Forbes Middle East lists out region’s top 50 Travel & Tourism leaders

Forbes Middle East lists out region’s top 50 Travel & Tourism leaders

Forbes Middle East has released its first ranking of the region’s Top 50 Travel and Tourism Leaders, recognizing the industry heavyweights driving growth and creating opportunities for visitors and passengers to reconnect with the world.

Among the top five executives, four serve in the aviation sector led by Mr. Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of the Emirates Group, who tops the ranking. The Group recorded revenues of $6.7 billion in the first half of the 2021-2022 financial year. Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO and Executive Board Member of Qatar Airways, and Mr. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, complete the top three.

The leaders featured on this list represent nine countries in the region. The UAE reigns as the top country for regional headquarters, with 24 of the 50 executives based in the emirates. Saudi comes in second with 11 featured executives, followed by four from Egypt. With 26 entries, hotels and hospitality is the most well-represented industry, followed by aviation with 17 entries, and tourism with 7 entries.

From global agency representatives to sustainable development game-changers, the leaders on this list are driving growth in MENA. In May 2021, Mr. Basmah Al Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle