When we talk about GCC, it’s a home to some of the most brilliant business minds, individuals who have not only achieved remarkable success but have also played a significant role in shaping the region’s economic transformation. Through strategic thinking, innovation, and an unyielding drive, they have elevated industries and opened new doors for growth.
From leading multinational corporations to launching groundbreaking startups, these business leaders are continuously redefining what success looks like. Their impact goes beyond profits—they are creating opportunities, setting industry benchmarks, and driving progress in a rapidly changing business landscape.
Top 10 Business Minds Leading the GCC’s Growth
Let’s introduce the top 10 most successful business minds who are leading the way in the GCC’s transformation.
1. Dr. Ahmad Zalat | Shaping The Business Landscape In The MENA Region As A Visionary Leader
A serial entrepreneur, business strategist, and startup ecosystem enabler in the MENA region, Dr. Ahmad Zalat with over 18 years of experience, has played a crucial role in shaping the success of several startups, driving innovation, and leading high-impact ventures. As a business designer and market launcher, he has supported over 200 startups to date, securing funding, refining business models, facilitating successful expansions, and playing a crucial role in the success of the ventures.
Recognizing his impactful contributions in the field of startup and investments, Dr. Ahmad has received multiple recognitions and awards, including Egypt’s Best Entrepreneur award in 2023, a prestigious award reflecting his tireless efforts in supporting startups and facilitating business success. His thought leadership, expertise in the investment landscape, and mentorship programs have made a significant impact on the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Gulf.
Dr. Ahmad also remains highly active in major entrepreneurial and investment events of the region, spanning from global summits to exclusive business forums. Being an influential figure shaping the business landscape, he is a sought-after speaker and a leading mentor in the Gulf region. Alongside his business endeavors, Dr. Ahmad has also established a strong media and digital influence.
As a well-known voice in the business and startup ecosystem through high-impact media engagements, Dr. Ahmad’s one of the latest podcast episodes, achieving over 100,000 views within just three days, reflecting the growing demand for his expertise and thought leadership. With his visionary approach, Dr. Ahmad is an inspiration for generations to come and remains an influential figure in the business landscape across the MENA region.
2. Malak Trabelsi Loeb | A Multifaceted Expert Across Legal And Quantum Innovation Landscape
A distinguished international business law jurist, Malak Trabelsi Loeb specializes in space law, technology law, technology transfer, and national security. As a visionary at the forefront of emerging technologies, she has become a driving force in shaping the global governance of quantum technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and deep tech applications in space and critical infrastructure. Leading Vernewell Group as the Managing Director, Malak has transformed it into a powerhouse for strategic consulting, education, and continuous learning, pioneering frameworks that bridge quantum technology with practical industry applications.
With over 17 years of international business experience and deep-rooted expertise in the legal field, Malak stands as a beacon of innovation and legal acumen. At Vernewell Management Consultancies, she leads the forefront of Space and Deep Tech innovations, significantly impacting the technological landscape. With a commitment to building a disruptive ecosystem, the firm fosters innovation, attracts intelligent human capital, and imparts knowledge about the opportunities lying beyond the planet.
A Sorbonne valedictorian and internationally recognized authority in tech law and governance, Malak has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that redefine the trajectory of quantum, AI, and space governance. Through the Vernewell Group, she continues to advance quantum innovation, AI technology, and space technologies, ensuring that the next era of technological evolution is both transformational and responsibly governed.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Malak is deeply invested in the advocacy for Sustainable Space for Humanity and champions responsible and ethical utilization of outer space, emphasizing the need to balance technological advancement with sustainability. She is also well-recognized for her advocacy for human rights and women’s empowerment, earning Malak the prestigious title of Champion of Tolerance from the UAE Ministry of Tolerance. With her vision and efforts extending beyond professional boundaries, Malak aspires to create a more inclusive, sustainable future in technology, space, and society.
LinkedIn | Website | Instagram
Also Read – Mattress Hygiene Made Simple For Hotels Globally With HygeiaSleep: Bobby Morrison
3. Karim Ayyadi – The Dual Domain Visionary | Revolutionizing GCC Real Estate Through AI Innovation
At the cutting edge of Dubai’s booming real estate market, Karim Ayyadi stands as a visionary entrepreneur who has seamlessly merged property expertise with Artificial Intelligence to create a powerhouse of investment intelligence. With over two decades as a recognized top performer and leader in both sectors, Karim has established himself as one of the GCC’s most innovative business minds, consistently delivering exceptional results through his unique dual-industry approach. Currently, as the CEO and Partner at TME Estate, Karim offers his expertise to explore and offer premium real estate properties in Dubai to his clients. With a commitment to strategic excellence and client success at TME, Karim has established the company as a trusted name in the luxury real estate sector of Dubai.
