Top 10 Business Leaders Redefining the GCC’s
The Gulf region is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with new businesses emerging and key industries expanding across the GCC. At the heart of this transformation are the Top 10 Business Leaders Redefining the GCC, whose vision and commitment are shaping the region’s economic future.
Coming from diverse sectors, these leaders share a common purpose: creating sustainable value and driving meaningful progress. Through innovation, strategic leadership, and problem-solving, they are strengthening organizations, building resilient teams, and contributing to national growth.
Their work reflects a deep understanding of the GCC’s present priorities and future ambitions. Each of the Top 10 Business Leaders Redefining the GCC is focused on delivering results that matter—laying the foundation for long-term impact and regional excellence.
Top 10 Business Leaders Redefining the GCC
Below is the list of the top 10 business leaders who are impacting business in the GCC. Let’s get to it:
1. Abdullah Miralam | Expertise In The Sales Landscape
With over 14 years of experience in the dynamic sales landscape, Abdullah Miralam is a visionary leader known for transforming challenges into opportunities and driving sustainable profitability. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Missouri and a Master’s degree in Industrial Management, combining strong academic credentials with hands-on industry expertise. Throughout his career across the GCC region, Abdullah has consistently placed customers—both internal and external—at the center of strategic and operational decision-making.
Currently serving as the B2B, Food Service, and E-commerce Sales Head at Alkhair Company, a pioneering name in the coffee industry and food imports sector in Saudi Arabia, Abdullah has built a strong reputation for driving revenue growth and developing high-performing teams. His strengths in strategic planning, execution, and leveraging technology to enhance sales processes have enabled him to consistently exceed business objectives. Recognized for his effective communication, adaptability to diverse organizational cultures, and flexible problem-solving approach, Abdullah’s journey reflects his forward-thinking leadership and lasting impact in the sales domain.
2. Dr. Desziree Richardson: Leading With Heart, Healing With Purpose, and Inspiring a Global Movement
Dr. Desziree Richardson stands as an extraordinary visionary whose life seamlessly bridges purpose, passion, and global influence. From her early beginnings in Anguilla to becoming an internationally acclaimed entrepreneur, humanitarian, and empowerment leader, she has dedicated her journey to uplifting women, youth, and communities worldwide. As the founder of transformative platforms such as the Women of Heart Awards (WOHA), Gentlemen of Heart Awards (GOHA), FACE of WOHA, and Happy Mood Swagger, Dr. Richardson has redefined empowerment by creating global spaces where individuals are celebrated for their voice, identity, and potential. Rooted in media, public speaking, and pageantry, her path was built on courage, compassion, and resilience—turning life’s challenges into stepping stones while inspiring others to rise with confidence and authenticity.
At the core of Dr. Richardson’s global impact is her unwavering belief that empowerment has the power to transform generations. Her initiatives are not symbolic titles but living movements that promote emotional intelligence, spiritual harmony, inclusivity, and holistic well-being. Through WOHA and GOHA, she honors individuals who lead with heart, purpose, and integrity, while FACE of WOHA creates transformative opportunities for women across industries and cultures. A defining element of her work is her rare gift of vibratory voice healing—a profound practice using sound frequencies to restore emotional and spiritual balance. As an international speaker and heart-centered healer, her voice is not only heard but deeply felt, offering clarity, peace, and inner strength to audiences around the world.
A global lightbearer with over 100 international awards, Dr. Desziree Richardson continues to inspire millions through purpose-driven leadership and soulful storytelling. Her luxury lifestyle brand, Happy Mood Swagger, brings joy to fashion, sports, and aviation by turning confidence and happiness into a powerful statement of identity—guided by uplifting philosophies such as “Game on, Smile on,” “Instilling Joy in Sports,” and “Fly high with a smile.” Through mentorship, advocacy, and global unity initiatives, she champions a future rooted in love, equality, and abundance. Dr. Richardson’s legacy is a reminder that true success is measured not by status, but by the lives we uplift, the hearts we heal, and the light we share. Her timeless message to humanity remains clear: “You are not here to shrink—you are here to shine.”
LinkedIn | Website | Instagram
3. Dr. Sofica Bistriceanu: Advancing Patient Care Through an Innovative Medical Home Model
Dr. Sofica Bistriceanu, MD, PhD, has successfully built and maintained a medical home model for more than a decade, offering home visits for patients with advanced heart disease, mobility challenges, and children with acute illnesses. By providing care directly in the patient’s environment, she gains a deeper understanding of their health, including cultural, family, and community factors that are not visible during standard office visits. This approach leads to more precise diagnoses, more effective treatment plans, and continuous assessment through follow-up e-visits. Alongside her private practice, Dr. Bistriceanu also works weekends at national health system medical centers, where patients receive free care—giving them the flexibility to choose between paid home care and free clinical services. Her blended model of home visits and e-consultations enhances convenience for patients, improves clinical outcomes, and reduces physician burnout while supporting professional growth and long-term stability.
