GCC is growing rapidly from the past few decades. And there’s a visible reason! This growth has come from the hard work and vision of people who dared to dream. By celebrating leaders in the GCC, we honor those who take bold steps and create new opportunities. Their work shows that leadership is about action, not just titles.
When we discuss leadership in the GCC, it’s all about making decisions that impact communities and industries. It is about solving problems, taking risks, and inspiring others to do the same. From entrepreneurs to leaders, many individuals are shaping the future. Celebrating leaders helps us recognize their contributions and motivates others to follow their example.
What makes the GCC unique is that it is diverse; a mix of cultures, ideas, and approaches. Leaders here break barriers, challenge old norms, and bring fresh perspectives. They influence industries from technology and finance to health and culture. Celebrating leaders means more than recognizing achievements; it is about honoring courage, vision, and determination.
Top Leaders, Innovators, and Decision-Makers in GCC | 2025
Below are the top leaders who are redefining success in the region. They drive change, set new standards, and inspire others with their work. These individuals are the reason the GCC continues to grow and innovate. Celebrating leaders like them reminds us of the power of vision, hard work, and persistence.
1. Parker D. Dale | Delivering Sustainable Water Treatment Solutions
A dedicated and seasoned professional, Parker D. Dale has been committed throughout his professional life to bringing new, breakthrough technologies to the marketplace. Throughout the 1980s, he was a founding member of a family-owned investment banking firm focused on commercializing technologies incubated within national research institutes and universities.
For the past 24 years, Parker has focused all his time on building the broad intellectual property portfolio and market development around the world of a fundamental water treatment biochemistry venture, Bio-Organic Catalyst, Inc., where he currently leads as its CEO and President. The core biocatalytic water chemistry fundamentally approaches water treatment from an entirely different direction than existing chemical products, which, while having great utility over the past century in improving public health, are limited in improving our ecological challenges in optimizing our planet’s water quality.
With the transformative power of biocatalysts unlocking the essential mechanisms of nature’s own restorative aspects, the cleaning and treatment of water can exceed the capabilities of most engineered systems, and the chemical agents utilized in their operations. Parker ensures that the portfolio within the Bio-Organic Catalyst, Inc. line of products brings major improvements to agricultural water, wastewater treatment, pulp and paper, waste-to-energy systems, aquaculture, non-toxic cleaning, and ecological restoration of entire wetland systems.
The team of Bio-Organic Catalyst, Inc. has dedicated over two decades to pioneering biocatalytic technology, revolutionising water treatment and organic waste management. Parker has expanded the company across diverse markets, including wastewater, aquaculture, among others, empowering a sustainable future for the planet.
By fostering the transition of the water industry from traditional chemical treatments to sustainable biotechnologies, Parker and his team are contributing their part to protecting ecosystems. Through a highly collaborative network of leading professionals around the world in solving critical ecological challenges, Bio-Organic Catalyst, Inc., by Parker D. Dale, has led the way in establishing a new green standard in water treatment.
2. Breaking Barriers in the Skies: Pilot, Safety Visionary, and Voice for Women in Aviation | Aisha Jibreel Alexander
A resilient and strong leader in aviation, Aisha Jibreel Alexander has dedicated her professional life to aviation, safety, and leadership across international platforms. With a dual Master’s degree in Aviation Safety and Human Factors from Emirates Aviation University (UAE) in partnership with Coventry University (UK), Aisha is preparing to pursue a PhD in Human Factors, reflecting her commitment to advancing aviation safety.
After qualifying as a pilot, she built her career in the Middle East, flying for Etihad Airways, shaping her vision of safety as the cornerstone of sustainable aviation. Beyond the airlines, she also served as Director of Safety for the Coca-Cola Aviation Department, applying human factors and safety management systems to corporate aviation operations, which highlighted the importance of adopting safety practices across diverse sectors of aviation.
Promoting women in aviation has been central to Aisha’s mission. Having worked with the Ninety-Nines (99s) Women in Aviation, she has been supporting mentorship and representation. As a sought-after speaker, she has also been invited to key international forums at the Dubai Airshow conference in 2017, the IAMC International Aviation Management Conference in 2022, and as a contributor at the Aviation Summit in 2018. Each of these platforms has allowed Aisha to advance the conversation on aviation safety, diversity, and leadership.