His proprietary AI solutions analyze Dubai’s complex property landscape with remarkable precision, evaluating assets based on value appreciation potential, future market trends, return on investment, and construction quality standards. Through this technology-driven methodology, Karim provides clients with customized investment strategies that align perfectly with their objectives. “I believe the future of real estate investment lies at the intersection of deep market knowledge and advanced data analytics,” he states, reflecting his forward-thinking philosophy that has attracted high-net-worth investors from across the globe.
Based in Dubai, he leverages the Emirate’s strategic advantages—world-class infrastructure, tax-friendly policies, and progressive business regulations—to maximize opportunities for his international clientele. Karim’s extensive network spans government entities, developers, and financial institutions throughout the region, enabling him to secure exclusive investment opportunities before they reach the broader market. With a combination of technological innovation, market intelligence, and established relationships, Karim has positioned himself as an indispensable advisor for serious investors looking to capitalize on Dubai’s continued growth trajectory.
LinkedIn | Website | Instagram| YouTube
4. Bobby Morrison | Setting Global Standards in Mattress Hygiene
Bobby Morrison, CEO of HygeiaSleep is an innovator and a visionary entrepreneur, leading a pioneering mattress hygiene company. With a career spanning over a decade, Bobby has founded several successful brands, including Breo Watches, Kartel Watches, and a travel retail business that placed products on over 150 airlines. With his latest venture HygeiaSleep, Bobby is setting new standards in mattress hygiene for the hospitality industry.
At HygeiaSleep, his mission is to set the global standard for mattress hygiene. He believes that a truly clean sleep environment is essential for guest well-being, and accordingly, works with hotels worldwide to make mattress hygiene a visible and verified standard. Through the HygeiaSleep Certification Program, the company offers expert guidance and structured protocols to ensure hotels meet the highest mattress hygiene standards. He adds, “Our certification is more than just a seal of approval—it’s a commitment to excellence that sets certified hotels apart. With an expanding presence across the GCC and beyond, HygeiaSleep is redefining hospitality hygiene at a global level.”
The Dubai-based operations of the company offer partner hotels cutting-edge solutions, ensuring they excel in global cleanliness expectations. HygeiaSleep even takes the step of educating hotel owners on the significance of mattress hygiene for guest safety, redefining the way the hospitality industry thinks about sleep hygiene. With a resilient and problem-solving mindset, Bobby is always open to challenges and pushes beyond his comfort zone, making a strong impact in every industry he is ever associated with.
5. Ahmed Hamada | Visionary Leader and Trusted Executive in International Investments, Business Transformation & Strategic Growth
Ahmed Hamada is a seasoned leader and executive, renowned for leading multi-billion-dollar investments, acquisitions, and business turnarounds across diverse industries and international markets. His impactful leadership spans key sectors including Defense, Technology, Aviation, Education, Telecomunication, Healthcare, Real Estate and Manufacturing. With a career rooted in high-stakes investment strategy, corporate transformation, and sustainable economic development, Ahmed has established himself as a powerful force in shaping business landscapes globally.
Currently, Ahmed serves as the Chairperson of International Business & Partnerships at the African Business Council in the African Union and also he is the Vice Secretary General of the Arab Union for Sustainable Development & Environment at the Arab League, positioning him at the heart of policy discussions and investment strategies across Africa and the Arab world.
His leadership bridges African and Arab economies, leveraging his extensive experience across the USA, Europe, and the GCC to drive international collaboration and foster large-scale investment initiatives.
In addition to his regional leadership, Ahmed holds the role of Senior Vice President at one of the most prestigious investment holdings in the GCC region, where he oversees a multi-industry portfolio spanning Technology, EduTech, and Healthcare. As the CEO of four companies operating across the Middle East and Africa, he spearheads strategic transformation, digital innovation, and market expansion, ensuring long-term investment growth and sustainability. His influence extends further as Advisor to the President of UCSA.
Beyond his executive roles, Ahmed is a board member in multiple sovereign funds and international organizations, actively shaping investment policies and corporate governance frameworks. His expertise is rooted in a multi-disciplinary background in engineering, business operations and international management, reinforcing his ability to drive operational excellence and large-scale business turnarounds.
