The Gulf region is changing fast. New businesses are growing, and industries are expanding. Behind much of this progress are the top 10 business leaders making real efforts to improve how business is done in the GCC.
These individuals come from different sectors, but they share a common goal: creating lasting value. The top 10 business leaders in this list are solving problems, building strong teams, and helping their countries grow.
Their work reflects a clear understanding of what the region needs today—and what it will need tomorrow. Each of the top 10 business leaders here is focused on results that matter.
Top 10 Business Leaders Driving Change in GCC
Below is the list of the top 10 business leaders who are impacting business in the GCC. Let’s get to it:
1. Abdullah Miralam | Expertise In The Sales Landscape
With over 14 years of experience in the dynamic world of Sales, Abdullah Miralam is a visionary leader known for his ability to transform challenges into opportunities and deliver sustainable profitability. Earning a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from University of Central Missouri, he completed a Master’s degree in Industrial Management.
Across the GCC region, Abdullah has consistently placed customers—both internal and external—at the heart of every strategic and operational decision. Currently, he leads as the B2B, Food Service, and E-commerce Sales Head at Alkhair Company, a pioneering company in coffee industry and food imports in Saudi Arabian region.
As Sales Leader, Abdullah has a proven track record of driving significant revenue growth and building high-performing teams. His expertise in strategic planning and execution, along with a passion for leveraging technology to enhance sales processes, has consistently resulted in surpassing business objectives. With his great communication skills, adaptability to company cultures, and ability to solve problems with flexibility, Abdullah’s journey in this industry has been a reflection of his visionary approach as an expert Sales leader.
2. Ahmed Almuhr |Transforming MENA Finance Through a Wall Street Lens
Few Saudis—if any—have broken into the inner circle of Wall Street like Ahmed Almuhr. As one of the rare Arabs to work at Morgan Stanley in the United States, Ahmed brought a global lens and relentless drive to the firm’s high-stakes finance and investment structured products.Immersed in the heart of global finance, he refined his analytical edge, mastered complex investment structures, and contributed to one of the largest investment banks worldwide. His journey is a rare blend of ambition, intellect, and cross-border influence.
Today, Ahmed is key contributor to one of the world’s leading financial institutions. At the World Bank, hesupports strategic investment initiatives tied to a portfolio exceeding $100 billion in assets under management (AUM). Within his capacity, he works closely with a high-performing investment team that oversees a sophisticated suite of financial instruments and investment products.
Driven by a bold vision to elevate Saudi Arabia’s business and investment ecosystem, Ahmed Almuhr recognized early on that making a transformative impact would require firsthand experience from the world’s most prestigious financial institutions. With this ambition, he made the strategic decision to leave Saudi Aramco (one of the Kingdom’s most iconic enterprises) and pursue a path that led him to Wall Street and Washington, D.C., taking on roles at firms such as Morgan Stanley (second most prestigious investment bank worldwide), Johns Hopkins Tech Ventures, and the World Bank.
Today, Ahmed Almuhr contributes to shaping the Kingdom’s financial optimization strategy by ensuring the alignment of investment frameworks with global best practices while addressing regional economic nuances. Leveraging his extensive expertise in investment and finance, he brings a disciplined yet forward-looking approach to institutional capital allocation.
As a result, Ahmed Almuhr founded Amplifier Financial, a financial and investment advisory firm dedicated to empowering mid-sized enterprises across the MENA region. Recognizing the critical role that agile, growth-oriented companies play in economic development, Amplifier Financial provides high-impact services ranging from investment research and capital structuring to valuation advisory and strategic due diligence. Looking ahead, Ahmed Almuhr envisions Amplifier Financial as a catalyst for a new era of entrepreneurial stewardship across the MENA region.
Through this platform, he is empowering small and mid-sized private enterprises to unlock hidden value, strengthen financial discipline, and gain access to strategic capital needed for sustainable growth. Ahmed’s vision is anchored in the belief that the region’s long-term prosperity will be driven by innovation-led growth supported by financial ecosystems that are deeply attuned to the unique dynamics and aspirations of MENA-based businesses.