Recognizing her work and contributions internationally, Aisha has been honored with the AeroTime Global Award for her influence in aviation and advocacy for women in the field in 2021. In the same year, she was even appointed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as Safety Secretary for the North American Region, a role that allowed her to contribute to shaping international safety policies and cross-border collaboration.
Resilience has been a defining theme throughout her journey. Despite being a single mother, she balanced the demands of a global aviation career and advanced education with raising her son. Strongly supported by her mother, Aisha acquired the legacy of academic discipline and family values from her that continue to guide her professional and personal life alike.
With strong determination in never taking “no” as an answer and a positive attitude, Aisha created her professional brand, “Aishathepilot,” which has become a symbol of resilience, advocacy, and inspiration. Moreover, Aisha’s memoir, “From Ashes: The Ascent to Save Icarus,” will soon be published worldwide. It reflects not only her journey as a pilot and safety leader, but also her dedication to resilience, advocacy, and inspiration for future generations.
Aspiring to continue advancing aviation safety and contributing to global research in human factors, Aisha Jibreel Alexander inspires new generations—especially women—to pursue careers in aviation with confidence, resilience, and vision.
3. Orya Ali | Redefining Leadership at the Intersection of Law, Finance & Technology — Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies
In the dynamic business world of the GCC, Orya Ali stands as a force of fearless, strategic, and transformational leadership. A UK-qualified lawyer, visionary C-suite executive, and Certified Director, she redefines women’s leadership roles. With expertise in diverse realms of the legal profession, Orya is an influential figure in the field.
Based in Abu Dhabi, she serves as Company Secretary & General Counsel at Khushhali Microfinance Bank Limited, working in a unique hybrid arrangement between the UAE and Pakistan — where she advises the Board and CEO on governance, legal affairs, compliance, and strategy. Orya’s mandate ensures decisions at the top are made with integrity, foresight, and resilience — elevating institutions to global standards.
Her rise has been extraordinary: from being recognized as the top A-Level Law candidate in her country to lecturing University of London law students at a young age, and later achieving two rapid promotions at U Microfinance Bank, where she earned the prestigious Extraordinary Ability Award.
Orya also served as Head Compliance & Governance Consultant in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, where she partnered with the Board of Directors and senior management to strengthen governance frameworks and compliance structures. This role expanded her regulatory expertise and reinforced her presence in the UAE’s financial and corporate ecosystem, particularly in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.
As a Founding Board Member at Credsys — a pioneering fintech in Pakistan that has just secured regulatory approval to commence operations — Orya will play a pivotal role in shaping its governance, strategy, and growth. This milestone marks her entry into the fintech space, where her expertise in governance and regulation will help build one of Pakistan’s most ambitious ventures in digital finance.
But Orya’s impact goes beyond technical expertise. She has negotiated high-stakes contracts, steered governance transformations, and become a trusted voice in the boardroom — balancing ambition with accountability, and innovation with integrity.
A passionate advocate for women in leadership, Orya proves that expertise — not gender — defines true leadership. Her commitment to growth continues as she pursues qualification as a Chartered Governance Professional and Chartered Company Secretary (2026), adding to her Directors’ Training and risk management credentials.
More than her titles, Orya’s story is one of courage, conviction, and vision. She is a beacon for the next generation of GCC leaders, inspiring them not only to take a seat at the table but to shape its future. Orya Ali is not just breaking barriers — she is building legacies.
4. Ved Virat Sharma | A Trusted Partner in the Real Estate Landscape of the UAE
In the vibrant city of Dubai, where navigating the real estate landscape may seem daunting even for seasoned investors, firms like JSS Real Estate are redefining the entire scenario. As a seasoned entrepreneur and real estate professional with over a decade of experience, Ved Virat Sharma currently leads as the founder and CEO of JSS Real Estate. With a demonstrated history of managing properties worth over 400 million AED and instilled with a unique business acumen and strategic foresight, Ved has served more than 200 high-net-worth individuals, alongside 300 other investors globally. Armed with an MBA from William Carey University, Shillong, Ved has developed a strong foundation and expertise in the real estate sector, prioritizing customer-centric corporate experience.
