The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rapidly emerged as a global hub for innovation, luxury, and entrepreneurship. Behind this transformation is a new generation of Emirati entrepreneurs and business leaders who are driving progress across real estate, technology, finance, space exploration, and sustainability. This article spotlights Emirati entrepreneurs who continue to lead the UAE’s business, innovation, and global influence as of 2025. Their ongoing impact spans cutting-edge industries, from AI and real estate to space exploration and sustainable development. These trailblazers not only shape the UAE’s economy but are also making waves internationally.
Here are the Top 10 Influential Emirati Entrepreneurs Shaping 2025 and Beyond, whose influence, vision, and leadership continue to inspire and redefine success in the region.
1. Founder & Chairman of Emaar Properties, Mohamed Alabbar – A Visionary Behind Global Icons
- Known for iconic developments like Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall.
- Also the founder of com, a leading e-commerce platform in the Middle East.
As the Founder and Chairman of Emaar Properties, Mohamed Alabbar is one of the most recognizable names in the Middle Eastern business world. He is the mastermind behind Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, two of the most visited and photographed sites globally.
But Alabbar’s impact doesn’t stop at real estate. He also launched Noon.com, one of the region’s leading e-commerce platforms, aimed at competing with global giants like Amazon. His ability to merge luxury, scale, and technology makes him a trendsetter in both brick-and-mortar and digital economies.
2. Founder & Chairman of DAMAC Properties, Hussain Sajwani – A Luxury Real Estate Tycoon
- A real estate mogul with luxury developments across the Middle East and beyond.
- Partnered with global brands like Versace and Donald Trump for real estate ventures.
Hussain Sajwani, the Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties, has played a pivotal role in elevating the UAE’s luxury real estate scene. Known for high-end developments across the Middle East, Sajwani’s projects often feature collaborations with internationally renowned brands like Versace, Fendi, and even Donald Trump.
Sajwani’s business acumen and bold approach have earned him a global reputation as a visionary in the luxury property market.
3. Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, Khalaf Al Habtoor – A Pioneer in Diversified Business
- Diversified business empire in hospitality, automotive, real estate, education, and publishing.
- Known for iconic hotels like Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah.
A stalwart in UAE’s business landscape, Khalaf Al Habtoor is the Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, a multi-sector conglomerate involved in hospitality, automotive, real estate, education, and publishing.
He is known for launching the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah and continues to advocate for sustainable development and national progress. Al Habtoor is also a thought leader, frequently publishing insights on regional economic growth.
4. CEO, Crescent Enterprises | President, Crescent Petroleum, Badr Jafar – A Social Entrepreneur and Energy Executive
- Active in energy, infrastructure, and private equity.
- Advocates for social entrepreneurship and sustainability in the Middle East.
Badr Jafar is the CEO of Crescent Enterprises and President of Crescent Petroleum, leading the charge in energy, infrastructure, and private equity investments.
Aside from his corporate roles, Jafar is a strong proponent of social entrepreneurship, environmental responsibility, and youth empowerment in the Arab world. His work supports regional startups and non-profits, aligning business growth with societal impact.
5. Minister of State for Advanced Technology | Chairwoman, UAE Space Agency, Sarah Al Amiric – An Innovation Leader in Space and Science
- A leading force behind the Emirates Mars Mission (Hope Probe).
- A prominent voice for innovation and women in STEM in the region.
Sarah Al Amiri represents the future of Emirati innovation. As the Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, she played a key role in the successful Emirates Mars Mission (Hope Probe).
A globally recognized leader in STEM, Al Amiri is championing women’s inclusion in science and technology while shaping national policies to promote advanced research and development.
6. Group CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, Khaldoon Al Mubarak – A Powerhouse in Global Investments
- Oversees a sovereign wealth fund managing over $250 billion in assets.
- Also the Chairman of Manchester City Football Club.
At the helm of the Mubadala Investment Company, Khaldoon Al Mubarak manages one of the UAE’s largest sovereign wealth funds, overseeing over $250 billion in assets.
In addition to his investment roles, Al Mubarak is also the Chairman of Manchester City Football Club, showcasing his ability to integrate sports, business, and international partnerships. His strategic influence extends across multiple continents and industries.
7. Founder, Mashreq Bank | Al Ghurair Group, Abdulla Bin Ahmad Al Ghurair – A Banking & Philanthropy Icon
- Key player in banking, food, construction, and philanthropy.
- Founded one of the UAE’s most successful family businesses.
Founder of Mashreq Bank and the Al Ghurair Group, Abdulla Al Ghurair has long been a pillar of the UAE’s financial and industrial sectors. His company spans construction, food, manufacturing, and education, making it one of the most respected family businesses in the region.
Al Ghurair is also known for his philanthropic efforts through the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, empowering young Arabs through scholarships and mentorship.
8. CEO of Expo 2020 Dubai Authority | Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy – A Global Diplomat and Expo 2020 Visionary
- Instrumental in organizing Expo 2020 Dubai, boosting the UAE’s global image.
- Promotes sustainability, innovation, and global partnerships.
As the CEO of the Expo 2020 Dubai Authority and the Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy was instrumental in bringing the world to Dubai through one of the most successful World Expos in history.
She continues to promote global partnerships, innovation, and sustainable development goals (SDGs) through her diplomatic and entrepreneurial work.
9. Executive Chairman & CEO, DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), Ahmed Bin Sulayem – A Commodities and Trade Trailblazer
- Transformed Dubai into a global hub for commodities trade.
- Played a key role in expanding the UAE’s gold and diamond sectors.
As the Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), Ahmed Bin Sulayem has transformed Dubai into a global trading hub for gold, diamonds, and other commodities.
Under his leadership, DMCC has been recognized as one of the world’s leading free zones, attracting thousands of businesses from around the world. Bin Sulayem continues to position Dubai as a leader in global trade.
10. CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), Najla Al Midfa – A Champion of Startups and Women in Business
- Focused on nurturing startups and young Emirati entrepreneurs.
- Recognized for promoting innovation and supporting women-led businesses.
Najla Al Midfa is the CEO of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), a leading platform for nurturing Emirati startups and entrepreneurial talent.
She is an influential voice in empowering women entrepreneurs, providing mentorship and resources to drive innovation from the ground up. Najla is widely respected for her contributions to the startup ecosystem in the UAE.
Final Thoughts
As we move deeper into 2025, these Top 10 Influential Emirati Entrepreneurs Shaping 2025 and Beyond continue to redefine not only the UAE’s future but also play a pivotal role in global innovation, diplomacy, and enterprise. Whether it’s launching Mars missions, disrupting e-commerce, transforming trade infrastructure, or empowering the next generation of founders, each of these leaders is pushing boundaries in their fields.
Their stories reflect a new chapter of Emirati excellence — one that’s rooted in visionary thinking, digital transformation, and sustainable growth. For anyone looking to understand where the UAE — and the world — is headed, these are the entrepreneurs to follow.
Stay tuned, because the next wave of global change-makers is already here — and many are proudly Emirati.
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