Meet The CEOs Leading The World's Largest Companies

From energy behemoths to financial giants, these five executives lead the world's largest companies. Company figures are as of May 2023, and ranking follows Forbes' 2023 Global 2000 list.

BLOOMING

With over $190 million in funding, Floward's cofounders Abdulaziz AI Loughani and Mohamed AI Arifi are reshaping the way people shop for flowers and gifts. Today, the duo is leading an IPO plan, with the startup planning to go public in the second half of 2024.

Rise Of The Tractor Bots

Monarch CEO Praveen Penmetsa wants to save America's farms with robots. Can Old MacDonalds learn new tricks?

SUSTAINABLE 100

The Middle East is investing in a sustainable transformation, with initiatives underway to advance the harnessing of clean energy sources, innovations in waste management, water conservation, green architecture, and cultivating food sovereignty through smart and sustainable agricultural projects.

NO TIME TO WASTE

Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of the BEEAH Group, has overseen the holding company's growth from a small waste management facility to a regional renewable power player. As MENA drives forward its green agenda, his job has only just gotten started.

BUILDING BRIDGES

Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the U.A.E.’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Minister in Charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, has been a key player as the country embeds its commitment to sustainability. His challenge now: inspiring others to use business as a platform for positive change.

FEEDERS

The cofounders of Saudi's RedSea are on a mission to change how food is sourced in harsh climates, building luscious farms in the arid desert to feed over a billion people.

10 Government Climate Change Leaders

These 10 leaders in government in the Middle East are using their influence to create positive change.

Middle East Consumers Prioritize ESG And Sustainability

As the Middle East gears up to host COP28 in the U.A.E., sustainability has become the hot topic of the year. This heightened awareness has alerted consumers to their choices, prompting them to adopt more eco-conscious choices in their purchasing decisions.

In Numbers: Younger Generations Drive The Rise Of Resale

Underpinned by the impact of social media, economic stresses, and a change in purchase intention, the global resale market has been on the rise, led by younger generations. Here are some facts and figures highlighting this surge of conscious consumption.

The Race To A Low-Emission Future: How MENA Oil And Gas Giants Are Adapting

Oil and gas operations account for nearly 15% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions globally, according to a recent report by the International Energy Agency. Over 600 billion in investments are required to cut oil and gas emissions in half by 2030. Here are some notable investments and initiatives by oil and gas firms in MENA in their journey to a low-carbon future.

COP28 U.A.E.Facts, Figures, And Key Issues

With COP27 having been held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022, COP28 is set to take place at Expo City Dubai, in the U.A.E., from November 30 to December 12, 2023. Here's what you need to know about this year's climate summit.

Why The Top 3 Arab Economies Are Joining BRICS

The BRICS alliance comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and together they represent a quarter of the global economy. The U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are now due to become members. Here's a look at the benefits and potential challenges that lie ahead for them.

MENA Venture Capital Declines

MENA experienced a significant setback in funding and deals during the first half of 2023, reflecting a global retreat in venture capital activity.

GLOBAL MEETS LOCAL 2023

International Giants Are Attracting FDI And Stimulating Economic Growth.

Kill Trees, Save The Planet

Bill Gates and other investors are betting KODAMA SYSTEMS can reduce carbon dioxide in the air by cutting down and burying trees. Now if only Uncle Sam would get onboard with tax credits, too.

Sand Dollars

BUD BRIGHAM made a fortune drilling for oil, but his 42-mile-long conveyor belt of sand for fracking could make him a billionaire-assuming he can avoid the tiny lizards.

Changing The Narrative

Coca-Cola may be best known for fizzy drinks and curvy bottles, but it's evolving with the times, according to regional VP, ANDREW BUCKINGHAM. As plastic packaging becomes a social pariah, emphasizing ESG is on the rise for one of the world's biggest companies, particularly in the Middle East.

Road To Net-Zero

Uber's been evolving its vehicles, pricing, and ride options to steer a transition to clean energy. Now regional head FRANS HIEMSTRA needs to persuade passengers and drivers in the Middle East to choose them.

JUST THE BEGINNING

Anthony Nakache, Managing Director for MENA at Google, is leading the regional base for a more than trillion-dollar company, one of the biggest tech giants in the world. As Al increasingly powers growth in the Middle East, he's creating partnerships to make sure the technology is understood and used in the right way.

SHIFTING FOCUS

Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East at Marriott International, one of the world's largest hotel operators, is amplifying the emphasis on luxury as Saudi Arabia takes center stage in the company's intensified focus on premium offerings.

OVERCLOCKING AMD

I LISA SU ORCHESTRATED ONE OF THE GREAT TURNAROUNDS IN SILICON VALLEY HISTORY, DRIVING THE DYING SEMICONDUCTOR MAKER'S STOCK PRICE UP NEARLY 30-FOLD IN LESS THAN A DECADE. NOW, SHE'S PREPARING FOR BATTLE IN THE COMING AI REVOLUTION-AND SHE EXPECTS TO KEEP WINNING.

TOP 100 ARAB FAMILY BUSINESSES 2023

Family Businesses Are Evolving And Unlocking Value

SEEDING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Morocco’s agribusiness is under mounting pressure amid soaring inflation and climate-driven weather variations. Rita Maria Zniber, Chairman and CEO of agribusiness group Diana Holding, is taking the lead in transitioning to a more sustainable ecosystem.

GOING STRONG

Hassan Allam Holding’s third-generation leaders, Hassan Allam and Amr Allam, the Co-CEOs of the group, have been overseeing their family business since 2009 and 2010, respectively. They are now focused on expanding the company’s operations, leveraging hitting 5.5 billion in backlog in 2022.

EXECUTING AN EVOLUTION

Tarek Hosni, CEO of family-owned Saudi pharmaceuticals giant Jamjoom Pharma, led the company through an IPO in June 2023—the largest the kingdom has seen so far this year. Now he’s looking at new product growth to make the company an international name.

Inflection AI, The Year-Old Startup Behind Chatbot Pi, Raises $1.3 Billion

Backed by Microsoft, Nvidia and billionaires Reid Hoffman, Bill Gates and Eric Schmidt, the startup led by ex-DeepMind leader MUSTAFA SULEYMAN is valued at 4 billion—and claims to have the world’s best Al hardware setup.

Musk Vs Zuckerberg: Who's Winning The Tech Billionaires' Brawl?

Whether Musk and Zuckerberg will ever make it to the boxing ring remains to be seen, but their rivalry continues to make headlines. Here are some highlights and key stats.

20 Smartest Cities In The World

Here are the top 20 cities improving energy efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions, and increasing the well-being of citizens, according to the Institute for Management and Development in partnership with the World Smart Sustainable Organization.

Enduring Legacies: 5 Renowned Global Businesses That Were Founded By Families

Family businesses have long been an important part of the global business landscape. Here are five renowned businesses founded by families, rising from humble beginnings to global prestige.