
Today, Nidal continues to expand the footprint of Royal Holiday Homes and Royal Properties with a clear mission: to elevate the short-term rental industry in Abu Dhabi, empower property owners with superior returns, support DCT Abu Dhabi’s long-term tourism vision, and build one of the most trusted hospitality brands in the capital.
5. Guilherme Jacobucci | A Visionary Executive Reshaping Global Infrastructure, Hospitality, and Real Estate Projects
A globally seasoned leader, Guilherme Jacobucci brings over 28 years of experience in leading Program and Project Management Consultancy (PMCM) organizations, delivering transformational infrastructure and industrial developments across four continents. With a blend of exceptional business acumen and engineering, he has demonstrated consistent leadership in growing businesses, executing high-value infrastructure programs, and managing large-scale, multidisciplinary teams across government and private sectors.
Guilherme’s entrepreneurial journey started with being the Founder and Managing Director of Rematec Engineering in Spain, where he oversaw over €47 million in contracts, reflecting his hands-on leadership in P&L management, business scaling, technical delivery, and strategic development.
With a relentless focus on business growth, Guilherme has successfully opened new regional markets, built strategic alliances, and led high-profile client negotiations. As International Operations Director at AGMS Trading Company, he leveraged his capacity to expand its operations in the GCC, orchestrate large-scale logistics, and integrate business operations with hospitality and tourism developments—most notably The Edge Resort, a luxury project aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
From directing GCC’s ambitious Vision 2030 projects, to building trust with clients, he brings together business acumen, executive direction, and stakeholder alignment to seamlessly deliver complex programs at scale. Passionate about innovation, sustainability, and crafting legacy, Guilherme Jacobucci seeks challenging executive roles to transform the infrastructure and real estate landscape across the global landscape.
6. Somaya Badr | Fostering Heritage and Traditional Crafts Conservation
With dedicated leadership in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage and traditional crafts for the last 25 years, Somaya Badr stands as a pioneering figure in the entrepreneurial landscape of heritage conservation in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Her visionary career has centered on developing dynamic cultural enterprises, fostering sustainable artisan livelihoods, and curating internationally recognized exhibitions that bring the richness of Saudi heritage to global audiences.
As the former CEO of Art of Heritage (AOH) and the Art of Heritage Cultural Fund, Somaya spearheaded efforts to safeguard and revitalize Saudi Arabia’s material culture. Under her stewardship, the AOH collection flourished, housing more than 57,000 antique artifacts, textiles, and garments—one of the largest and most significant private collections in the Arab world. During her tenure, she led the initiative to establish a permanent museum dedicated to this vast collection, positioning it as a hub for cultural research, public education, and creative inspiration. Her efforts ensure not only the long-term preservation of these invaluable items but also their accessibility for future generations of scholars and the public.
Her commitment to sustainable development and cultural preservation is further underscored by her role as a founding board member of the Saudi Handicrafts Association, established in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, as she actively worked to institutionalize support for artisans across the Kingdom, preserving endangered crafts while creating new economic opportunities rooted in tradition.
Somaya’s curatorial accomplishments include the orchestration of prominent national and international exhibitions such as Design Crossroads Jewelry from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Hidden Treasure Jewelry, and The Hidden Kaleidoscope—landmark showcases that reflect her commitment to reimagining cultural diplomacy through art and design. Her work also extends to cultural fashion shows that celebrate Saudi aesthetics and textile heritage, helping to anchor local traditions in contemporary forms.
Between 2019 and 2021, she worked in collaboration with the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, where she organized and supervised a pre-PhD academic program focused on Saudi tribal embroidery and dress patterns, offering scholars and researchers specialized insight into the region’s textile heritage (SOAS).
In her current role as the Chief of Design and Production of Saudi Artisanal Company, a public-private initiative under the Heritage Commission, Somaya leads design and production strategies aimed at empowering local artisans, particularly women and marginalized communities. Her work emphasizes innovation rooted in tradition, supporting knowledge transfer between generations and creating platforms for artisans to engage with global markets.
