Iraqi football captain Younes Mahmoud has stormed straight to No.2 in the Arabian Business 2008 Power List.
Mahmoud scored the winning goal in Iraq’s historic Asian Cup Final victory over Saudi Arabia last year, sparking off wild celebrations on the streets of Baghdad and, more importantly, briefly uniting Sunnis and Shiites in the capital city.
“He did what every major world leader has wanted but failed to do, and he did it by something simple and yet amazingly profound at the same time – an amazing, magical goal.
“For that reason, he has had more influence in the past year than just about any other Arab,” said Sean Cronin, editor of Arabian Business.
Mahmoud is one of four new entries in the top ten alone, while the entire list features a staggering 43 new entries, the highest number ever.
Lebanese movie producer Nadine Labaki goes straight in at No.5, while 25 year old Lebanese scientist Dr Michel Obeid – one of the world’s leading cancer researchers – is a new entry at No.7. Another Lebanese, fashion designer Elie Saab, the fourth top ten new entry, coming in at No.9.
This year’s highest riser is DIC boss Sameer Al Ansari, up 71 places to No. 11. Hydra boss Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim, star of the Hydra Executives TV show, jumps 61 places to No. 16.
In total, Lebanon accounts for the highest number of new entries in this year’s list – 11 of the 43 new entries.
However, the UAE also has cause to celebrate: it has the highest number of members of the Power 100, 21 in total.
The list is topped for the fourth consecutive year by Saudi Arabia’s Prince Alwaleed. The magazine cites his extensive charity work in Africa – largely unseen by others – as the prime reason for his maintaining the top slot.
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