As a pioneering real estate firm in Dubai, JSS Real Estate works with the top 10 developers including Nakheel, Dubai Holdings, EMAAR, Sobha, Majid Al Futtaim, Omniyat, among others, with a vision to transform the industry. Driven by a passion to connect people with their perfect spaces, the firm ensures their dream Dubai property is a reality, Ved created JSS Real Estate. Committed to excellence and inspired by the clients’ diverse needs, Ved has built more than just a business — he has built a community, where every dream is nurtured. With more than 10 Realtor awards in the list, the firm is transforming property aspirations into living realities.
At JSS Real Estate, Ved’s expertise and relentless efforts make clients’ investment vision a reality. Regardless of the diverse client requirements, his expert guidance ensures that clients will receive nothing, but the ideal properties. From experienced investors to fresh buyers, the team of professionals at the firm is here to empower a seamless real estate journey in Dubai. Starting from initial listing to assisting with the final sales agreement, the firm is a trusted guide at every step in this journey, reflecting their commitment to a client-centric approach. JSS is a single platform where clients get the options for resale and rental of their properties, even after the handover is done.
Be it a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor or even a property seller, JSS Real Estate is the dream guide to explore the complexities of this sector, bringing excellence and empowering clients with the right opportunities in the UAE. “We at JSS Real Estate offer beyond luxury properties — we sell lifestyles that mirror your class,” Ved Virat Sharma comments.
Ved Virat Sharma: LinkedIn | Instagram
JSS Real Estate: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
5. Razan Abdelkarim Al Fahoum |Reshaping Industries with Innovative Designs and Transformative Solutions
A seasoned entrepreneur and author, Razan Abdelkarim Al Fahoum is a pioneering force in design, technology, and personal development. With a Jordanian heritage, an American education, and nearly two decades in the UAE, she brings a global perspective to everything she does. She is the Founder and CEO of Elegant Qubes Decoration, an award-winning company specializing in interior fit-out, exhibition design, events, and integrated technology. She is also the author of Wake Up Now, a book that explores mind science, success strategies, and personal transformation.
Under her leadership, Elegant Qubes has delivered high-profile, government-commissioned projects and redefined the industry by merging architecture, engineering, and immersive storytelling. Backed by a degree in International Business from Halifax Community College (USA), Al Fahoum applies her knowledge of the subject and strategic acumen to elevate industry standards. Deeply inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Al Fahoum aligns her company’s mission with sustainability, innovation, and cutting-edge technology. Whether integrating robotics, holograms, and interactive experiences into exhibition platforms or crafting architectural and interior masterpieces, her work reflects the UAE’s commitment to a futuristic, tech-driven world.
As a woman leading in a traditionally male-dominated field, Al Fahoum has broken engineering, design, and technology barriers. Her precision, attention to detail, and strategic mindset have been instrumental in shaping projects that seamlessly blend architectural engineering with creative direction. Under her directives, projects are executed with technical brilliance and artistic excellence, uniting engineers, branding experts, and creative visionaries to bring her bold, forward-thinking ideas to life. Her initiative to educate the young generation in schools and engineering colleges on exhibition and events being a part of engineering, reflects Al Fahoum’s role in transforming the field. Her commitment to flawless execution and transformative solutions has set a new benchmark in the industry, proving that expertise and vision transcend traditional boundaries.
Beyond her business endeavors, Al Fahoum is a certified expert in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), cognitive hypnotherapy, and Feng Shui, with a degree in International Business. Her expertise in mind science and success psychology directly informs her writing, coaching, and mentorship. Through her book Wake Up Now, she empowers individuals to reshape their mindset, manifest their goals, and design lives of purpose and fulfillment.
A visionary leader, mentor, and strategist, Razan Abdelkarim Al Fahoum continues to shape industries, inspire entrepreneurs, and pioneer a future where design, technology, and human potential converge.
Razan Abdelkarim Al Fahoum: LinkedIn | Instagram
Elegant Qubes Decoration: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
6. Jawad AlTamimi Human Algorithm: Building EQ Over IQ Strategy
Riyadh, KSA – As buildings become “smarter” with advanced automation, a critical question looms: are these technological marvels truly serving the people within them? Jawad AlTamimi, JLL’s Head of Property & Facility Management for MENA, argues that the industry’s focus on “Building IQ” has overshadowed “Building EQ”, the emotional intelligence of our spaces.