A staunch advocate of social impact through cultural enterprise, Somaya’s leadership has helped shape national conversations around identity, sustainability, and inclusive economic development. Her deep expertise in traditional crafts—including embroidery, silverwork, and architectural motifs—has not only preserved endangered knowledge systems but also catalyzed their evolution into new cultural expressions.
In addition to her institutional leadership, Somaya is a writer for Ithra Magazine (2020–present), editor of the Land of Transformation book, and speaker and moderator at the Design Festival 2022. She was also a main speaker at the Arab and International Businesswomen Conference in the UAE (2009–2015), and has been a recurring speaker at the Travel and Tourism annual conferences organized by the Saudi Tourism Commission and National Heritage.
Somaya Badr brings with her the legacy of cultural stewardship, institutional leadership, and artistic excellence—offering invaluable insights into the intersection of heritage, entrepreneurship, and social transformation.
LinkedIn | Saudi Artisanal Company
7. Mohammad K. Nazzal | Scholarly Research Made Accessible into Impactful Publications with BUILD IT
A self-taught entrepreneur and seasoned tech professional, Mohammad K. Nazzal is a software engineer, and the Founder & CEO of BUILD IT: Research & Publishing, a firm dedicated to transforming complex academic research into clear, influential, and publicly accessible insights. With a career rooted in both technology and strategic communication, he has built a platform that bridges academia and real-world decision-making, enabling organizations, scholars, and industry leaders to communicate sophisticated ideas with clarity, accuracy, and impact.
As a graduate of Harvard Business School Online, Mohammad completed the Credential of Readiness (CORe) program, strengthening his expertise in business analytics, financial accounting, and managerial economics. He is also an Ex-member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, where he contributes to shaping thought leadership and emerging trends across global business disciplines.
Combining hands-on engineering experience with a deep commitment to knowledge accessibility, Mohammad’s work sits at the intersection of technology, research, and strategic publishing. At BUILD IT, he edits content for clarity and accuracy, serving a global audience, alongside developing strong skills in research, editing, and content creation.
Mohammad K. Nazzal’s mission is clear: to elevate how complex information is communicated—making it readable, relevant, and actionable for broader professional audiences.
8. Majed Mohammed Alojan | Crafting Innovative Designs that Enhance the Way of Living
A seasoned professional, Majed Mohammed Alojan has a demonstrated history of working in the civil engineering industry. With a wide variety of roles, from being a General Manager of Sales & Marketing at Saudi Arabian Amiantit company, to currently being the co-founder of United Closets, he played an instrumental role in the growth and expansion of each of the organizations.
With an MBA from Laurentian University, Canada, and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (K.F.U.P.M), Dhahran, Majed Mohammed Alojan has had a strong academic foundation. Alongside his strong communication skills, his expertise in Corporate Governance and Marketing Management, Business Planning, and start-ups is unmatched.
As a strong advocate for innovative practices, Majed Mohammed Alojan’s company, United Closets blends innovation with craftsmanship, becoming a pioneer in the realm of furniture design. With a vision to transform spaces, the company offers integrated solutions, for both home and office storage needs.
With years of experience and a commitment to offering the best quality furniture made from the finest raw materials and cutting-edge technology, United Closets is redefining the way its customers live, work, or even learn. As a visionary in his field, Majed Mohammed Alojan leads the company forward with not just the aim of creating furniture but revolutionizing the way it enhances the lives of his customers.
9. Yasmine Gueddiche | Driving Innovation in the Fashion Retail Landscape
Born in Paris and shaped by both French and Arab heritage, Yasmine Gueddiche has built a career where creativity meets strategy. Her story is one of passion, precision, and perseverance—a journey that began in Europe’s fashion capital and evolved into a mission to redefine retail in the Middle East. “My journey—from the heart of Europe to the dynamic retail hubs of the Middle East—has been fueled by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a vision to redefine how fashion brands operate in an era of retail transformation,” she shares.
