Emirati CEOs claim nearly a third of Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs list

Emiratis dominate Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs list for 2026: Emirati executives led Forbes Middle East’s annual Top 100 CEOs ranking, accounting for 31 of the 102 individuals featured, coming ahead of Egyptians (15) and Saudis (13). The Emirati CEOs span energy, finance, real estate, defense, utilities, and aviation.

Three of our execs were in the top 10: Sultan Al Jaber (LinkedIn), Adnoc Group CEO, claimed second place, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (LinkedIn), Emirates Airline & Group CEO, secured third place, and International Holdings Company’s CEO and Managing Director Syed Basar Shueb (LinkedIn) took the fifth spot.