LinkedIn | Website | Instagram | X
3. Denis Salatin | The Visionary Behind Lumitech
Denis Salatin, leveraging his extensive engineering background in the software industry, founded Lumitech, a custom software development company based in Dubai. As a global team of software engineers, Al and ML specialists, product managers, and technology experts, Denis and his team, partners with technology businesses globally, helping them build successful engineering teams and create innovative software products.
With a focus on delivering high-quality solutions, Lumitech has quickly emerged as one of the fastest-growing software development firms in the UAE, achieving an impressive 2x engineering growth in 2024. The company is building a strong presence in the UAE while collaborating with top European talent to craft innovative digital solutions. This approach ensures tight collaboration, superior quality control, and a deep commitment to client success.
Investing heavily in engineering guidelines, best practices, documentation, and knowledge-sharing sessions, Denis is building a strong sense of community within the company to ensure exceptional quality. Lumitech’s rapid ascent has also earned it notable recognition in Dubai, further solidifying its position as a leader in the competitive software development landscape. As the company continues to expand, it remains committed to excellence, innovation, and empowering businesses through cutting-edge technology.
LinkedIn | Website | Lumitech LinkedIn | Clutch
4. Ahmad Sleiman | Redefining Global Commodity Trading
A dynamic leader, Ahmad Sleiman, is the Co-Founder and the Chief Executive Officer at SPK Platforms LTD, a venture focused on automating the commodities trading process. SPK Platforms, is a technology company trying to bring transparency, efficiency, and trust to the global commodities trade in an industry that is filled with fragmentation, opacity, and outdated legacy systems.
The early work of SPK has already proven a reduction in time and financial cost in the trading process, and Ahmad is hopeful to expand and implement their system industry-wide. Looking ahead, Ahmad’s goal for the company is to create a standardized, intelligent infrastructure for commodity trading by providing people with the right tools.
Currently, Ahmad and his team at SPK use machine learning and Artificial Intelligence to reduce risk, track assets, and unlock opportunities across the supply chain, allowing for cheaper, more efficient access to energy. With real-time data and insights, SPK helps users make critical decisions at any scale, ensuring secure global trade operations.
5. Dr. Deepak Songra | Petdentist As One Stop Pet Dental Health Supplier
An experienced British-trained general dentist with over three decades in the field, Dr. Deepak Songra, is the Founder of Petdentist. With a career grounded in high-quality, evidence-based dentistry practices, Dr. Songra has been the owner of multiple successful dental practices in the UK throughout his career path. He brings extensive expertise in comprehensive patient care, emergency dentistry, restorative and preventative treatments, and practice leadership, committed to contributing long-term to the UAE’s world-class healthcare sector.
As a distinguished dental professional, Dr. Songra delivers exceptional care to a diverse patient base, including working professionals and expatriates, alongside being committed to adherence to global healthcare regulations. With a golden visa, Dr. Songra is deeply dedicated to building and expanding his career in the UAE, ensuring long-term stability and commitment to his patients in the region.
With Petdentist, Dr. Songra fulfills his passion for helping others succeed in their maintenance and improvement of their pet’s oral health conditions. As an established and respected manufacturer supplying a wide variety of Pet Dental Care Products, Petdentist offers products with maximum benefits that are functional and luxurious for the discerning pet owner. By understanding the dental needs required to prolong and maintain a happier and healthier life for pets, Petdentist by Dr. Songra offers perfect solution for pet dental needs from top experts.
Whether working in a corporate healthcare setting, private practice, an executive medical team, or be at Petdentist, Dr. Deepak Songra ensures top-notch services with a patient-first mindset in all his practices.
6. 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.
7.Dr. Desziree Richardson | A Voice For Humanity And Empowerment Icon
A luminary of inspiration, Dr. Desziree Richardson is a beacon of empowerment and a transformative force in the world. As an award-winning visionary and global leader, she has dedicated her life to uplifting women, amplifying their voices, and redefining what it means to thrive in today’s world. With unparalleled expertise in women empowerment advocacy and branding icons, Dr. Richardson has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and boundless potential.
A vibratory voice healer and international speaker, Dr. Richardson possesses a rare gift for connecting deeply with her audience, awakening their heart chakras, and igniting a profound shift in their perspectives. Her words are not just heard—they are felt, resonating with love, positivity, and the power to transform mindsets. Through her work, she inspires individuals to see themselves in a new light, embracing their worth and contributing to the healing of our planet through happiness, wisdom, and emotional intelligence.
