Name: H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Designation: CEO & Chairman
Company: Emirates Group
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, has been instrumental in shaping Dubai’s ascent as a global aviation and business powerhouse for nearly four decades. His leadership journey began in 1985, when he was appointed President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation, coinciding with his role as Chairman of the newly established Emirates Airline. At the time, the airline operated with just two leased aircraft. Today, Emirates stands among the world’s most influential aviation groups, a transformation driven by Sheikh Ahmed’s long-term vision and unwavering focus on sustainable growth. That vision continues to deliver strong results. For the first half of 2025–26, the Emirates Group reported a record profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion, marking its fourth consecutive year of half-year record profitability.
The Group also posted a solid EBITDA of AED 21.1 billion, up 3% year-onyear. Financial strength remains central to its strategy, with a record cash position of AED 56.0 billion as of 2025. Operationally, Emirates continues to expand its global footprint, serving 152 destinations across 79 countries and territories. Beyond the airline, as President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports, Sheikh Ahmed continues to drive Dubai’s aviation as one of the world’s most influential leaders in global aviation.