When Yasmine moved to Dubai four years ago, she saw more than opportunity—she saw potential. The region’s fast-growing retail industry, rich in diversity yet underexplored in innovation, inspired her to think differently. She recognized the need for bold strategies, data-backed insights, and smarter merchandising systems that could support fashion’s next phase of growth. With a sharp eye for both design and data, Yasmine set out to help fashion brands evolve in a market that rewards creativity and discipline in equal measure.
Today, as part of Adidas Emerging Markets, Yasmine plays a key role in shaping retail merchandising strategies across a EUR 950 million+ annual network. Her focus areas include inventory optimization, strategic trading, and profitability growth. Over the years, she has led projects that introduced auto-replenishment systems to eliminate stock shortages, integrated advanced analytics tools to improve retail insights, and redefined pricing and markdown strategies to drive sustainable profit. Each achievement reflects her ability to translate complex data into clear business results, while keeping creativity at the center of every decision.
For Yasmine, the Middle East is not just another market, it’s a space for innovation. She views the region as a living lab for future retail, where tradition and technology meet to create something unique. Her leadership style combines analytical thinking with intuition, and she often says her mission is to “bridge creativity with strategy, data with intuition, and vision with execution.”
Looking ahead, Yasmine Gueddiche remains committed to pushing boundaries in fashion retail. Her approach is grounded in curiosity and purpose, qualities that drive her to challenge norms, embrace change, and mentor young women entering the industry. In 2025 and beyond, she continues to lead with confidence and conviction, proving that innovation in fashion isn’t just about trends, it’s about transformation that lasts.
10. Jessica Moini Elom | Guiding Leaders Toward Balance and Purpose
For nearly a decade, Jessica Moini Elom built her career in the fast-paced world of digital marketing, leading multi-million-dollar deals and managing high-performing teams as a Commercial Director at a global ad tech firm. From the outside, her career looked flawless. On the inside, she saw a different story unfolding around her: driven professionals who were exhausted, overwhelmed, and slowly burning out. That contrast became the moment that changed her path. Instead of climbing higher on the corporate ladder, Jessica chose to step into a new role—one focused on helping people build success without losing themselves along the way.
In 2023, she was named among the “30 Under 30 Faces to Watch,” a recognition that reflected both her business track record and her growing influence in personal development. That same year, she launched The Kindness Catalog, her own platform dedicated to work-life fulfilment, emotional health, and performance without pressure. The idea behind it was simple: success should feel good, not heavy. Through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and online programs, Jessica began working with founders, leaders, and professionals ready to change how they lived and worked.
Jessica’s work blends practical life coaching with deep emotional awareness. Trained at the Tony Robbins – Chloe Madanes Life Coaching School and certified as an NLP practitioner, she helps her clients address patterns that hold them back—from self-doubt and stress to unhealthy work habits. Her sessions are direct and personal. She focuses on helping people set better boundaries, develop confidence, and rebuild the parts of life often neglected in the race for results, like relationships and self-care.
She believes strong leadership starts from within. In a culture that often praises overworking and sacrifice, Jessica encourages a different question: What is success worth if you’re not well enough to enjoy it? Her answer is clear through the work she does every day. Real growth happens when emotional health receives the same attention as professional goals. Leaders who understand their emotions lead better teams and make better decisions.
Today, Jessica continues to guide a growing community of professionals who are ready to live and work differently. Her message is steady and honest: achievement does not have to cost you your peace. Through her coaching and her platform, she is helping people trade constant pressure for clarity, purpose, and balance—one conversation at a time.
LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok
Conclusion
The 10 inspiring personalities featured here are more than just leaders; they are a pioneering force that reflects possibility and unwavering dedication. With relentless efforts and a passion to transform and innovate, these leaders stand as an inspiration for the upcoming generation of leaders to come.
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