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USER COMMENTS (83 COMMENTS)
POST A COMMENTWonderful Younis!
Posted by Amira on 8 June 2008 at 00:40 UAE time
YEAH!!! Younis Mahmoud is on the list! :D
It's great to see him known as an influential person
Posted by Amira on 8 June 2008 at 00:40 UAE time
YEAH!!! Younis Mahmoud is on the list! :D
It's great to see him known as an influential person
Dual nationality
Posted by Deborah, Manama, Bahrain on 27 May 2008 at 11:55 UAE time
Interesting.
But why is it that Afnan Al Zayani is both Bahrain's and Egypt's most powerful woman?
Posted by Deborah, Manama, Bahrain on 27 May 2008 at 11:55 UAE time
Interesting.
But why is it that Afnan Al Zayani is both Bahrain's and Egypt's most powerful woman?
A joke
Posted by Johar, Djanet, Algeria on 10 May 2008 at 20:19 UAE time
These people may be influential in the Middle East but not in the World.
Who cares about Elissa and her fake rack and bad nose job outside the region?
Editors' Reply: Elissa gives joy and happiness to the many millions of Arabic speaking people who love her music and videos. We do not have to seek the approval of what is outside our culture to give recognition to what is within.
Posted by Johar, Djanet, Algeria on 10 May 2008 at 20:19 UAE time
These people may be influential in the Middle East but not in the World.
Who cares about Elissa and her fake rack and bad nose job outside the region?
Editors' Reply: Elissa gives joy and happiness to the many millions of Arabic speaking people who love her music and videos. We do not have to seek the approval of what is outside our culture to give recognition to what is within.
A good list
Posted by salah almhamdi, sbiba, tunisia on 10 May 2008 at 17:55 UAE time
I was very glad that scientists appears on the list...
Posted by salah almhamdi, sbiba, tunisia on 10 May 2008 at 17:55 UAE time
I was very glad that scientists appears on the list...
the list is excellent
Posted by salah almhamdi, sbiba, tunisia on 10 May 2008 at 17:53 UAE time
I thank all the staff of the magazine for this comprehensive list. but where is Nishan? He is very influential. Please include him in the list next year , he succeeded in hosting George Wassouf who rarely accepts TV appearances...
Posted by salah almhamdi, sbiba, tunisia on 10 May 2008 at 17:53 UAE time
I thank all the staff of the magazine for this comprehensive list. but where is Nishan? He is very influential. Please include him in the list next year , he succeeded in hosting George Wassouf who rarely accepts TV appearances...
Selection criteria
Posted by Maher Ahmed, London, United Kingdom on 9 May 2008 at 14:38 UAE time
It is an interesting list and hard to argue for or against many. The one point I would make is that the selection criteria seems very shallow and tends to favour those who were born into privileged backgrounds and those who basically have a lot of money. Nothing wrong with that but I think it ignores some people who have achieved great things and have maybe not got the media attention that their achievements deserved, people who would inspire the ordinary masses on the street.
The examples I have in mind are people such as Sir Magdi Yacoub, one of the greatest transplant surgeons in the world, his work still influences today's surgery or Zaid 'Zeddy' Al Refai, the first Arab to climb everest and one of less than 100 people in the world who have climbed the highest mountains on every continent in the world. Maybe even someone like the Aga Khan, not an Arab, but his work has benefited a lot of less privileged people in the Middle East.
Posted by Maher Ahmed, London, United Kingdom on 9 May 2008 at 14:38 UAE time
It is an interesting list and hard to argue for or against many. The one point I would make is that the selection criteria seems very shallow and tends to favour those who were born into privileged backgrounds and those who basically have a lot of money. Nothing wrong with that but I think it ignores some people who have achieved great things and have maybe not got the media attention that their achievements deserved, people who would inspire the ordinary masses on the street.
