Entrepreneurs are the backbone of economic growth, bringing innovation, resilience, and transformative ideas to life. The Entrepreneur Middle East 100 List recognizes those who have significantly impacted the business landscape in the region. Here’s an in-depth look at the top 10 entrepreneurs who are redefining industries and inspiring the next generation of business leaders.
1. Huda Kattan – Founder, Huda Beauty
Huda Kattan is a global beauty mogul and one of the most successful entrepreneurs from the Middle East. Born in the U.S. to Iraqi parents, Huda turned her passion for beauty into Huda Beauty, a billion-dollar empire. Her brand, launched in 2013 with false eyelashes, has since expanded into makeup, skincare, and fragrance. With a strong digital presence, Huda leveraged social media to amass millions of followers and create a loyal customer base.
Key Achievements:
- Built Huda Beauty into a globally recognized brand
- Ranked among the richest self-made women
- Created a billion-dollar business empire with minimal initial investment
2. Samih Toukan – Chairman and CEO, Jabbar Internet Group
Samih Toukan is a visionary tech entrepreneur who played a crucial role in shaping the Middle East’s digital economy. He co-founded Maktoob.com, the first Arabic email service, which was acquired by Yahoo! for $164 million. He then launched Jabbar Internet Group, which has invested in numerous successful startups, including Souq.com, which was later acquired by Amazon.
Key Achievements:
- Co-founded Maktoob.com, pioneering Arabic content online
- Led Souq.com, the region’s largest e-commerce platform
- Continues to support startups and digital innovation
3. Elie Saab – Founder, Elie Saab Group
A true fashion icon, Elie Saab is one of the most celebrated couture designers from the Middle East. Known for his luxurious, intricately designed gowns, he has dressed celebrities, royals, and Hollywood stars. His brand, established in the 1980s, has grown into a global luxury fashion house with collections spanning haute couture, ready-to-wear, and bridal fashion.
Key Achievements:
- First Lebanese designer to dress an Oscar winner (Halle Berry)
- Expanded into perfumes, accessories, and home décor
- Built a brand synonymous with elegance and opulence
4. Maaz Sheikh – Co-founder and CEO, StarzPlay
Maaz Sheikh is revolutionizing digital streaming in the Middle East with StarzPlay, a leading video-on-demand platform. Competing with global giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime, StarzPlay has millions of subscribers across the region and offers localized content to cater to diverse audiences.
Key Achievements:
- Co-founded StarzPlay, a major player in the OTT streaming industry
- Secured strategic partnerships with global studios
- Expanded to multiple markets, offering Arabic, Bollywood, and Western content
5. Michael Lahyani – Founder and CEO, Property Finder
Michael Lahyani transformed real estate in the Middle East with Property Finder, the region’s largest property portal. His platform has helped millions of users find homes, investment opportunities, and commercial properties with ease.
Key Achievements:
- Established Property Finder, now valued at over $500 million
- Revolutionized digital real estate in the UAE and beyond
- Continues to drive tech innovation in property search
6. Raja Easa Al Gurg – Managing Director, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group
Raja Easa Al Gurg is one of the most powerful businesswomen in the Middle East. She leads Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, a conglomerate with interests in real estate, construction, retail, and manufacturing. A strong advocate for women in business, she has played a pivotal role in empowering female entrepreneurs in the region.
Key Achievements:
- Leads a multibillion-dollar business empire
- Strong advocate for women’s economic empowerment
- Key figure in UAE’s business and trade sectors
7. Sima Ved – Founder and Chairperson, Apparel Group
Sima Ved has built Apparel Group into one of the largest retail conglomerates in the Middle East. With a portfolio of over 75 brands, including Tommy Hilfiger, Aldo, and Calvin Klein, she has significantly contributed to the region’s retail growth.
Key Achievements:
- Expanded Apparel Group to over 2,000 retail outlets
- Brought global brands to the Middle East
- Continues to drive fashion and lifestyle innovation
8. Elie Khouri – CEO, Vivium Holding
Elie Khouri is a media and advertising mogul, leading Vivium Holding, a private investment company. He previously led Omnicom Media Group MENA, shaping the region’s advertising and media industry. His influence in branding, digital marketing, and media strategy has made him one of the most respected figures in marketing.
Key Achievements:
- Led Omnicom Media Group MENA to unprecedented growth
- Invested in tech-driven startups and media innovations
- A thought leader in advertising and branding
9. Hosam Arab – Co-founder and CEO, Tabby
Hosam Arab is reshaping e-commerce and fintech in the Middle East with Tabby, a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform. His innovative payment solutions allow customers to split purchases into interest-free installments, making shopping more accessible and affordable.
Key Achievements:
- Founded Tabby, a leading BNPL platform in the region
- Secured millions in funding from international investors
- Revolutionized digital payments and consumer finance
10. Shayne Nelson – Group CEO, Emirates NBD
Shayne Nelson leads Emirates NBD, one of the largest banking groups in the Middle East. Under his leadership, the bank has embraced digital transformation, fintech collaborations, and customer-centric innovations.
Key Achievements:
- Spearheaded Emirates NBD’s digital banking evolution
- Expanded banking services to global markets
- Strengthened fintech and AI-driven banking solutions
Final Thoughts
The Middle East’s entrepreneurial landscape is thriving, with business leaders across beauty, tech, finance, retail, and real estate driving innovation. These top 10 entrepreneurs are not just building businesses—they are shaping the future, creating opportunities, and inspiring millions. Whether through digital disruption, luxury fashion, or financial technology, they continue to push boundaries and redefine success in the region.
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