ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_01_Cover_13352237.indd 1ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_01_Cover_13352237.indd 128/08/2024 10:3728/08/2024 10:37Wednesday, 22nd January 2025 Dubai, United Arab Emirates NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES Sales team Direct: +971 4 444 3353 Email: absales@itp.com EVENT & NOMINATION ENQUIRIES Events and Marketing team Direct: +971 4 444 3685 Email: events@arabianbusiness.com Celebrating outstanding achievements across the region SCAN HERE TO START YOUR NOMINATIONSarabianbusiness.com3 Contents HISTORY Leadership in the GCC Explore the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, Ibn Saud,and Sultan Qaboos, icons who built nations with vision, unity, and progress, shaping the region’s future while honouring tradition INVESTMENT 100 Most Inspiring Leaders Yasir Othman Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s PIF, is leading Vision 2030, reshaping the Kingdom’s future and positioning it as a global leader in innovation and economic transformation ECOMMERCE Spark of genius From Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos to Huda Kattan’s beauty line, we explore how the seeds of innovation are often planted in moments of inspiration 42 1454406 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADE RS 2024 Welcome to this special edition of Arabian Business, dedicated to the 100 Most Inspiring Leaders. From industry titans to cultural pioneers, the individuals featured in this issue have not only made an impact in their respective fields, but have set a new standard for leadership VISION, DETERMINA TION, AND HEAR T ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_03_Contents_13352240.indd 3ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_03_Contents_13352240.indd 328/08/2024 16:2728/08/2024 16:274 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 SUBSCRIBE NO W www.itp.com/subscriptions +971 4 4443000 EXPER T VIEWS EXCL USIVE IN TERVIEWS INDEP TH NEWS PUBLISHED BY AND © 2024 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. NOTICE The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. 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PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 444 3000 Off ices in KSA, UAE, UK, US, and INDIA ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO Ali Akawi MANAGING DIRECTOR Marne Schwartz MANAGING DIRECTOR Anil Bhoyrul EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rob Corder, rob.corder@itp.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Matthew Amlot, + 971 4 444 3264, matthew.amlot@itp.com HEAD OF CONTENT Kate-Lynne Wolmarans, +971 4 444 3541, kate.wolmarans@itp.com SUB EDITOR Edward Liamzon, +971 4 444 3474, edward.liamzon@itp.com ARABIANBUSINESS.COM EDITOR AT LARGE Will Milner DESIGN SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER Geri Batara Sonny ART DIRECTOR Mohammed Irqsosy PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER Gijo Thomas SENIOR IMAGE EDITOR Emmalyn Robles EVENTS & MARKETING SENIOR MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER Anthony Chandran, +971 4 444 3685, anthony.chandran@itp.com DISTRIBUTION HEAD OF DISTRIBUTION AND NEWSTRADE Abdulrahim Alparambil DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Avinash Pereira CIRCULATION EXECUTIVE Rajesh Pillai ADVERTISING GENERAL MANAGER Mirei Avdou, +971 4 444 3215, mirei.avdou@itp.com GROUP COMMERCIAL MANAGER Neha Sikri, +971 4 444 3353, neha.sikri@itp.com SENIOR COMMERCIAL MANAGER Samir Glor, +971 4 444 3320, samir.glor@itp.com COMMERCIAL MANAGER Pallavi Choudhary +971 4 444 3359, pallavi.choudhary@itp.com ITP GROUP CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies CORPORATE WEBSITE itp.com CIRCULATION CUSTOMER SERVICE +971 4 444 3000 WEB arabianbusiness.com ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_04_Flannel_13352236.indd 4ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_04_Flannel_13352236.indd 428/08/2024 16:2728/08/2024 16:27arabianbusiness.com 5 Editorial Note Vision, determination, and heart Welcome to this special edition of Arabian Business, dedicated to the 100 Most Inspiring Leaders. In a region as dynamic and diverse as the Middle East, leadership takes many forms, and this edition is a celebration of those shaping the future. From industry titans to cultural pioneers, the individuals featured in this issue have not only made an impact in their respec- tive fields but have set a new standard for leadership – one driven by vision, determination, and heart. We begin with a deep dive into the legacy of some of the most iconic figures in Middle Eastern leadership. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, whose wisdom and pragmatism not only built a nation from the ground up but also laid the foundation for the UAE’s rise as a global power. His leadership continues to reso- nate, reminding us that the most powerful legacies are those built on vision and a deep commitment to one’s people. Then there’s Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud, better known as Ibn Saud, the founding father of modern Saudi Arabia. His leadership style was shaped by the unique challenges and opportunities of his time. Abdulaziz united the diverse tribes of the Arabian Peninsula and laid the foundation for a modern kingdom that would become a major global player. Today, his legacy continues to shape the region and the world, particularly in the promotion of Arab unity and independence. Equally inspiring is Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman, who transformed Oman from an isolated nation into a modern state while preserving its rich cultural heritage. His reign was a testament to the power of visionary leadership, blending tradi- tion with progress in a way that has left Oman both proud of its past and fully engaged with the future. But this issue isn’t just about past legends. Today’s leaders are making their mark on the region – and the world. Among