The examples I have in mind are people such as Sir Magdi Yacoub, one of the greatest transplant surgeons in the world, his work still influences today's surgery or Zaid 'Zeddy' Al Refai, the first Arab to climb everest and one of less than 100 people in the world who have climbed the highest mountains on every continent in the world. Maybe even someone like the Aga Khan, not an Arab, but his work has benefited a lot of less privileged people in the Middle East.
SHOW ALL COMMENTS
Where is Mohamed El-Erian?
Posted by mo, London, UK on 5 May 2008 at 15:04 UAE time
Where is Mohammad El-Erian? Surely, he should be on the list given that he is the CO-CEO and CO-CIO of PIMCO (manages over 700 billion in assets) and was also most recently Harvard's endownment manager. Surely. this person has influence globally much more so than the many entertainers on this list!
Posted by mo, London, UK on 5 May 2008 at 15:04 UAE time
Where is Mohammad El-Erian? Surely, he should be on the list given that he is the CO-CEO and CO-CIO of PIMCO (manages over 700 billion in assets) and was also most recently Harvard's endownment manager. Surely. this person has influence globally much more so than the many entertainers on this list!
Entertainers!!
Posted by Mohammed Saeed Harib on 22 April 2008 at 03:35 UAE time
I have been selected as one of this year's lucky (or unlucky depends how you look at it) power 100 list at 33
I am deeply saddened that many here view people in entertainment such as myself as low beings with nothing to give and with no work to be proud of. Entertainment does not only cover those dancers and singers you see and complain about (but watch anyway) it also covers formidable news presenters and even media moguls who shape what you see and believe whether you like it or not. Yes, there are many bad examples out there that we can point our fingers at but i feel personally honored that i was selected for my work as a director of a show that helped preserve our culture and identity, offering a safe alternative for viewers and their kids.
The success of FREEJ had a great influence on millions of viewers across the GCC and helped many youth get inspired and follow their dreams and it helped people in the UAE reconnect with their cultural values and the simpler life that once was.
I hate to see my team's achievements undermined just for the fact that we are in the entertainment business. Influence does not know a gender or a race or even a field for that matter. I appreciate it if such naysayers get educated about what entertainment stands for and the effects it has on our lives and our children's. We are on the bottom of the global list because we don't have a proper representation in media and because our media viewers lack the understanding of such a field.
Posted by Mohammed Saeed Harib on 22 April 2008 at 03:35 UAE time
I have been selected as one of this year's lucky (or unlucky depends how you look at it) power 100 list at 33
I am deeply saddened that many here view people in entertainment such as myself as low beings with nothing to give and with no work to be proud of. Entertainment does not only cover those dancers and singers you see and complain about (but watch anyway) it also covers formidable news presenters and even media moguls who shape what you see and believe whether you like it or not. Yes, there are many bad examples out there that we can point our fingers at but i feel personally honored that i was selected for my work as a director of a show that helped preserve our culture and identity, offering a safe alternative for viewers and their kids.
The success of FREEJ had a great influence on millions of viewers across the GCC and helped many youth get inspired and follow their dreams and it helped people in the UAE reconnect with their cultural values and the simpler life that once was.
I hate to see my team's achievements undermined just for the fact that we are in the entertainment business. Influence does not know a gender or a race or even a field for that matter. I appreciate it if such naysayers get educated about what entertainment stands for and the effects it has on our lives and our children's. We are on the bottom of the global list because we don't have a proper representation in media and because our media viewers lack the understanding of such a field.
Really???
Posted by Wael DC, Dubai, UAE on 22 April 2008 at 01:20 UAE time
Since When is Fairuz less powerful than Elissa, Antoine Choeiry, Nadine Labaki, or Amr Diab.
I had some respect for Arabian Business...not anymore. This list and the entire poll is funded by Al Waleed who unlike the REAL powerful Saudis who maintain a low profile cannot sleep if he's not on a cover of a magazine or topping a list similar to this.
Stop abusing the kindness of Arabs... They will one day bite back ;)
Posted by Wael DC, Dubai, UAE on 22 April 2008 at 01:20 UAE time
Since When is Fairuz less powerful than Elissa, Antoine Choeiry, Nadine Labaki, or Amr Diab.
