Dubai’s most influential figures have been revealed in the highly anticipated 2025 edition of the Dubai 100 power list, with Mohamed Alabbar, founder and managing director of Emaar Properties and noon.com, claiming the top spot.
In a special episode of AB Majlis, Arabian Business’s Chief Reporter Tala Michel Issa and Reporter Nicole Abigael provided exclusive insights into the reimagined ranking system and the diverse leaders shaping Dubai’s future.
A new approach to measuring influence
This year’s Dubai 100 represents a significant departure from traditional power lists that focus primarily on wealth or titles. Arabian Business has introduced a sophisticated nine-parameter ranking system that evaluates individuals across multiple dimensions, including economic contribution, governance, environmental impact, and digital presence.
“We wanted to create something more robust than traditional power lists that often focus solely on wealth or title,” Issa explained during the podcast. “Our new nine-parameter ranking system evaluates individuals across multiple dimensions, from economic contribution and governance to environmental impact and digital presence.”
“We’re assessing impact, influence, cultural significance, really looking at who’s truly shaping Dubai’s trajectory as it continues its remarkable ascent as a global powerhouse,” said Abigael.
The comprehensive methodology weighs various factors differently, with inspiration carrying the highest weight at 20 per cent, followed by legacy and economic contribution at 15 per cent each. Cultural impact, community engagement, entrepreneurial achievement, and social media presence each contribute 10 per cent, while environmental impact and innovation round out the framework at 5 per cent each.
This approach has resulted in greater diversity across industry representation, nationality, and gender, reflecting Dubai’s evolution as a global city where power isn’t just about money or position anymore.
The Dubai 100’s top 5 influential leaders
The top five positions on the list showcase different facets of Dubai’s development.
- Mohamed Alabbar (Emaar Properties, noon.com) – His influence spans from building Dubai’s skyline with the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall to challenging Amazon’s digital dominance in the region with noon.com.
- Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair (Mashreq Bank, Al Ghurair Investment) – Under his leadership, Mashreq Bank posted a record AED8.6 billion profit in 2023, representing a 130 per cent year-on-year increase. Beyond finance, he also serves as chairman of Dubai Chambers.
- Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil (Burjeel Holdings) – He has transformed healthcare across the region and positioned the UAE as a medical tourism destination. Burjeel Holdings saw a 16 per cent increase in revenue to around AED4.5 billion last year.
- Abdullah Al Futtaim (Al-Futtaim Group) – He has led the group’s expansion across automotive, retail, real estate and financial services, while making significant investments in EV infrastructure across the UAE.
- Badr Jafar (Crescent Enterprises, Pearl Initiative) – Operating at the intersection of business, policy, and purpose, he oversees a $15 billion-plus conglomerate while driving real-world impact through the Pearl Initiative and serving as the UAE envoy for business and philanthropy.
Featured women in Dubai 100
Notably, the list features a significant increase in female representation, starting with Huda Kattan of Huda Beauty at number six. With over 50 million Instagram followers and recognition as one of America’s richest self-made women, Kattan has redefined influencer-led commerce while championing inclusivity and women’s entrepreneurship.
“That’s another important shift,” Issa noted during the podcast. “Beyond Huda Kattan at number six, we have impressive leaders like Dr. Mariam Matar, who launched the UAE Genetic Diseases Association and transformed genetics from a niche science into a cornerstone of UAE healthcare policy.”
Other prominent women on the list include Renuka Jagtiani, who leads the $9 billion Landmark Group retail empire spanning over 2,200 stores in 21 countries, and Hana Al Rostamani, who shattered the banking sector’s glass ceiling as the first woman to lead a UAE-based bank when she became Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Emerging trends reshape what influence truly means in Dubai
The podcast hosts identified three major trends in this year’s rankings.
- The rise of cultural operators – Individuals like Anas Bukhash, whose ABtalks platform has clocked over 300 million views, and Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, who transformed a stretch of warehouses in Al Quoz into the beating heart of Dubai’s contemporary art scene.
- Sustainability champions – Leaders like Habiba Al Mar’ashi, co-founder and chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group, have transformed environmental action from a niche concern into a mainstream priority, especially following COP28.
- Digital disruptors – Innovators like Haider Ali Khan of Bayut and dubizzle, who revolutionized property transactions in the Middle East, and Mudassir Sheikha and Magnus Olsen of Careem, who created the region’s first unicorn startup.
What this tells us about Dubai’s future
As the hosts discussed, the Dubai 100 reflects how influence is evolving from pure commercial success to multi-dimensional impact. The highest-ranked leaders aren’t just building businesses—they’re shaping entire ecosystems, influencing policy, and driving cultural change.
“I think we’ve covered a lot of ground today, from the titans of the industry who build Dubai’s physical infrastructure to cultural innovators, tech disruptors reshaping its future as well,” Abigael explained.
“The Dubai 100 is not just a snapshot of who matters today,” Issa observed. “It’s actually a window into the future of the city itself. The individuals who make the list are those who understand where Dubai is headed and are helping to steer its course.”
The list also points to the increasing importance of “bridge builders”—people connecting Dubai to global networks—and those driving sustainability and innovation in line with Dubai’s ambitious net-zero 2050 strategy.
“I think this diversity reflects Dubai’s own evolution into a truly global city, one that values innovation, sustainability and cultural richness alongside economic growth,” Abigael added.
The full Dubai 100 list, including detailed profiles of all 100 individuals and the methodology behind the rankings, is available on Arabian Business. The special edition of AB Majlis featuring this in-depth discussion is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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