Dr. Richardson’s extraordinary contributions have been recognized globally, earning her over 100 international awards across diverse categories. These accolades celebrate her unwavering commitment to empowerment, leadership, and humanitarian efforts, solidifying her status as a trailblazer and role model for future generations.
Her visionary brands and platforms—Face of Woha, Women of Heart Awards, Gentlemen of Heart Awards, and Happy Mood Swagger—stand as testaments to her mission: to create a world where everyone feels happy, included, loved, and celebrated. Her advocacy for a positive mindset and vibrant energy transcends borders, touching lives and fostering a global community rooted in compassion and unity. Dr. Richardson’s remarkable achievements include her 100+ international awards while maintaining a motivational and empowering tone.
Dr. Richardson envisions a future where society is balanced, the values of love, equality, and acceptance are inherent, and where resources are abundant and shared with those in need. She reminds us that by embracing our true nature and reconnecting with the Earth, we can nurture and support all living beings, creating a harmonious world for future generations. Dr. Desziree Richardson is more than a leader—she is a catalyst for change, a voice for the voiceless, and a heart-centered healer whose work continues to inspire, empower, and transform lives across the globe. Her legacy is one of love, light, and limitless possibility.
8. Özgür Başlılar | Pioneering Innovation Across The Functional Food Sector
As one of the GCC region’s most dynamic business personalities, Özgür Başlılar has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to lead, innovate, and inspire. As the Vice President at Bite&More, he has been instrumental in driving transformative change, enhancing business growth, and fostering innovation across the functional food industry. With a track record of successfully navigating complex challenges and delivering impactful solutions, Özgür Başlılar has earned a reputation for working in challenging environments, visionary leadership, and strategic planning.
Özgür has pioneered transformative strategies in his roles that have led to significant revenue growth on a global scale, alongside engineering resilient business models and robust strategies fostering sustainability, and competitive advantage in dynamic markets.
Looking toward the future, Özgür Başlılar envisions a GCC where businesses not only thrive financially but also contribute significantly to societal progress. Committed to fostering sustainable growth and empowering local talent, he actively champions initiatives that embrace innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Through his work, Özgür Başlılar strives to leave a lasting legacy of positive transformation in the region, inspiring the next generation of leaders to dream big and achieve even bigger.
9. 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.
10. Yasmine Gueddiche | Driving Innovation In Fashion Retail Landscape
Born in Paris, being French with a rich Arab heritage, Yasmine has always been driven by a passion for fashion, business, and innovation. She reflects, “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.” Four years back when Yasmine moved to Dubai, she observed not just a thriving market, but a landscape brimming with untapped potential—one that required bold strategies, data-driven decision-making, and a forward-thinking approach to retail merchandising.
Currently, as part of Adidas Emerging Markets, she contributes to shaping retail merchandising strategies for a EUR950M+ yearly network, driving innovation in inventory optimization, strategic trading decisions, and profitability growth.
Throughout her career, Yasmine has spearheaded transformative projects—introducing auto-replenishment systems to combat stock shortages, implementing advanced analytics tools to revolutionize merchandising insights, and redefining pricing and markdown strategies to maximize revenue. She says, “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.”
The Middle East is more than just her workplace— it is the place where she is driving change in retail, leveraging insights to enhance operations and contribute to new standards of success. Passionate about blending fashion, entrepreneurship, and innovation, she has a strategic mindset and a visionary approach as she thrives on dealing with new challenges and driving growth in the fashion industry. As she continues to drive innovation in 2025, Yasmine is focused not only on transforming businesses but also on inspiring the next generation of female leaders to challenge the status quo and leave a lasting impact on the industry.
Conclusion
The top 10 business leaders in the GCC are not just growing companies. They are also helping shape the future of their industries and communities.
By focusing on steady progress and practical solutions, these top 10 business leaders continue to earn trust and respect. They are not following trends—they are working with purpose and making change happen step by step.
As the region develops further, the top 10 business leaders will remain important voices in business and beyond.
Also Read: Top 10 Most Successful Business Minds Driving the GCC’s Transformation
Top 10 Female Leaders Driving Innovation in 2025