them are Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, who has propelled the telecom giant to new heights in the digital era; Yogesh Mehta, founder and CEO of Petrochem Middle East, who has redefined the petrochemical industry with his entrepreneurial vision; Yasir Othman Al Rumayyan, governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), who is spearheading the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 programme and reshaping its future; and Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, who continues to elevate Dubai’s cultural presence on the global stage. What unites these leaders is more than just success – it’s their ability to inspire, innovate, and drive change. Whether they’re steering established conglomerates or disrupting industries with start- ups, their stories offer insights into leadership that are as varied as the sectors they represent, from finance to healthcare, energy to culture. These are not just business leaders; they are visionaries setting benchmarks for future generations. We also explore how the seeds of innovation are often planted in moments of inspiration. Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon; Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group; Huda Kattan, founder of Huda Beauty; and Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, all found their entrepreneurial sparks in unexpected ways – proof that the next big idea can come from anywhere. Their stories remind us that leadership isn’t just about success; it’s about the courage to take risks, push boundaries, and create lasting change. As you read through this special edition of Arabian Business, we hope these stories of leadership will inspire you as much as they have inspired us. This is a celebration of those who are building the future of the Middle East, one visionary idea at a time. This is leadership in action. Signing off, Kate-Lynne Wolmarans Head of Content The qualities that define the region’s most inspiring leaders – past, present, and future ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_05_Editorial column_13352239.indd 5ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_05_Editorial column_13352239.indd 528/08/2024 16:2828/08/2024 16:286 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 Leadership ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_06-17_The Future_13352241.indd 6ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_06-17_The Future_13352241.indd 628/08/2024 10:3928/08/2024 10:39arabianbusiness.com 7 Leadership My wealth is the happiness of my people Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, former President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_06-17_The Future_13352241.indd 7ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_06-17_The Future_13352241.indd 728/08/2024 10:3928/08/2024 10:398 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 Leadership Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the founding of the United Arab Emirates THE ARCHITEC T OF UNIT Y 8 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 WORDS BY KATE-LYNNE WOLMARANS ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_06-17_The Future_13352241.indd 8ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_06-17_The Future_13352241.indd 828/08/2024 10:3928/08/2024 10:39arabianbusiness.com9 Leadership H istorically, there are leader s whose influ- ence tran- scends their own time, leav- ing a legacy that endures far beyond their mortal years. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nah y an, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, is one such figure. His lead- ership, marked by wisdom, pragma- tism, and a profound commitment to his people, is a testament to the power of vision in shaping a nation’s destiny. This feature explores the multifaceted nature of Sheikh Zayed’s leadership, placing it within the broader context of his time, and examining the ways in which he forged a modern nation from the sands of tradition. — • — THE FORMATIVE YEARS: EARLY INFLUENCES AND LEADERSHIP Born in 1918 in Al Ain, then a remote outpost in the interior of the Trucial States, Sheikh Zayed was named after his grandfather, Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, a beloved leader in his own right. The young Zayed grew up in a world where the harsh realities of desert life shaped character and perspective. The arid landscape, with its unforg iving climate and limited resources, required resilience and ingenuity, traits that would later define his leadership. Zayed’s early education was rooted in the teachings of Islam, providing him with a moral framework that emphasised justice, compassion, and the impor tance of community. However, his true education came from the desert itself and from the tribal elders who imparted the wisdom of their forebears. These formative expe- riences imbued Zayed with a deep respect for the traditions of his people, even as he recognised the need for change and modernisation. In 1946, Zayed w a s appointed as the Ruler’s Representative in the East- ern Region of Abu Dhabi, where he demonstrated an early commitment to the welfare of his people. Al Ain, at the time, was a small and underde- veloped settlement, but Zayed saw its potential. He initiated the construction of an underground irrigation system, known as the falaj, which transformed the region’s agriculture and laid the groundwork for future prosperity. This early success earned him a reputation as a capable and visionary leader, qual- ities that would come to the fore when he ascended to the leadership of Abu Dhabi in 1966. — • — ASCENSION TO POWER: LEADERSHIP OF ABU DHABI Sheikh Zayed’s rise to power in 1966 was a turning point not only for Abu Dhabi, but for the entire region. At the time, Abu arabianbusiness.com9 ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_06-17_The Future_13352241.indd 9ABE_Inspiring Leaders 2024_06-17_The Future_13352241.indd 928/08/2024 10:3928/08/2024 10:39Next >