I had some respect for Arabian Business...not anymore. This list and the entire poll is funded by Al Waleed who unlike the REAL powerful Saudis who maintain a low profile cannot sleep if he's not on a cover of a magazine or topping a list similar to this.
Stop abusing the kindness of Arabs... They will one day bite back ;)
Voting for the so called most powerful men
Posted by Chinkiz Khan, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on 20 April 2008 at 12:49 UAE time
I can only picture how these polls are faked just as everything else in the Gulf and the Middle East....I think just calling these people the most powerful is ridiculous because the power that you think they possess is not defined.
Posted by Chinkiz Khan, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on 20 April 2008 at 12:49 UAE time
I can only picture how these polls are faked just as everything else in the Gulf and the Middle East....I think just calling these people the most powerful is ridiculous because the power that you think they possess is not defined.
Great Achievement
Posted by Murtaza Adenwala, Toronto, Canada on 17 April 2008 at 23:38 UAE time
Congratulation to Mr Sayed Ibrahim Mohammed Hussain Sharaf and the whole Sharaf Family
I was a part of Sharaf Group before migrating to Canada. Mr Sharaf has a par excellence vision, and achieves the set target/goal no matter what.
He along with the entire group has grown with time and this achievement is the testimony from shipping to retail, from IT to travel, from distribution to manufacturing and sky is the limit.
Posted by Murtaza Adenwala, Toronto, Canada on 17 April 2008 at 23:38 UAE time
Congratulation to Mr Sayed Ibrahim Mohammed Hussain Sharaf and the whole Sharaf Family
I was a part of Sharaf Group before migrating to Canada. Mr Sharaf has a par excellence vision, and achieves the set target/goal no matter what.
He along with the entire group has grown with time and this achievement is the testimony from shipping to retail, from IT to travel, from distribution to manufacturing and sky is the limit.
Power 100
Posted by A. Ali on 17 April 2008 at 20:19 UAE time
Your list is unrealistic as it does not reflect the true rags to riches down to earth achievers. Your top 10 are all either inheritors of a fortune (1) and expanded on it or made by the system (3,6,10). Their claim to fame is work done by others and they get the glory as they are the so called 'the Kodak Moment Photo Perfect' candidates.
Posted by A. Ali on 17 April 2008 at 20:19 UAE time
Your list is unrealistic as it does not reflect the true rags to riches down to earth achievers. Your top 10 are all either inheritors of a fortune (1) and expanded on it or made by the system (3,6,10). Their claim to fame is work done by others and they get the glory as they are the so called 'the Kodak Moment Photo Perfect' candidates.
H.E. Mohamed Alabbar
Posted by Brian, Dubai, U.A.E on 15 April 2008 at 11:58 UAE time
I congratulate all the individuals on the list. However, I think H.E. Mohamed Alabbar, with the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed, has accomplishments that far supercede some individuals ranked above him, and thus, he should definitely have been placed within the top 3.
May Allah bless all.
Posted by Brian, Dubai, U.A.E on 15 April 2008 at 11:58 UAE time
I congratulate all the individuals on the list. However, I think H.E. Mohamed Alabbar, with the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed, has accomplishments that far supercede some individuals ranked above him, and thus, he should definitely have been placed within the top 3.
May Allah bless all.