A key architect of transformational growth and innovation, Ahmed is committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology, strategic investment, and sustainable business solutions to enhance economic scalability, accessibility, and efficiency. His leadership philosophy centers on maximizing investment value, optimizing business operations, and executing visionary strategies that create measurable impact. Across multiple industries, he has not only enhanced company valuations and increased profitability but has also redefined corporate strategies, proving his ability to translate bold ideas into tangible success.
With more than two decades of experience as a trusted leader in investment, business transformation, and international partnerships, Ahmed Hamada continues to shape the future of global business and economic development, championing sustainable growth and high-impact investments worldwide.
6. Rafay Shaik | Empowering Defence Innovation By Pioneering Unmanned Systems & Robotics for a Secure, Self-Reliant GCC
A renowned expert in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology, Rafay Shaik, is currently the CEO and Founder of Drone Secure LLC based in Dubai, UAE. With over two decades of impressive knowledge and expertise in UAS and advanced manufacturing, Rafay drives innovation in the GCC region. With a robust background in both UAS operations, engineering and business leadership, Rafay’s role has been instrumental in leveraging UAS technology to revolutionize various industries, including Defence, Logistics, Agriculture and Surveillance.
Under his visionary leadership, Drone Secure is shaping the future of drone applications, and leading towards the development of indigenous UAS and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) solutions, tailored to the region’s unique needs and fostering the region’s aspirations for technological independence. As the region moves forward to innovation and minimizing dependency on other regions’ technology, Rafay is dedicated and all set to leverage the huge potential held by local talent, expertise, and resources, creating a sustainable ecosystem. In this process, he ultimately ensures greater security and autonomy for the GCC, while fostering job creation and economic growth in the region.
As the region is embracing a new era of economic diversification and technological prowess, Rafay’s role as a specialist in UAS technology with unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence extending beyond technology is fostering collaborations, investing in Research and Development and actively engaging Government Institutions, Academia and local stakeholders His leadership reflects a broader vision that encourages sustainable growth and empowers the next generation of innovators, ensuring that the advancements in AI, Robotics, UAS and CUAS technologies will cater to the unique challenges and opportunities of the region. Rafay embodies the spirit of collaboration and forward-thinking leadership among the diverse business minds shaping the GCC’s future.
Also Read – Ramadoss Rammohan As A Seasoned Hospitality Expert And Dynamic Professional
7. Mohamed Aldoukhi | Visionary Entrepreneur Accelerating Tahdir’s Success
With a strategic mindset and strong business acumen, Mohamed Aldoukhi stands as a visionary leader. As the CEO of Tahdir, he has mastered the art of deal-making, ensuring long-term value to his company and partners. With a strong ability to anticipate challenges and find innovative solutions, he has played an instrumental role in Tahdir’s growth.
Tahdir, a smart platform for managing schools, enhancing communication, and tracking attendance efficiently, aims to offer organizational efficiency at school. With his dedication and vision, Aldoukhi has strengthened Tahdir’s position as a leading force in the EdTech sector of the Middle East region. He has accelerated the platform’s growth, expanding its reach, and enhancing its innovation-driven approach. Another strong force behind the success of Tahdir is Mohamed’s partnership with investors like Dr. Ahmad Zalat. With over 18 years of experience, Ahmad has earned a distinguished reputation as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, business strategists, and startup ecosystem enablers in the MENA region.
With a focus on cost-reduction, Tahdir significantly reduces school operational costs by automating administrative tasks, optimizing resource use, and improving overall efficiency. Its cloud-based infrastructure also helps cut IT expenses, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for smarter education systems.
Beyond his expertise in deal-making, Aldoukhi possesses a unique intelligence in positioning himself within the right entrepreneurial circles. With a remarkable ability to identify and attend the most impactful startup events, he ensures Tahdir remains visible to potential investors, partners, and industry leaders alike. With his strategic presence at major global summits, regional tech conferences, or private networking gatherings, Aldoukhi leverages these opportunities to gain valuable market insights, and attract potential collaborators, to reinforce Tahdir’s position as a leader in the field.
Aldoukhi’s defining strengths of adaptability and hunger for knowledge have significantly shaped his leadership approach. Alongside managing a company, he is in a continuous effort to enhance his expertise, ensuring he stays ahead of industry trends. With insights from strategic investors and leaders like Aldoukhi, Tahdir’s vision is to enhance school productivity through digital transformation—automating routine processes, improving resource allocation, and enabling data-driven decision-making. The platform is positioned as a leader in the sector, helping to create a more efficient and effective educational environment, and redefine the EdTech landscape.