Dr. Bistriceanu earned her medical degree from Iasi University in Romania and completed family medicine research at Maastricht University. She has delivered more than 135 worldwide presentations, published around 60 articles in international journals, and received numerous awards for her contributions to medicine. She is a member of the Academy for Professionalism in Health Care, serves on the Editorial Review Board of The Journal of Patient Experience, sits on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Medical Research and Clinical Case Reports, and works as an Associate Editor for Primera Scientific Publication. Representing the Academic Medical Unit – CMI in NT, Romania, she is also the author of seven poetry volumes published by Cronica and Time.
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4. Ahmed Almuhr |Transforming MENA Finance Through a Wall Street Lens
Few Saudis—if any—have penetrated the inner circle of Wall Street quite like Ahmed Almuhr. As one of the rare Arabs to work at Morgan Stanley in the United States, he brought a global perspective and relentless drive to the firm’s high-stakes investment and structured finance operations. Immersed in the epicenter of global finance, Ahmed sharpened his analytical expertise, mastered complex investment structures, and contributed to one of the world’s most prestigious investment banks. His journey reflects a rare combination of ambition, intellectual rigor, and cross-border influence—further strengthened by his experience at institutions such as Saudi Aramco and Johns Hopkins Tech Ventures, where he built a foundation for global financial leadership.
Today, Ahmed plays a key role at the World Bank, supporting strategic investment initiatives linked to a portfolio exceeding $100 billion in assets under management. Working alongside high-performing global investment teams, he contributes to the oversight of sophisticated financial instruments and institutional capital strategies aligned with international best practices. Driven by a vision to elevate Saudi Arabia’s investment ecosystem, Ahmed channels his global experience into regional impact through Amplifier Financial, the advisory firm he founded to empower mid-sized enterprises across the MENA region. Through investment research, capital structuring, valuation advisory, and strategic due diligence, Amplifier Financial is positioned as a catalyst for sustainable growth—helping businesses unlock value, strengthen financial discipline, and access strategic capital that supports long-term economic transformation.
LinkedIn | Website | Instagram | X
5. Denis Salatin | Redefining Software Innovation in the GCC
everaging his extensive engineering background in the software industry, Denis Salatin founded Lumitech, a Dubai-based custom software development company built on technical excellence and global collaboration. Leading a diverse team of software engineers, AI and ML specialists, product managers, and technology experts, Denis partners with technology-driven businesses worldwide to build high-performing engineering teams and develop innovative, scalable software products.
With a strong focus on quality and execution, Lumitech has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing software development firms in the UAE, achieving an impressive 2x engineering growth in 2024. The company is strengthening its presence in the UAE while working closely with top European talent to deliver cutting-edge digital solutions. By investing heavily in engineering standards, best practices, documentation, and continuous knowledge sharing, Denis has cultivated a culture of excellence and collaboration. This disciplined yet forward-thinking approach has earned Lumitech notable recognition in Dubai and continues to position the company as a trusted technology partner in a highly competitive market.
LinkedIn | Website | Lumitech LinkedIn | Clutch
6. Ahmad Sleiman | Driving Transparency and Innovation in Global Commodities Trading
A dynamic leader and visionary entrepreneur, Ahmad Sleiman is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SPK Platforms LTD, a technology venture focused on transforming and automating the global commodities trading ecosystem. Through SPK Platforms, Ahmad is addressing long-standing industry challenges such as fragmentation, opacity, and reliance on outdated legacy systems by introducing solutions that prioritize transparency, efficiency, and trust across the commodities value chain.
SPK’s early implementations have already demonstrated significant reductions in both time and financial costs within the trading process, reinforcing Ahmad’s ambition to scale the platform industry-wide. Leveraging advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence, Ahmad and his team enable real-time asset tracking, risk reduction, and opportunity identification across the supply chain—unlocking more efficient and affordable access to energy. With data-driven insights supporting critical decision-making at every level, SPK Platforms is laying the foundation for a standardized, intelligent infrastructure that supports secure, efficient, and globally connected commodity trade.
7. Dr. Deepak Songra | Elevating Dental Care and Pet Wellness in the UAE
A British-trained general dentist with over three decades of clinical experience, Dr. Deepak Songra is the Founder of Petdentist and a respected leader in evidence-based dentistry. Throughout his career, he has owned and operated multiple successful dental practices in the UK, building deep expertise in comprehensive patient care, emergency dentistry, restorative and preventive treatments, and practice leadership. Now based in the UAE, Dr. Songra brings this extensive experience to the region’s world-class healthcare sector, delivering exceptional care to a diverse patient base while maintaining the highest international standards and regulatory compliance.