Introduced at the Smart Building Conference 5.0 in Kuala Lumpur, AlTamimi’s ‘Human Algorithm’ suggests that competitive advantage hinges not on sensors deployed, but on fostering human potential and productivity.
“We’ve defined ‘smart’ buildings purely by technical prowess—energy efficiency, uptime, cost savings,” AlTamimi states. “These metrics tell us nothing about whether the space supports focus, reduces stress, or cultivates connection. The Human Algorithm challenges leaders to measure what drives human success.”
The Imperative of Human Experience
With intense competition for talent and emphasis on employee well-being, traditional facility management metrics prove insufficient. Buildings are now powerful tools for attracting or driving away skilled individuals. AlTamimi’s methodology introduces six measurable Human Outcomes as KPIs: Health & Vitality, cognitive performance, emotional well-being, social connection, engagement & satisfaction and resilience & equity.
“This isn’t about discarding operational data; it’s about making human flourishing visible on the same performance screens,” AlTamimi asserts. “When leadership observes links between improved acoustics and rising ‘focus scores,’ facilities management transitions from expense into a catalyst for human performance.”
Transforming Industry Perspectives
The Human Algorithm’s elegance lies in practical application. AlTamimi outlines a straightforward process: pair one operational metric with a brief question for each human outcome, then strive for improvements within a quarter. This might involve fine-tuning lighting schedules, addressing noise issues, or ensuring transparent communication. A single-page Human Outcomes Report becomes invaluable for portfolio review.
“The industry has clung to established practices within technical specializations,” AlTamimi observes. “Recent shifts highlighted a vulnerability: an efficient building loses value if occupants don’t feel supported. The Human Algorithm provides a path to future-proof investments and elevate human experience.”
Beyond the Building Edge: A Vision for Regional Prosperity
For regions like the GCC, integrating Human Algorithm principles into urban planning becomes fundamental for diversifying economies and attracting global talent.
By moving from measuring technological capability to optimizing for what is fundamentally human, AlTamimi’s Human Algorithm offers leadership a powerful perspective—ensuring the built environment truly enables human thriving.
Jawad AlTamimi leads JLL’s Property & Facility Management Consultancy business across the MENA region and serves on the Built Environment Institute’s Global Advisory Board, leading global networking and initiatives for sustainable built environments. He advises public and private sectors across the GCC on facility management, sustainability, and smart buildings.
7. Fatema Hussain | Building Businesses for the Community
A seasoned leader, Fatema Hussain’s journey as the Founder of Health Express & Co. and MedspaClinic is defined by elegance, vision, and determination. In just a few years, she has transformed her company into a dynamic platform that empowers health and personal care brands to shine on a global stage. With a team of experts and a range of innovative products at Health Express & Co., the company offers its products at accessible prices in the UAE. Leveraging her expertise in the sector, Fatema plays a crucial role in taking the company to new heights in the region.
From the UAE to Saudi Arabia, Europe, and India, her leadership has carried Health Express & Co. across borders, with MedspaClinic emerging as a trusted name in health and personal care solutions. Fatema’s journey reflects a rare balance of ambition and authenticity, creating businesses that don’t just grow, but inspire.
Never confined to one industry, Fatema’s entrepreneurial spirit continues to flourish. Her latest venture, Grill and Thrill, adds a flavorful chapter to her journey — a vibrant café concept that brings together Indian, Chinese, and Tandoor cuisines under one roof. This expansion reflects her signature approach: blending creativity with business acumen to create ventures that resonate with people and leave a lasting mark.
With each step forward, Fatema Hussain embodies the essence of modern leadership — growth with purpose, ambition with empathy, and success with responsibility to the community.
“I believe entrepreneurship is about responsibility — to innovate, to uplift, and to leave behind more than what we take,” Fatema reflects.
LinkedIn | Health Express & Co. | MedspaClinic | Grill and Thrill
8. N3XUS: Building the Infrastructure of a New Global Economy
N3XUS, founded by CEO Paul Kerslake, is redefining how governments, corporations, and investors approach sustainability. The platform integrates carbon markets, ESG compliance, sustainable finance, and workforce innovation into a single, data-driven infrastructure.