8. Bohuslav Lipovsky: Pioneering Executive Interim Management in the Middle East
As a business transformation leader, and the Founder and Managing Partner of CE Interim Management Group in Dubai, Bohuslav Lipovsky is redefining how companies, family offices, and private equity funds in the Middle East navigate business transformation. With over two decades of experience in restructuring, turnaround management, and business growth acceleration, he is at the forefront of Executive Interim Management—a game-changing approach that provides high-caliber leadership solutions exactly when they are needed most.
Established in Europe more than a decade ago, CE Interim Management Group is the leading international firm focusing purely on Executive Interim Management, bringing on-demand and fractional C-level leadership to companies, family offices, and private equity funds facing complex challenges such as crisis and turnaround management, market expansion, post-merger integration, and digital transformation. Bohuslav recognized a critical gap in how businesses approached transformation. Traditional strategic consulting often lacked operational hands-on execution, and permanent executive search was too slow and lacked project result orientation.
CE Interim covers both by quickly deploying highly experienced Interim CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and C-Level Industry Experts from their Global Talent Pool who step in immediately to drive results. Whether stabilizing distressed assets, integrating after acquisition, leading cross-border expansions, or accelerating digital adoption, the firm delivers measurable impact with speed and efficiency anywhere in the world.
Bohuslav’s deep expertise in private equity, restructuring, and operational excellence enables the group to serve a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and logistics to financial services and technology. By embedding transformation leaders directly into organizations, CE Interim Management Group doesn’t just advise—it executes. As the business landscape in the GCC continues to evolve, Bohuslav Lipovsky remains a trailblazer in shaping the future of transformational leadership, helping businesses, family offices, and private equity funds turn challenges into opportunities and drive sustainable growth through executive interim solutions.
LinkedIn | Website | CE Interim Management Group
9. Shaheem Musthafa | Redefining Logistics Industry
A dynamic and innovative professional, Shaheem Musthafa, is the Chief Executive Officer at Evocargo Autonomous Logistic Services in UAE. In this position, he develops innovative strategies and manages operations to drive business growth in the GCC region. Negotiating the company’s agreements and contracts, Shaheem ensures its success and expansion in the Middle East.
An innovative global logistics company, Evocargo is a pioneer and leader in manufacturing and implementing autonomous all-electric or hydrogen-based delivery vehicles. Under Shaheem’s leadership, Evocargo is offering tailored logistics services to support smarter, ecological, sustainable, and efficient solutions for their business needs.
Shaheem is also a certified ScrumMaster & PMP by Scrum Alliance. With a visionary leadership approach, Shaheem is a prominent name in the logistics industry, establishing Evocargo as a strong player.
10. Jessica Moini Elom | Work-Life Fulfilment Coach And Visionary Leadership
After nearly a decade leading multi-million-dollar deals and building high-performing teams as a Commercial Director at a global ad tech company, Jessica took a bold step—shifting from corporate leadership to helping professionals and entrepreneurs achieve work-life fulfillment, emotional mastery, and sustainable success. Recognized as one of the “30 Under 30 Faces to Watch” in 2023, she saw first-hand how high-achievers often struggle with burnout, stress, and self-sabotage, despite their outward success. This realization led her to launch “The Kindness Catalog,” a platform dedicated to helping leaders and professionals break free from stress, develop emotional resilience, and design a life where success and fulfillment go hand in hand.
Jessica’s vision is to reshape the future of leadership and success by integrating emotional intelligence, well-being, and performance coaching. As a Certified Life Coach from the Tony Robbins – Chloe Madanes Life Coaching School and an NLP Practitioner, she combines proven strategies with the power of neuro-linguistic programming to help her clients unlock their full potential. Through 1:1 coaching, workshops, and digital courses, Jessica is on a mission to cultivate a new generation of high-achieving professionals who thrive without sacrificing their health, relationships, or happiness.
As workplace demands and stress levels continue to rise, she believes that the most successful leaders will be those who master their emotions, lead with kindness, and prioritize their well-being alongside professional growth. By bridging business strategy with transformative coaching, Jessica is empowering leaders to master their minds, elevate their potential, and create a life they love.
LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok
Conclusion
Success in the GCC business world is no longer just about financial achievements—it’s about vision, adaptability, and the ability to drive meaningful change. The individuals on this list have not only mastered the art of business but have also left a lasting mark on their respective industries.
As they continue to innovate and push boundaries, these top 10 most successful business minds will remain key players in the region’s growth story. Their leadership today is shaping the economic future of the GCC and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals.
Also Read: Top 10 Female Leaders Driving Innovation in 2025
Top 10 Most Dynamic Business Personalities in The GCC Region