Driven by a passion for improving overall well-being, Dr. Songra founded Petdentist to address the often-overlooked area of pet oral health. As a trusted manufacturer of premium pet dental care products, Petdentist combines functionality with luxury, offering expert-designed solutions that promote healthier, happier lives for pets. Holding a UAE Golden Visa, Dr. Songra is deeply committed to long-term growth and impact in the region—whether in corporate healthcare settings, private practice, executive medical teams, or through Petdentist—always guided by a patient-first and care-driven philosophy.
8. Özgür Başlılar | Driving Innovation and Sustainable Growth in the GCC
Recognized as one of the GCC region’s most dynamic business leaders, Özgür Başlılar has consistently demonstrated a powerful ability to lead, innovate, and inspire. As Vice President at Bite&More, he has played a pivotal role in driving transformation, accelerating business growth, and advancing innovation within the functional food industry. Known for his visionary leadership and strategic foresight, Özgür has successfully navigated complex market challenges while delivering impactful, scalable solutions that strengthen competitive positioning.
Throughout his career, Özgür has pioneered growth strategies that have generated significant global revenue while building resilient business models focused on sustainability and long-term value creation. Looking ahead, he envisions a GCC where businesses not only achieve financial success but also contribute meaningfully to societal progress. Deeply committed to empowering local talent and fostering inclusive, sustainable development, Özgür continues to champion innovation-led initiatives that inspire positive change and position the region for a stronger, more resilient future.
9. Yasmine Gueddiche | Redefining Retail Merchandising and Fashion Innovation in the Middle East
Born in Paris and shaped by her French roots and rich Arab heritage, Yasmine has always been driven by a passion for fashion, business, and innovation. Her journey from Europe to the Middle East has been defined by a clear vision to redefine how fashion brands operate amid rapid retail transformation. Since relocating to Dubai four years ago, she has identified and unlocked untapped market potential by applying bold strategies, data-driven decision-making, and forward-thinking retail merchandising practices. Today, as part of Adidas Emerging Markets, she plays a key role in shaping merchandising strategies for a EUR 950M+ annual retail network, driving inventory optimization, strategic trading decisions, and sustained profitability growth.
Throughout her career, Yasmine has led transformative initiatives that bridge creativity with strategy—introducing auto-replenishment systems to address stock challenges, deploying advanced analytics to elevate merchandising insights, and redefining pricing and markdown strategies to maximize revenue. Viewing the Middle East as both her professional home and a platform for impact, she continues to set new standards in retail excellence through innovation and operational intelligence. As she drives industry-wide change in 2025, Yasmine remains committed not only to transforming businesses but also to inspiring the next generation of female leaders to challenge convention and leave a lasting mark on the global fashion industry.
10. Karim Ayyadi – Redefining Real Estate Investment Through AI in Dubai
At the forefront of Dubai’s rapidly evolving real estate market, Karim Ayyadi stands out as a visionary entrepreneur who has successfully fused deep property expertise with artificial intelligence to deliver a new standard of investment intelligence. With over two decades of experience as a top performer and leader across both real estate and technology, Karim has earned recognition as one of the GCC’s most innovative business minds. As CEO and Partner at TME Estate, he leads the firm in offering premium real estate opportunities in Dubai, positioning the company as a trusted name in the city’s luxury property sector through strategic excellence and a client-first approach.
Karim’s proprietary AI-driven solutions bring unmatched precision to property analysis—assessing value appreciation potential, market trends, return on investment, and construction quality. This data-led approach enables him to craft highly customized investment strategies aligned with each client’s objectives, attracting high-net-worth investors from around the world. Based in Dubai, Karim leverages the Emirate’s world-class infrastructure, tax-friendly environment, and progressive regulations, while his extensive network across government bodies, developers, and financial institutions allows him to access exclusive opportunities ahead of the broader market. By combining advanced analytics, market intelligence, and trusted relationships, Karim has positioned himself as a key advisor for investors seeking to capitalize on Dubai’s long-term growth.
LinkedIn | Website | Instagram| YouTube
CONCLUSION
The Top 10 Business Leaders Redefining the GCC are not only growing successful companies—they are actively shaping the future of industries and communities across the region.
By prioritizing steady progress, practical solutions, and long-term value, these leaders continue to earn trust and respect. Rather than following short-term trends, they lead with purpose, driving meaningful change step by step.
As the GCC continues to evolve, the Top 10 Business Leaders Redefining the GCC will remain influential voices—guiding business, innovation, and regional development well beyond today.
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