Operating across the UK, USA, Gulf, and Asia, N3XUS enables organisations to unlock green finance, reduce operational costs, and accelerate climate commitments while building measurable compliance pathways. By aligning with global frameworks—including CSRD, SEC climate rules, UAE Climate Law, and Saudi Vision 2030—N3XUS provides the audit-ready, blockchain-secured infrastructure that the market demands.
A core part of the N3XUS model is workforce development and localisation, helping industries address critical skills gaps while accessing government incentives. This dual approach strengthens economies, drives social impact, and enhances ESG delivery.
Looking ahead, N3XUS sees the UAE and wider Gulf region as central to the next phase of the global green economy, leveraging their leadership in climate policy, sovereign finance, and innovation ecosystems. By integrating AI, blockchain, and real-time MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification), N3XUS is positioning itself as the world’s most trusted platform for compliance and monetisation—transforming sustainability into commercial advantage.
Paul Kerslake comments, “Our vision is simple: to build the backbone of a greener, smarter, and more prosperous global economy—where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand.”
Paul Kerslake: LinkedIn
9. Dr. Desziree Richardson | Advocate for Humanity and Empowerment
Dr. Desziree Richardson is an award-winning global leader dedicated to women’s empowerment and human connection. For years, she has worked to amplify women’s voices, build confidence, and create opportunities for growth. Her focus on advocacy, branding, and leadership has made her a recognized figure in both humanitarian and empowerment circles.
A skilled vibratory voice healer and international speaker, Dr. Richardson is known for her ability to connect deeply with audiences. Her approach encourages people to value themselves, shift limiting perspectives, and embrace emotional intelligence as a tool for personal and collective well-being.
Her impact has been recognized worldwide, with more than 100 international awards honoring her work in leadership, empowerment, and humanitarian service. She is the founder of several initiatives, including Face of Woha, Women of Heart Awards, Gentlemen of Heart Awards, and Happy Mood Swagger. Each reflects her mission to promote inclusion, positivity, and compassion across cultures and communities.
Dr. Richardson’s vision is a balanced and fair society—one where love, equality, and acceptance are core values, and where resources are shared to support those in need. She believes that by reconnecting with our humanity and the natural world, we can create a more harmonious future for all.
Her work continues to inspire people globally, fostering a culture of respect, unity, and personal empowerment. Dr. Desziree Richardson’s legacy is defined by service, leadership, and a commitment to helping others realize their full potential.
10. Yasmine Gueddiche | Driving Innovation in the Fashion Retail Landscape
Born in Paris, with a French upbringing enriched by Arab heritage, Yasmine Gueddiche has built her career at the intersection of fashion, business, and innovation. “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 reflects.
Since relocating to Dubai four years ago, Yasmine has recognized the region as a thriving yet underexplored market—one that demands bold strategies, data-driven insights, and forward-thinking retail merchandising. Today, as part of Adidas Emerging Markets, she shapes retail merchandising strategies for a EUR 950M+ annual network, focusing on inventory optimization, strategic trading, and profitability growth.
Her career is marked by transformative initiatives, from introducing auto-replenishment systems to eliminate stock shortages, to deploying advanced analytics tools that revolutionize merchandising insights, and redefining pricing and markdown strategies to maximize revenue. “Whether shaping the product vision or driving large-scale innovation, my mission has always been to bridge creativity with strategy, data with intuition, and vision with execution,” she says.
For Yasmine, the Middle East is more than just a workplace—it is where she drives retail evolution, blending entrepreneurship with strategic insight to set new standards of success. In 2025, she remains committed to transforming businesses and inspiring the next generation of female leaders to challenge the status quo and make a lasting impact in the fashion industry.
Conclusion
The GCC’s progress depends on the people who lead it. By celebrating leaders, we celebrate innovation, determination, and change. Their work shows that leadership is not just about holding a position—it is about making a lasting impact. Recognizing these leaders encourages others to step forward and shape the future.
Also Read: Gulf’s Top 10 Rising Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2025
Top 10 Visionary Leaders Who Are Redefining Business in the GCC
