Our fifth annual list of the Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East spotlights leaders whose influence extends far beyond business performance. The region’s power corridors are being redefined as today’s CEOs emerge not just as corporate executives, but as nation builders, steering industries toward innovation, diversification, and global relevance. Their mandates increasingly merge commercial success with a broader commitment to advancing national visions and shaping the region’s future.

In 2025, companies increasingly moved towards diversification and away from oil-rich dependencies. A recurring theme across this year’s list is an urgent emphasis on AI and sustainability given the accelerating climate crisis, such as QatarEnergy’s agreement with Samsung C&T for the construction of Dukhan solar powerplant, and Saudi-based ACWA Power’s PPAs with the Saudi Power Procurement Company and Badeel for the development of seven large-scale renewable energy plants, worth $8.3 billion.

PwC’s 2025 survey reveals that 60% of CEOs in the Middle East believe their businesses will not be viable within the next decade or less without reinvention driven by climate change.

Furthermore, there is a strong need to expand and acquire. This year alone, the Dubai Aerospace Enterprise completed the $2 billion acquisition of Nordic Aviation Capital, both Almarai and Agthia Group acquired bottled mineral water companies; meanwhile, Masdar acquired an approximately 50% stake in four operational solar powerplants in Spain.