Most Influential Business Leaders in the UAE 2025
In a region known for turning vision into reality, a powerful group of business leaders continues to shape the UAE’s economic future with clarity, courage, and conviction. These leaders are not only driving growth but also redefining what influence means in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. From industry pioneers and high-impact entrepreneurs to strategic executives and innovators, the Most Influential Business Leaders in the UAE 2025 represent excellence in leadership and purpose.
Spanning sectors including finance, technology, real estate, sustainability, logistics, and beyond, this list recognises individuals whose decisions drive momentum and whose leadership inspires progress. Their influence goes beyond balance sheets, building institutions, empowering talent, and positioning the UAE as a global business powerhouse. This is not merely a ranking; it reflects leadership that delivers lasting impact.
TradeFlock Magazine’s exclusive edition, Most Influential Business Leaders in the UAE 2025, honours leaders selected for their measurable impact, strategic foresight, and ability to shape industries. These individuals challenge convention, set new standards, and play a defining role in the UAE’s continued economic transformation. With this edition, TradeFlock celebrates the visionaries powering the nation’s business success and global relevance.
Varadaraj Iyer is a seasoned IT leader with expertise in cloud computing, big data, ETL processes, and agile methodologies. At Cognizant and JOY IT Solutions, he leads technology transformations that are scalable and impactful. His work helps teams grow, drives innovation, and creates real business value.
Adnan Kazim
Deputy President & Chief Commercial Officer
Emirates
Adnan Kazim is a seasoned commercial aviation leader driving Emirates’ global growth through strategic revenue growth, market expansion, and customer excellence. With deep expertise in sales, cargo, loyalty, and planning, he shapes industry‑leading operations and meaningful impact through visionary leadership.
Feryal Ahmadi
Deputy CEO & Chief Operating Officer
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)
Feryal Ahmadi is a strategic commercial leader and Deputy CEO/COO at DMCC, excelling in global trade, sustainability, and innovation. With deep experience from IT to executive leadership, she drives economic growth, smart districts, and inclusive, future‑ready commerce through visionary leadership.
Joe Abi Akl
Partner | Head of Retail and Consumer
Oliver Wyman
Joe Abi Akl is a visionary growth strategist and digital transformation leader in retail and consumer sectors, driving innovation, strategic partnerships and high-impact ventures across EMIA. With 17+ years of experience shaping ecosystems and driving transformation, he empowers organisations to harness data and technology to gain a competitive edge.
Khalil Massoud
Chief Investment Officer
Alpha Dhabi Holding
Khalil Massoud is a strategic investment leader shaping Alpha Dhabi’s bold growth across healthcare, energy, real estate and hospitality. With 20+ years of driving transformative deals, M&A and new platforms, he empowers long-term value creation and regional economic impact through visionary finance and leadership.
Mariusz Mlodawski
Country Director
Cemex UAE
Mariusz Mlodawski is a transformative construction and commercial leader steering Cemex UAE’s growth, strategy and sustainable innovation with 20+ years of global expertise. He drives operational excellence, record-breaking results and future-ready urban solutions while advancing low-carbon practices and resilient infrastructure across the Emirates.
Mohamad Ballout
CEO & Co-Founder
Kitopi
Mohamad Ballout is a visionary food-tech entrepreneur and CEO scaling Kitopi into a global cloud kitchen pioneer, blending strategic innovation, operations excellence and tech-driven growth. With 20+ years reshaping hospitality, he champions scalable models, market expansion and industry disruption that redefine modern dining experiences.
Najib Erraiss
Managing Director
Morocco Franchise Alliance. SARL. AU.
Najib Erraiss is a seasoned hospitality and franchising strategist with decades of global hospitality leadership experience, driving the growth of Morocco Franchise Alliance. An expert in market entry, brand development, and operational excellence, he champions sustainable, data-led expansion and redefines service standards across the retail and hospitality sectors.
Shaista Asif
Group CFO
PureHealth
Shaista Asif is a visionary healthcare leader and co-founder driving PureHealth’s global expansion, strategic acquisitions and digital transformation. With 20+ years reshaping healthcare ecosystems, she champions innovation, longevity-centric care and sustainable impact, redefining patient experiences and industry benchmarks across continents.
Tiemen Meester
Group COO Ports & Terminals
DP World
Tiemen Meester is a global ports and logistics innovator, leading DP World’s ports and terminals strategy, with deep expertise in acquisitions, greenfield developments, and operational excellence. A seasoned leader, he champions sustainable trade infrastructure and digital transformation to accelerate global commerce and resilient supply chains.
