Dubai doesn’t wait. It is a city built on spectacle, scale, and strategy, where influence isn’t inherited – it’s built from the ground up. The Dubai 100 isn’t just a ranking; it is a front-row seat to the visionaries shaping what comes next. These are the game-changers, the dealmakers, the masterminds of ambition. Every skyscraper, every mega-project, every disruptive idea originates from the minds on this list. This isn’t about keeping pace – it’s about setting the tempo.
Influence in Dubai shifts with the velocity of its economy – accelerating, breaking barriers, and redefining what is possible. If you want to understand how Dubai stays ahead of the world, start with The Dubai 100.
On Wednesday, 26 March, Arabian Business will unveil the 2025 edition of The Dubai 100 – the definitive power list of the people shaping the future of the region. But this is no ordinary ranking. The names on this list are selected through a sophisticated nine-parameter evaluation system, designed to capture the evolving nature of influence in the Middle East’s dynamic business landscape.
The return of the region’s biggest names
As anticipation builds, many will be watching to see who secures a coveted spot in this year’s top 10. Last year’s rankings featured some of the most respected figures in Dubai’s business world, including Mohamed Alabbar, Sir Tim Clark, and Mohammad A. Baker. Their continued influence has reshaped industries, and it remains to be seen how they will rank in 2025. Will they maintain their positions at the top, or will new contenders disrupt the status quo?
For a look back at previous power lists, visit the ‘Lists’ section on our website, where you can explore past Dubai 100 rankings, including the 2024 edition and the Most Inspiring Women 2025 list.
How the Dubai 100 is ranked
At the core of this system is a weighted scoring model, where each candidate is assessed on a standardised 10-point scale across nine distinct criteria. Inspiration carries the highest weight at 20 per cent, reflecting the growing emphasis on leaders who not only achieve but also drive change. Legacy and economic contribution follow, each accounting for 15 per cent, recognising the lasting impact of an individual’s work and their direct role in shaping business growth.
Further refining the rankings, cultural impact, community engagement, entrepreneurial achievement, and social media presence each contribute 10 per cent to the overall evaluation, ensuring influence is measured beyond financial success. Rounding out the framework, environmental impact and innovation are each weighted at 5 per cent, acknowledging the increasing importance of sustainability and forward-thinking solutions in today’s business world.
The ranking process itself is rigorous. Candidates undergo multiple rounds of assessment by a panel of experts who score each category. These raw scores are then processed through a proprietary algorithm, applying the designated weights to generate a final ranking. The result? A list that reflects a balanced, data-backed evaluation of influence – one that is as diverse and forward-thinking as Dubai itself.
This updated methodology marks a significant change in how business power is measured. The first list to implement this system, Arabian Business’s Most Inspiring Women 2025, set a new standard for recognising leadership. Now, The Dubai 100 will push the benchmark even further.
Don’t just watch, be the first to know
Want to see the list as soon as it launches? Subscribe now and get exclusive access to The Dubai 100 when it is unveiled on 26 March.
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