Commitment & Hard-work
Posted by amjad ayaz, dubai, uae on 13 April 2008 at 21:37 UAE time
The people on the list,,, are those who have done a great job for themselves & for the nation,, i do come from an asian country but been educated & raised in UAE i have seen it all!! apart from the people from media & entertainment!!! Its ARABIAN BUSSINESS we are not supporting here from the so called celebrity world its pure bussiness.. But once again its thanks to the people from the Team of Arabian Bussiness for this good work keep up the good work & keep us informed of M.EAST & GCC countries... Thanks & Keep it up
Posted by amjad ayaz, dubai, uae on 13 April 2008 at 21:37 UAE time
The people on the list,,, are those who have done a great job for themselves & for the nation,, i do come from an asian country but been educated & raised in UAE i have seen it all!! apart from the people from media & entertainment!!! Its ARABIAN BUSSINESS we are not supporting here from the so called celebrity world its pure bussiness.. But once again its thanks to the people from the Team of Arabian Bussiness for this good work keep up the good work & keep us informed of M.EAST & GCC countries... Thanks & Keep it up
use money for the power of our nation
Posted by Dr. Mohamed AbdelWahab, AbuDhabi&OlandoUSA, UAE & USA on 12 April 2008 at 12:56 UAE time
They think their money in POWER. But it is not. If they use it for power it will be. But they use it for weekness through personal ego. Please let them learn about nationalisitic ego ( alqawm) they are responsible, because they posses the power of money Dr Mohamed AbdelWahab, drmwahab@hotmail.com
Posted by Dr. Mohamed AbdelWahab, AbuDhabi&OlandoUSA, UAE & USA on 12 April 2008 at 12:56 UAE time
They think their money in POWER. But it is not. If they use it for power it will be. But they use it for weekness through personal ego. Please let them learn about nationalisitic ego ( alqawm) they are responsible, because they posses the power of money Dr Mohamed AbdelWahab, drmwahab@hotmail.com
Who Cares??!!??!!
Posted by Grow Up!!!, Dubai, U.A.E. on 12 April 2008 at 12:02 UAE time
Its just a survey like any other... But, try not to make it a big issue and use this platform to attack any nation or group or religion... Its just a survey! Who believes ANY survey done in the World (specially in the Middle East??!!!) & (Specially in the Arab world??)? Just read the list and move on. Why do you have to judge people and bad mouth whomever is in the list? Why? Complexes drive you? And PLEASE stop relaying things to Iraq, Ghaza, Lebanon, ... We are a 300,000.000 people nation and have the right to have some fun too (When we have to fight we do it) but its useless to keep talking about the M.E. conflicts non stop. Live and Let Live. And if you don't like the article (although it didn't offend anybody), just don't read it and MOVE ON. AND YES, Al Waleed Bin Talal is a GREAT Man, so is Michel Obeid and Dr Sultan Bin Sulayem.
Posted by Grow Up!!!, Dubai, U.A.E. on 12 April 2008 at 12:02 UAE time
Its just a survey like any other... But, try not to make it a big issue and use this platform to attack any nation or group or religion... Its just a survey! Who believes ANY survey done in the World (specially in the Middle East??!!!) & (Specially in the Arab world??)? Just read the list and move on. Why do you have to judge people and bad mouth whomever is in the list? Why? Complexes drive you? And PLEASE stop relaying things to Iraq, Ghaza, Lebanon, ... We are a 300,000.000 people nation and have the right to have some fun too (When we have to fight we do it) but its useless to keep talking about the M.E. conflicts non stop. Live and Let Live. And if you don't like the article (although it didn't offend anybody), just don't read it and MOVE ON. AND YES, Al Waleed Bin Talal is a GREAT Man, so is Michel Obeid and Dr Sultan Bin Sulayem.
Shame on the editor.
Posted by Press Skeptic, Beirut, Lebanon on 11 April 2008 at 19:08 UAE time
What I thought was interesting was the lack of any representation of any clergy of any kind. I don't know if that is just a subject that the media tries to avoid to prevent blow back and negative response? Or is just that the clergy does not have the influence it once did? If the former, which I believe is more likley, then the subtext of the story is just as interesting about the nature of the media over there. On the one hand they report that flashy, flesh baring women in the entertainment industry are influential Arabs, but on the other hand are complying with the clerical influence that they are not even covering. The clergy has an overarching influence that cant be discussed. There is a freedom to report on the questionable but influential peddling of sexiness, that generates a lot of conservative criticism, (see the comments posed by readers), but there is no freedom to put the spotlight on the clerics who fuel the conservative agenda and hegemony. I think it is a twisted and confusing story on the nature of taboo in the Arab world. The confusion in my view deeply penetrates the Arab psyche. The press can report matters that are only skin deep, like sex, money, business, but when it comes to the agenda that defines the parameters of that reporting, there is no coverage. Id even call that confusion a psychosis on a mass scale. The Arab press is far from free. No matter how much sex, money and power they cover to suggest that they share values with the West, the fact is, whatever the Western style value aspirations they may want to suggest they have, its all smoke and mirrors and there is a man behind the curtain. To taunt the public with sex/power and foster public debate about it is to feign freedom because what is taken away is the ability to debate the untouchable royal/clerical hegemony.
" *The Arabian Business Power List deliberately does not include royalty, religious leaders or politicians, with the exception of HRH Prince Alwaleed who we believe should be on the list purely for his business achievements."- http://www.arabianbusiness.com/power100/feature/514974-power-and-desire-make-good-reading
Posted by Press Skeptic, Beirut, Lebanon on 11 April 2008 at 19:08 UAE time
What I thought was interesting was the lack of any representation of any clergy of any kind. I don't know if that is just a subject that the media tries to avoid to prevent blow back and negative response? Or is just that the clergy does not have the influence it once did? If the former, which I believe is more likley, then the subtext of the story is just as interesting about the nature of the media over there. On the one hand they report that flashy, flesh baring women in the entertainment industry are influential Arabs, but on the other hand are complying with the clerical influence that they are not even covering. The clergy has an overarching influence that cant be discussed. There is a freedom to report on the questionable but influential peddling of sexiness, that generates a lot of conservative criticism, (see the comments posed by readers), but there is no freedom to put the spotlight on the clerics who fuel the conservative agenda and hegemony. I think it is a twisted and confusing story on the nature of taboo in the Arab world. The confusion in my view deeply penetrates the Arab psyche. The press can report matters that are only skin deep, like sex, money, business, but when it comes to the agenda that defines the parameters of that reporting, there is no coverage. Id even call that confusion a psychosis on a mass scale. The Arab press is far from free. No matter how much sex, money and power they cover to suggest that they share values with the West, the fact is, whatever the Western style value aspirations they may want to suggest they have, its all smoke and mirrors and there is a man behind the curtain. To taunt the public with sex/power and foster public debate about it is to feign freedom because what is taken away is the ability to debate the untouchable royal/clerical hegemony.
" *The Arabian Business Power List deliberately does not include royalty, religious leaders or politicians, with the exception of HRH Prince Alwaleed who we believe should be on the list purely for his business achievements."- http://www.arabianbusiness.com/power100/feature/514974-power-and-desire-make-good-reading
No one from Oman...
Posted by Mohammad Shahnawaz on 11 April 2008 at 17:34 UAE time
I don't find anyone in the list from Oman. Is Oman was excluded from the poll or no one deserve?
Posted by Mohammad Shahnawaz on 11 April 2008 at 17:34 UAE time
I don't find anyone in the list from Oman. Is Oman was excluded from the poll or no one deserve?
Michel OBEID
Posted by Michel kassoune, Paris, France on 11 April 2008 at 02:55 UAE time
In order to clarify what Marc say, Dr. Michel OBEID had defended his thesis in Paris in December 2007.
Posted by Michel kassoune, Paris, France on 11 April 2008 at 02:55 UAE time
In order to clarify what Marc say, Dr. Michel OBEID had defended his thesis in Paris in December 2007.
The Power 100, 2008
Posted by mimi, kuwait, kuwait on 9 April 2008 at 19:02 UAE time
thats not fair it shoud be like this 1-nawal el zoughbi
2-haifa wehbe 3-sofia marikh 4-amal hijazy
5-nancy ajram
Posted by mimi, kuwait, kuwait on 9 April 2008 at 19:02 UAE time
thats not fair it shoud be like this 1-nawal el zoughbi
2-haifa wehbe 3-sofia marikh 4-amal hijazy
5-nancy ajram
WELL DONE:
Posted by RAJENDRA ANEJA, DUBAI, UAE on 9 April 2008 at 17:14 UAE time
Congratulations to all the Arab 100 achievers. Particularly Sheikh Mohammad, PM of UAE and HRH Al waleed of KSA. Both of you have shown that it is possible to achieve your dreams, provided there is will, endeavour and determination.
Posted by RAJENDRA ANEJA, DUBAI, UAE on 9 April 2008 at 17:14 UAE time
Congratulations to all the Arab 100 achievers. Particularly Sheikh Mohammad, PM of UAE and HRH Al waleed of KSA. Both of you have shown that it is possible to achieve your dreams, provided there is will, endeavour and determination.
CONGRATS
Posted by Ummu Kusum Salley, Lago, Nigeria on 9 April 2008 at 15:18 UAE time
To say that you have accomplished so much at such a young age,you have made me realize that the sky is only the beginning.
Posted by Ummu Kusum Salley, Lago, Nigeria on 9 April 2008 at 15:18 UAE time
To say that you have accomplished so much at such a young age,you have made me realize that the sky is only the beginning.
The Power 100, 2008
Posted by Mohammed Arshad Hasan, Dubai, UAE on 7 April 2008 at 10:55 UAE time
Congratulations to all Dubai World employees as our Chairman H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem Ranked No -1 in UAE and No - 3 in Arab world. Mr. Sulayem is a visionary and a charismatic leader.
Posted by Mohammed Arshad Hasan, Dubai, UAE on 7 April 2008 at 10:55 UAE time
Congratulations to all Dubai World employees as our Chairman H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem Ranked No -1 in UAE and No - 3 in Arab world. Mr. Sulayem is a visionary and a charismatic leader.
Congratulations to Joseph Ghassoub - Well deserved !
Posted by George Abi Nakad, New York, USA on 6 April 2008 at 20:14 UAE time
As a fellow Lebanese citizen living abroad and an old family friend to the Ghassoubs', my wife and I like to offer our congratulations to Joseph on his achievemnts including the latest award being offered to him this weekend in Washington DC; The first Dubai Lynx Advertising Person of the Year Award.
Posted by George Abi Nakad, New York, USA on 6 April 2008 at 20:14 UAE time
As a fellow Lebanese citizen living abroad and an old family friend to the Ghassoubs', my wife and I like to offer our congratulations to Joseph on his achievemnts including the latest award being offered to him this weekend in Washington DC; The first Dubai Lynx Advertising Person of the Year Award.
My negative pessimistic nation
Posted by Malaz, Dubai, UAE on 6 April 2008 at 13:05 UAE time
whenever there's a place for my nation to speak out something, to post an opinion or a comment, they turn into gloomay tragic thinkers and philosophers.
They mention palestine and iraq, warriors & martyrs, the slaughtered moms & orphan kids. Can't we have a break?
Well, yes, amr diab and elissa are in the top 100, why not? I don't like the theme of their songs which i find shallow, but they did have an impact on various generations. Whether the influnce was arguably good or bad, opinions vary, but the fact is they work in the entertainment field & gained their fame. The same applies to everybody in the list, each has succeeded in a way or another.
Life is not only about serious issues, we kill, we fight, we destroy, that's what made our modern life the way it is now, and we do need a space to enjoy it as the price was too high.
Posted by Malaz, Dubai, UAE on 6 April 2008 at 13:05 UAE time
whenever there's a place for my nation to speak out something, to post an opinion or a comment, they turn into gloomay tragic thinkers and philosophers.
They mention palestine and iraq, warriors & martyrs, the slaughtered moms & orphan kids. Can't we have a break?
Well, yes, amr diab and elissa are in the top 100, why not? I don't like the theme of their songs which i find shallow, but they did have an impact on various generations. Whether the influnce was arguably good or bad, opinions vary, but the fact is they work in the entertainment field & gained their fame. The same applies to everybody in the list, each has succeeded in a way or another.
Life is not only about serious issues, we kill, we fight, we destroy, that's what made our modern life the way it is now, and we do need a space to enjoy it as the price was too high.
Dimwits
Posted by Rashed Al Amiri, Sharjah, UAE on 5 April 2008 at 18:54 UAE time
Well it's sad to see people like Nadine Libky and other pop stars who are worth nothing in society and do nothing but expose their bodies and in the end gain more recognition than hard working employee's like myself and yourselves.
It's also a shame that a fashion primadonna like Ellie Saab gets recognized just because he pleases the western world and is an Arab male with feminine touch while people like you and I, commoners, work around the clock and let our actions, not tv or magazines, speak for us.
It is even a more shame when a non-self made man, who has all the doors opened to him and has the privileges of the ruling party in Saudi Arabia like Prince Al Waleed gets recognized over and over. Of course, not mentioning the media power behind the latter.
It is a sad sad truth. What is common is that all above mentioned have been in one way or the other been prompted or recognized or pushed by the Lebanese media power brokers.
Seriously, get a life. I wont let an article or a magazine decide for me who's who.
In my views, any small kid making his way in Palestine is more powerful than any Arab on this list.
Posted by Rashed Al Amiri, Sharjah, UAE on 5 April 2008 at 18:54 UAE time
Well it's sad to see people like Nadine Libky and other pop stars who are worth nothing in society and do nothing but expose their bodies and in the end gain more recognition than hard working employee's like myself and yourselves.
It's also a shame that a fashion primadonna like Ellie Saab gets recognized just because he pleases the western world and is an Arab male with feminine touch while people like you and I, commoners, work around the clock and let our actions, not tv or magazines, speak for us.
It is even a more shame when a non-self made man, who has all the doors opened to him and has the privileges of the ruling party in Saudi Arabia like Prince Al Waleed gets recognized over and over. Of course, not mentioning the media power behind the latter.
It is a sad sad truth. What is common is that all above mentioned have been in one way or the other been prompted or recognized or pushed by the Lebanese media power brokers.
Seriously, get a life. I wont let an article or a magazine decide for me who's who.
In my views, any small kid making his way in Palestine is more powerful than any Arab on this list.
Influence
Posted by Iyad, Dubai, UAE on 3 April 2008 at 08:21 UAE time
What influence those top 100 have to make the difference in Iraq and Palestine? What influence do they have to make the difference towards democracy!?
I have respect to some of the names mentioned on this list, respect for their achievement but I do not see them as the most influential 100 Arabs.
Posted by Iyad, Dubai, UAE on 3 April 2008 at 08:21 UAE time
What influence those top 100 have to make the difference in Iraq and Palestine? What influence do they have to make the difference towards democracy!?
I have respect to some of the names mentioned on this list, respect for their achievement but I do not see them as the most influential 100 Arabs.
open ur eyes and dont give people more than what they really worth.
Posted by Ala, Dubai, UAE on 2 April 2008 at 13:10 UAE time
I am happy that we all Arabs have an ability to communicate both important and "trivial things" I think nationality should not be something we fight about - we are all Arabs.
Our energy is going to the wrong direction. I am a Palestinian-Jordanian lady married to a German man. There are a lot of other things which define whether a person is powerful or not, and you can distinguish the strong people from the weak by looking back to history how he or she built him/herself.
I think a powerful man is someone who has built himself and his success from the zero without help without money - through his brain, energy and commitment. The same goes for the powerful ladies who can use their wisdom instead of their "femininity" to reach to the top!
After all, guys think deeper and think right. Incidentally I am proud of the son of my country, Wadah Khanfar :)
Posted by Ala, Dubai, UAE on 2 April 2008 at 13:10 UAE time
I am happy that we all Arabs have an ability to communicate both important and "trivial things" I think nationality should not be something we fight about - we are all Arabs.
Our energy is going to the wrong direction. I am a Palestinian-Jordanian lady married to a German man. There are a lot of other things which define whether a person is powerful or not, and you can distinguish the strong people from the weak by looking back to history how he or she built him/herself.
I think a powerful man is someone who has built himself and his success from the zero without help without money - through his brain, energy and commitment. The same goes for the powerful ladies who can use their wisdom instead of their "femininity" to reach to the top!
After all, guys think deeper and think right. Incidentally I am proud of the son of my country, Wadah Khanfar :)
No need for brains !
Posted by Critic, Dubai on 2 April 2008 at 11:50 UAE time
I've noticed that all influential Arabs from Lebanon are in the entertainment business, because it doesn't really need brains to be able to sing and dance ! I respect the other influential Arabs who "used their brains" to make it to this list, i.e. people in the other industries ! It's so sad to see the legendary Magdi Yacoub comes in after Elissa and Nancy Ajram !!!
Posted by Critic, Dubai on 2 April 2008 at 11:50 UAE time
I've noticed that all influential Arabs from Lebanon are in the entertainment business, because it doesn't really need brains to be able to sing and dance ! I respect the other influential Arabs who "used their brains" to make it to this list, i.e. people in the other industries ! It's so sad to see the legendary Magdi Yacoub comes in after Elissa and Nancy Ajram !!!
harsh truth
Posted by Ibrahim, Amman, Jordan on 1 April 2008 at 15:22 UAE time
I think listing people in the "so called media field" is a tragedy.
Please try to focus on real art and talent instead of listing trash artist and making them Arab's elite.
Despite of everything, I think this list is true , that’s why we (Arabs) will stay in the bottom of all bottoms.
Posted by Ibrahim, Amman, Jordan on 1 April 2008 at 15:22 UAE time
I think listing people in the "so called media field" is a tragedy.
Please try to focus on real art and talent instead of listing trash artist and making them Arab's elite.
Despite of everything, I think this list is true , that’s why we (Arabs) will stay in the bottom of all bottoms.
The good, the bad and the ugly!
Posted by Firas Murad, Dubai, UAE on 1 April 2008 at 09:24 UAE time
I really enjoyed reading the list and although I disagreed with some I agree with many others. In general it was a fun read!
Here is my take on the good, the bad and the ugly!
The good, is that this year list is getting more diversified so I am very happy to see science, art and culture appearing more on the list. I hope these segment get more influence in our lives!
The bad, so logic in the list does not make sense at all. Sameer Alansari, the head of one of the smallest subsidiaries in Dubai Holding, makes the list at number 11 and no other executive chairman from the large subsidiaries make the list!
The ugly, well, nothing really ugly, but with Amer Diab at 24, I must be living in a different Arab world!
Also seeing the influence of the advertising dollar in the list is obvious!
Posted by Firas Murad, Dubai, UAE on 1 April 2008 at 09:24 UAE time
I really enjoyed reading the list and although I disagreed with some I agree with many others. In general it was a fun read!
Here is my take on the good, the bad and the ugly!
The good, is that this year list is getting more diversified so I am very happy to see science, art and culture appearing more on the list. I hope these segment get more influence in our lives!
The bad, so logic in the list does not make sense at all. Sameer Alansari, the head of one of the smallest subsidiaries in Dubai Holding, makes the list at number 11 and no other executive chairman from the large subsidiaries make the list!
The ugly, well, nothing really ugly, but with Amer Diab at 24, I must be living in a different Arab world!
Also seeing the influence of the advertising dollar in the list is obvious!
Lebanese Orientation
Posted by Wasiullah, Kuwait, Kuwait on 1 April 2008 at 00:01 UAE time
This list is understandably leb-leaning, as is most of the Media in the Arab World. But surely a TV face making it to the list, without much to add to, is a simple slap on the wrist. I guess you could be a bit more objective. But no sweat! There's always the next year.
Posted by Wasiullah, Kuwait, Kuwait on 1 April 2008 at 00:01 UAE time
This list is understandably leb-leaning, as is most of the Media in the Arab World. But surely a TV face making it to the list, without much to add to, is a simple slap on the wrist. I guess you could be a bit more objective. But no sweat! There's always the next year.