Power List 2025: The 50 Future Architects of Legacy

Abdulla Saeed Juma Al Naboodah is the Executive Director of the Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group and founder of Phoenix Capital, merging traditional family business values with modern investment strategies in the UAE. At Phoenix Capital, he drives sustainable, diversified growth through investments in private equity, venture capital, real estate, and oil & gas. His leadership reinforces a legacy of excellence, innovation, and responsible business practices across the Group’s portfolio.

Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President of Thumbay Healthcare and co-chair of GMU Academic Health System leads one of the region’s most progressive healthcare institutions. Building on his father’s pioneering legacy, he has transformed the organization into a cutting-edge network of hospitals and clinics. A strong advocate for medical innovation, his leadership blends tradition with modern technology to deliver comprehensive care and promote research and development across the Thumbay Group.

Abbas Sajwani embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at just 18 when he founded AHS Group. As the son of Damac founder Hussain Sajwani, he quickly developed valuable insights into Dubai’s real estate market. In 2021, he launched AHS Properties, focusing on ultra-luxury developments in prime locations. Under his leadership, AHS Group reached an asset value of $1.65 billion by 2023 and earned him recognition among the top 100 Arab influencers.

Ali Khalid Al Khatib, Group Managing Director of NAFFCO, drives innovation and operational excellence in the global safety industry. Overseeing 10.5 million square feet of manufacturing space and 15,000 employees across more than 100 countries, he has expanded NAFFCO’s global footprint, including establishing its first US facility in South Texas. His strategic vision and leadership have solidified NAFFCO’s reputation as a premier provider of advanced protection and safety solutions worldwide.

Adel Sajan, Group Managing Director of Danube Group, redefines entrepreneurship in the Middle East by merging legacy with innovation. Starting his business journey at 13 and earning an Executive MBA, his expertise transformed Danube Group. He revived Danube Home, introduced immersive technology for remote property viewing, and launched MENA’s largest indoor sports complex. As a mentor on Shark Tank Dubai, Sajan sets new benchmarks for success and inspires future entrepreneurs.

Ali Sajwani is a transformative leader in the UAE’s business landscape, serving as Managing Director at DAMAC Properties and co-founder and CEO of Amali Properties. He drives operational excellence, technological innovation, and international expansion, exemplified by the Mandarin Oriental Resort Maldives. Sajwani’s forward-thinking approach modernizes luxury real estate, blending digital transformation, sustainability, and sophisticated design while passionately honouring his commitment to marine conservation and unwavering industry-leading standards.

Amira Sajwani, Managing Director of Sales & Development at DAMAC Properties and founder of ventures, is remarkably redefining luxury property development in Dubai. Born into real estate royalty, she combines academic excellence with innovative vision. Overseeing development lifecycles and modernizing sales strategies, she launched PRYPCO and co-created Amali Properties. As a Shark Tank judge, she supports startups, crafting experiences that blend tradition, technology, and sustainability in the evolving luxury market.

Ashish Panjabi, Chief Operations Officer of Jacky’s Group of Companies, has led the company’s digital transformation from traditional retail into robotics, 3D printing, and visitor management systems. He oversees Jacky’s Retail LLC and Business Solutions while mentoring entrepreneurs through TiE, in5 Tech, and Techstars. With credentials from Babson, London Business School, and Stanford, he also shapes innovative global policy as a board member of the Dubai Computer Group and YPO.

Dr. Amina AlRostamani, Director and Board Member of AW Rostamani Group, represents a generation of UAE leaders. With three electrical engineering degrees from The George Washington University, she began her career at TECOM Investments, contributing to Dubai’s development. At TECOM Group, she led projects including Dubai Design District and Dubai Wholesale City. Now, at AW Rostamani, she leverages wireless technology expertise to drive significant sustainable growth and inspire Emirati women.

Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Chairman of Seddiqi Holding, has transformed a small family business into the UAE’s leading luxury watch and jewellery retailer. He preserved the legacy left by his father while diversifying into luxury fashion and real estate. With brands like Rolex and TAG Heuer, his focused growth reflects a commitment to excellence and tradition. Abdul Hamied’s leadership is a testament to Dubai’s luxury status and its business evolution.

Ahmed Khalid Al Khatib, Group Managing Director of NAFFCO, is a visionary leader in international safety. With a Business Management background from the American University in Dubai, he has integrated technology with manufacturing to drive growth. Under his leadership, NAFFCO offers comprehensive safety solutions across firefighting, alarms, security, and oil & gas. He oversees 15,000 professionals and 2,500 engineers across 10.5 million square feet, pioneering sustainable innovations in global markets.

Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and a key UAE business leader, masterfully blends commercial excellence with social impact. Born in Sharjah and educated at Eton and Cambridge, he leads diverse ventures across 15 countries, including Gulftainer, Crescent Petroleum, and Pearl Petroleum. A pioneer in strategic philanthropy and cultural innovation, his visionary approach unites business, arts, and social progress, creating lasting positive change in the region.

Dino Varkey, CEO of GEMS Education, has transformed global education through dedicated leadership. Educated at Winchester College and the University of Sheffield, he advanced through roles at GEMS, founded by his grandparents in the 1960s. Now overseeing 42 schools and 119,000+ students worldwide, he led a swift transition to online learning during COVID-19 while preserving core values. He supports education initiatives with the World Economic Forum and YPO Dubai Chapter.

Founded in 1982 by visionary L K Pagarani, Al Maya Group has grown into a premier FMCG distribution powerhouse under Deepak Pagarani’s leadership. With over 50 retail stores and state-of-the-art warehousing at Dubai’s National Industries Park, the company operates in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Embracing digital innovation through advanced WMS and mobile sales automation, Al Maya Group consistently delivers world-class global brands with excellence and strategic growth.

Ganesh Pillai, leader of RP Group, infuses modern business practices and digital innovation into this established family enterprise. With a management degree from IE Business School Madrid, he is expanding RP Group’s oil and gas foundation into technology and private equity, introducing U.S. technologies to the GCC via Bahrain. With two decades in Bahrain, Pillai values humility and people-centric management, modernizing operations while preserving core family values and international cooperation.

Al Thuriah Group, established in 1996, has become a comprehensive real estate powerhouse in Sharjah, offering property development, construction, leasing, and facilities management. Under Chief Operating Officer George Khouzami, a graduate of the American University of Beirut, the group has built a culture of integrity and excellence. Strategically located in prime Sharjah districts, Al Thuriah delivers tailored market insights and ensures long-term asset preservation, earning an enduring, widely trusted reputation.

Deepak Arora, founder of DRA Group, has been a transformative force in the UAE’s construction industry since arriving in Dubai as an architecture graduate in 1976. Starting with a contracting company in Ras Al Khaimah in 1980, he built DRA into a leader in infrastructure development, specializing in steel and concrete structures. The group’s portfolio includes iconic projects like the Emirates Aviation College and dnata’s overflow centre. Arora’s visionary leadership embodies Dubai’s spirit of innovation and growth.

Hrishikesh, rising from cashier to strategic leader at Adil Trading, has modernized the family business with innovative initiatives and a focus on continuous improvement. Overseeing HR, procurement, and operational efficiency, he launched the “Grow Adil Together” program to bridge communication gaps and nurture fresh ideas. Embracing digital transformation and AI analytics, he honors his father’s legacy while promoting employee development and global expansion for sustained long-term growth.

Jasem Abdulla Al Nowais, Managing Director of Al Nowais Group and PM Piping Petroleum Equipment, is a versatile leader whose career spans key UAE sectors. Starting at ADNOC in oil and gas, then at Etihad Airways and Aldar Properties, he mastered finance, strategy, and investments. A Zayed University graduate with certifications from LSE and CFI, he now shapes investments and strategic partnerships, embodying the new generation of UAE business leadership.

