Top 100 Arabs 2024

3. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Chairman and chief executive, Emirates Group/chairman, Emirates NBD

Origin: UAE

Residence: UAE

Sector: Diversified

Sheikh Ahmed is a man of many roles, all of which he fulfills with remarkable ease. As chairman of Dubai carrier Emirates, he oversaw the group swing to a half-year net profit of $1.2bn for FY 2022-23. In a year that was filled with hope for the aviation sector, Emirates flew 20 million passengers between April 1 and September 30, 2022, unveiled its Premium Economy cabin on select routes as well as ramped up flights last year. Meanwhile, Dubai-based lender Emirates NBD, of which Sheikh Ahmed is chairman, reported a 40 per cent rise in net profit last year. Besides chairing Dubai Airports and Expo City Dubai Authority, Sheikh Ahmed is also the president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. 

Dr Sultan Al Jaber

Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi