Doha, Qatar – November 19, 2025 – Forbes Middle East has released its highly anticipated 2025 list of the Top 100 CEOs in the region, recognizing ten prominent executives from Qatar for their leadership and impact. The annual ranking highlights individuals steering significant growth and innovation across diverse industries, with a pronounced focus on financial services. This year’s results demonstrate Qatar’s continued strength in regional business leadership.
The list, published yesterday, showcases executives from 18 different nationalities, reflecting the diverse and international nature of the Middle East’s corporate landscape. Forbes Middle East based its rankings on a combination of factors, including the size and performance of the companies led, the CEOs’ experience and tenure, and their demonstrated impact on their respective sectors and national economies.
Qatar’s Leaders Among Top CEOs in the Middle East
Leading the Qatari representation is HE Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President & CEO of QatarEnergy, securing the fifth position overall. His leadership is pivotal as Qatar navigates evolving global energy markets and pursues long-term sustainability goals. Abdulla Mubarak Al-Khalifa, CEO of QNB Group, follows closely at number nine, highlighting the bank’s regional prominence.
Forbes Middle East emphasized the importance of banking and financial services within the broader economic context of the region. Several other Qatari executives were prominently featured within this dominant sector, reinforcing Qatar’s strategic investments in financial stability and diversification.
Sector Representation & Key Leaders
Beyond energy and banking, the Qatari contingent represented a variety of key sectors. Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, CEO of Ooredoo Group, ranked 38th, showcasing the telecom company’s ongoing expansion across the Middle East. Abdulrahman Bin Fahad Al-Thani, CEO of Doha Bank Group, came in at 58th, underscoring the bank’s contribution to local and international finance.
Yousuf Al-Jaida, CEO of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), secured the 62nd spot, reflecting the QFC’s role in attracting foreign investment and fostering a dynamic financial ecosystem. Bassel Gamal, CEO of Qatar Islamic Bank Group, was ranked 64th, illustrating the growing strength of Islamic finance in the region. Salem Al Mannai of Qatar Insurance Group (68th), Abdullah Al-Sulaiti of Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat) (75th), Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani of Qatar Free Zones Authority (81st), and Tarek M El Sayed, CEO and MD of Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (84th) additionally rounded out the Qatari representation.
The inclusion of leaders from organizations like Nakilat and the Qatar Free Zones Authority emphasizes the country’s progress beyond traditional energy sources. Qatar’s focus on logistics and developing free trade zones signals a commitment to long term economic resilience and competitiveness in the global marketplace. Increased foreign direct investment is a key goal for these initiatives.
This year’s list indicates a continued shift towards diversification within the Middle Eastern economy, spurred by governmental initiatives and entrepreneurial innovation. Forbes Middle East noted the leadership positions held by Emirati executives, highlighting the UAE’s strong performance across multiple sectors, particularly in banking and technology. The rankings also underscore the increasing prominence of regional companies on the international stage.
Qatar’s consistent placement on the Forbes Top 100 CEOs list suggests a robust and adaptable business environment. This environment, supported by strategic government policies and a skilled workforce, attracts international investment and promotes economic growth.
Looking ahead, the upcoming year will be crucial in observing how these leaders navigate evolving geopolitical and economic landscapes. The performance of the energy sector, influenced by global demand and the transition to renewable energy, will be a key factor. Furthermore, adapting to ongoing digital transformation and fluctuating interest rates will represent ongoing challenges for the region’s CEOs and will likely impact future rankings. Another Forbes Middle East list is expected in late 2026.