John Paul Alukkas, Managing Director of International Operations at Joyalukkas, is shaping the brand’s global future while upholding its 68-year legacy. A Harvard alumnus and third-generation entrepreneur, he has expanded Joyalukkas across 11 countries with 160+ showrooms. His strategic vision blends heritage with innovation, driving digital transformation and luxury expansion, ensuring Joyalukkas’ global jewellery dominance.

Khalid Al Tayer, Managing Director of Al Tayer Insignia, has transformed the company into a luxury retail powerhouse. Under his leadership, Al Tayer Insignia partners with iconic brands and operates nearly 200 stores across six countries. A Babson College graduate and entrepreneurial innovator, he has driven digital transformation through pioneering e-commerce platforms, redefining the Middle East’s luxury retail landscape and setting new standards for excellence in international retail partnerships.

Dubai native Kunal Lahori is a versatile entrepreneur with over two decades of experience spanning real estate, facilities management, and hospitality. Educated in Finance across Dubai, London, and California, he advanced from a site supervisor at Palmon Group to General Manager, later leading Secure Plus and Huget Design on landmark projects. In 2018, he launched Manrre, the region’s first industrial REIT, and founded Create Hospitality, embodying innovation and community impact.

Kush Bhatia, a University of Manchester graduate, is pioneering new frontiers in the global steel industry through his leadership at Conares. His strong foundation in Economics, International Business, and Finance has driven Conares’ international expansion, providing the steel backbone for Dubai’s skyline. Reflecting the city’s relentless innovation, Bhatia’s vision and creative passions in football, theatre, and filmmaking embody a new generation of exceptional leadership shaping one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Muhammad BinGhatti, Chairman of Binghatti Holding, has redefined luxury real estate in the UAE by merging architectural vision with business acumen. Since taking over in 2014, he transformed his father’s company into a distinctive property developer with an AED 40 billion portfolio. A graduate in Architecture and Design, his “passion management” style and strategic luxury brand partnerships have set new benchmarks in innovative real estate development.

Mahesh Shahdadpuri, Founder and CEO of TASC Outsourcing, has revolutionized the Middle East’s staffing and business services sector. With a global perspective shaped by his upbringing and education, he founded TASC in Dubai in 2007, growing it into one of the region’s largest outsourcing companies. Beyond TASC, Shahdadpuri has launched several successful ventures, including AIQU and Future Milez, cementing his reputation as a forward-thinking entrepreneur in the regional business ecosystem.

Meher Mirchandani, Director of the Palmon Group and Manrre Logistics Fund, exemplifies how inner transformation fuels external success. After co-founding a fashion venture at 22, she joined her family’s business in 2013, implementing changes that improved efficiency and employee engagement. Her journey of self-discovery reshaped her leadership, inspiring her to co-found a logistics fund and become a transformative coach and author, offering a remarkable holistic blueprint for truly authentic leadership.

Dynamically leading GMG since 2016, Mohammad Baker transformed his family’s legacy into a global well-being enterprise. Taking the helm at 28, he expanded the company from a single Dubai store to operations in 57 cities across 12 countries. His visionary leadership grew flagship Sun & Sand Sports to over 550 stores, blending tradition with innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, and setting ambitious goals for global sports retail expansion.

Mohammed Bin Khalaf Al Habtoor, Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, blends tradition with innovation to drive developments. Educated in hotel management and business from leading institutions, he has led projects like Al Habtoor City, the Polo Resort, and Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. His diverse portfolio spans real estate and hospitality, with a commitment to sustainable practices and social responsibility that preserves the family legacy in a business landscape.

Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Board Member of Al Ghurair Group, embodies Dubai’s dynamic business evolution. Building on a legacy founded in 1960, he has expanded the conglomerate across real estate, retail, and finance. His leadership as Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce has transformed the regional retail landscape. Recognized for business acumen and public service, Al Ghurair continues to drive economic growth in a rapidly evolving global market today.

Dr. Navin Valrani, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Al Shirawi Group and CEO of Arcadia Education, bridges industry and education. A Wharton graduate with an MBA from London Business School and a doctorate in educational technology, he has expanded Al Shirawi Group into 30 companies while innovating education through programs and scholarships. His visionary leadership fosters well-being and academic excellence as Arcadia Education grows and expands across the Emirates.

Nisha Jagtiani, a transformative leader in Middle Eastern retail and daughter of Landmark Group founder Micky Jagtiani, has driven expansion and innovation. Mentored at Splash, she launched the ICONIC fashion brand and now directs Lifestyle’s growth across 200 stores in the region. Recognized among Indian business leaders in the UAE, she champions CSR initiatives like Beat Diabetes and launched the Landmark Happiness Movement, blending entrepreneurial vision with social responsibility.

Nawas Basheer, Executive Director of Nesto Group and Co-Founder of Gala, has transformed a single retail store into a powerhouse with over 100 outlets across the GCC and India. With dual master’s degrees from Bentley University and experience boosting brand sales at Western International Group, he drives Nesto’s growth over 6 million square feet serving 250,000 customers daily through innovative strategies, smart logistics, and digital expertise from co-founding Jazp.com in the region.

Omar Abdulla Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al-Futtaim Group, has transformed the family business from its 1930s trading roots into a global enterprise spanning automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and health. A Macalester College Economics graduate with investment banking experience, he has driven expansion into over twenty markets and led strategic acquisitions. His leadership fuses traditional values with modern governance, sustaining excellence and social impact.

Prerit Goel, a dynamic leader, transformed his family’s modest UAE venture into an international powerhouse. He spearheaded key projects such as a successful storage terminal in Fujairah through a strategic REPSOL partnership, while expanding into agribusiness and bunkering globally. Emphasizing emotional intelligence, resilience, and genuine human connections, Goel’s leadership blends technical expertise with a people-first approach, turning adversity into opportunity and inspiring leaders across cultures. His journey inspires future leaders.

Rashid Alabbar, son of Emaar founder Mohammed Alabbar, is redefining Dubai’s retail landscape through digital innovation. As co-founder of Alabbar Enterprises and creator of Sivvi.com, his mobile-first, Arabic-first platform has achieved impressive growth. Rashid has also expanded into luxury e-commerce via strategic partnerships and holds interests in the food industry through Barakat Group. Collaborating with his siblings, he leads a new generation transforming traditional retail for the digital age.

Ravi Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group, is a visionary leader building on his father’s esteemed legacy in real estate. A distinguished Purdue University civil engineering graduate, he rapidly rose from director in 2004 to lead Sobha. Menon champions cutting-edge innovation—integrating precast technology—and strong social responsibility through comprehensive community development initiatives. With ambitious plans for global expansion, he balances commercial success with sustainable impact, marking a transformative new chapter for Sobha.

Rohit, a key leader at Adil Trading, drives digital transformation by launching an e-commerce website and app. With a marketing degree and experience from top agencies in India and the UAE, he strengthens strategic operations, supplier relationships, and product diversification. His innovative digital campaigns and sustainable practices expand market reach while preserving his family’s legacy, positioning Adil Trading as a forward-thinking, customer-centric organization that honors his grandfather’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Rohan Mehta, a key shareholder at Petrochem, has infused the premier chemical distribution enterprise with fresh perspectives. A Northeastern University Economics graduate with valuable refinery experience from Dallas, he returned to Dubai with a vision emphasizing innovation, digital fitness, and relationship building. Under his leadership, Petrochem has expanded globally, while his independent venture, Raging Tiger, demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to continuous learning, positioning the company for future success.

Dr. Ruchi Dana, CEO of the $500-million Dana Group, transformed from a medical practitioner to a business innovator. Combining a medical degree from AMU with an MBA from Stanford, she steered the company through the 2008–2009 recession, diversifying into steel, lubricants, retail, and hospitality. An entrepreneurial force, she founded ventures including Jugaad and Pik A Venture, and serves on multiple boards, exemplifying leadership that integrates healthcare, business, and social impact.

Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson and Managing Director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, is a pioneering businesswoman renowned for her transformative leadership and advocacy for Arab women entrepreneurs. Serving on prestigious boards such as the Dubai Businesswomen Council and National Bank of Fujairah, and honored with multiple awards, she balances corporate excellence with active philanthropy through the Al Jalila Foundation, shaping business and education in the UAE.

Shafeena Yusuff Ali stands at the intersection of business innovation and cultural enrichment. As Chairperson of Tablez and Director of Twenty14 Holdings, she is a distinguished entrepreneur and art enthusiast whose ventures span F&B, retail, fashion, and hospitality. With an MBA from Oxford, she has introduced international franchises in India and the UAE and is committed to community development and philanthropy, shaping both business and the artistic landscape regionally.

Shuja Jashanmal, Group Chief Officer of Department Stores at Jashanmal National Co., exemplifies perseverance and success. Starting as a salesman after earning degrees from USC and University of La Verne, he rose through the ranks, driving the expansion of over 150 stores across the GCC and India. Under his leadership, the company has quadrupled its workforce and embraced digital innovation while upholding core values of excellence, customer focus, and integrity.

Sophiya Faizal, Director of KEF Holdings, embodies family business leadership by blending innovation with social responsibility. Beginning with early internships and family insights, she earned a BSc in Materials Science and a master’s in International Business Law before joining KEF in 2016. She has driven strategic growth through KEF Healthcare’s expansion and co-founded PAUS, leveraging technology for operational excellence while upholding the mission to “be different and make a difference.

Tariq Khansaheb, Chairman of Khansaheb Civil Engineering LLC, exemplifies the blend of tradition and innovation that has sustained his company’s nearly nine-decade legacy in the UAE’s construction industry. After earning his engineering degree and gaining formative experience in the UK, he joined the family firm in 1985, leading its transformation from a local contractor (established in 1935) into a diversified powerhouse employing 5,000 professionals and contributing to iconic national projects.

Taher Shams, Managing Director of Zulekha Healthcare Group, has transformed a modest 30-bed facility into a healthcare network spanning the UAE and India. With an MBA from the University of Lincoln, he expanded the group to include major hospitals, medical centers, and pharmacies, employing 300 doctors and over 3,000 staff. His leadership emphasizes community trust, innovation, and sustainability, driving cancer care and smart services to shape the region’s healthcare future.

Urusa Imran, with a Master’s in Automation Implementation of Businesses and a Bachelor’s in Commerce, has catalyzed meaningful change at Samana Developers. In 2022, she founded the Women Empowerment Unit, boosting female representation to 48%. Guided by her father’s wisdom, she developed a five-year vision that prioritizes technological innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric design to create thriving, eco-friendly communities. Her entrepreneurial leadership truly redefines real estate, blending strategic growth with social impact.

Vivek Bhatia, a visionary leader at Conares since 2014, has reshaped Dubai’s steel industry with his innovative and sustainable approach. A Mechanical Business Management graduate from the University of Manchester, he has driven market expansion, product diversification, and environmental stewardship. Bhatia’s leadership blends rigorous strategy with stakeholder trust, while his passions in golf, photography, and technology add creative precision to his management style, building sustainable steel solutions for Dubai’s future.

Founded in 1982 as a four-person pharmaceuticals trading company, Al Khayyat Investments (AKI) has grown into a diversified business spanning the GCC, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq. Under Zaid S. Al Khayyat’s leadership as Managing Director, AKI has quadrupled revenue in the past decade, employing 10,000 people across pharmaceuticals, retail, fitness, automotive, and more. With eight core business units across four major sectors—retail, distribution, contracting, and automotive—AKI continues to expand while upholding its founding principles of innovation and excellence.

Zanubia Shams, Co-Chairperson of Zulekha Healthcare Group, has transformed her mother’s pioneering healthcare vision into a comprehensive network across the UAE and India. With a postgraduate degree in Business Administration, she expanded operations to include major hospitals, medical centers, and pharmacies, while launching innovative homecare and health awareness initiatives. Her leadership emphasizes healthcare excellence and social responsibility, setting a benchmark for gender equality and inspiring future generations of healthcare leaders.