The Middle East is witnessing a remarkable transformation in its business landscape, driven by visionary entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of innovation in various sectors. These top 10 innovators shaping the middle east business landscape leaders are not only making a significant impact in their respective industries but also inspiring others to dream big and achieve greatness. In this article, we highlight ten inspiring business persons who are at the forefront of driving innovation and shaping the future of the Middle East.
Ziad El Chaar – Quara Holding
Ziad El Chaar, the CEO of Quara Holding, is a driving force behind the company’s focus on innovative financial, technology, and real estate solutions. He is spearheading prominent technology startups and collaborating with major brands to introduce exclusive real estate projects. El Chaar’s leadership is instrumental in maintaining Quara Holding’s competitive advantage and leading global expansion.
Amro Bagedo – KOA
Amro Bagedo, a well-traveled serial entrepreneur, is the visionary behind KOA. This platform merges the methodology of the West with the flair of the East in the fine dining industry. Bagedo aims to put Saudi Arabia on the global map for dining, entertainment, and services, inspiring passionate and purpose-driven Saudis to break boundaries and achieve excellence.
Sky Kurtz – Pure Harvest Smart Farming
Sky Kurtz, the co-founder, and CEO of Pure Harvest Smart Farms, is a pioneer in the Agritech sector. Under his leadership, Pure Harvest is revolutionizing fresh produce delivery through controlled-environment technologies, ensuring precise climate and environmental controls. Kurtz’s vision is to provide premium fruits and vegetables to retailers and HORECA accounts across the UAE and beyond.
Raksha Khimji – Team Red Dot
Raksha Khimji, the Managing Director of Team Red Dot, is an advertising industry veteran. Under her leadership, Team Red Dot has thrived as an independent advertising company, winning blue-chip multinational clients by constantly shaping its integrated offerings to cater to client demands. Khimji’s agility and foresight have positioned the agency ahead of the competition, especially in areas like blockchain technology and metaverse marketing.
Dr. Oliver Elbracht – Siemens Advanta Middle East
Dr. Oliver Elbracht, the Managing Director of Siemens Advanta Middle East, is revolutionizing professional services by combining top-tier consulting capabilities with Siemens’ technology leadership. His focus on achieving results in digital transformations across industries and countries in the Middle East is transforming businesses, making a positive impact on society, and creating unseen opportunities.
Richard Shearer – Tintra
Richard Shearer, the founder of Tintra Group, is now the CEO of Tintra plc, a London-listed company leveraging his experiences in emerging markets to build the world’s first build-for-purpose Web 3.0 artificial intelligence bank. Shearer’s vision transcends borders, cultures, and politics, aiming to create a bank that brings together different geographies and cultures through technology.
Amine Sabri – Medallion Associates
Amine Sabri, Executive Director of Investments and Strategy at Medallion Associates, has been instrumental in diversifying the company’s activities towards technology-driven initiatives, cross-border investment strategies, and global strategic partnerships. His expertise in investment-related matters has made him a trusted advisor to royal family offices and governmental officials, bridging Middle East-Africa-North America business relations.
Hani Khabbaz – Syria Recovery Trust Fund (SRTF)
The Director-General of the Syria Recovery Trust Fund (SRTF), has been at the forefront of rebuilding efforts in war-torn Syria since June 2014. Under Mr. Hani Khabbaz‘s leadership, the SRTF has played a crucial role in financing projects that alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people. With a multi-donor trust fund established by Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, the SRTF has attracted around EUR 310 million in donor funding to date. Thanks to Mr. Khabbaz’s vision and extensive experience in senior management and business consulting, the SRTF has successfully served approximately 12 million beneficiaries, implementing projects that directly reach those in need.
Chadi Hajjar – VII Ventures
Chadi Hajjar recognized an opportunity to drive innovation and growth. In 2020, he founded VII Ventures, a rapidly expanding micro VC firm that focuses on emerging technologies across the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. With over 15 years of experience in technology, innovation, and venture, Chadi has become an emerging talent in the EMEA & MENA venture capital space. At VII Ventures, he mentors portfolio companies, providing practical advice on product strategy, technology, funding, and market access. Chadi’s expertise has positioned VII Ventures as a catalyst for disruption in the Deep Technology sector, with the potential to revolutionize industries through strategic investments and scalable solutions.
Shefiq Abdulla – Telephony Communications
Redefining Digital Transformation in the Metaverse Shefiq Abdulla, the Chief of Avatars at TCTx and CEO of Telephony Communication Technologies, is spearheading the adoption of Web 3.0 technologies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. TCTx, the Metaverse arm of Telephony Communication Technologies, offers a wide range of digital solutions, including blockchain, FinTech, managed services, and more. Shefiq’s visionary leadership has enabled the company to become one of the early pioneers in the MENA region’s ultra-digitization goals.
These leading innovators are shaping the Middle East business landscape through their visionary leadership, cutting-edge technologies, and transformative ideas. Their contributions are paving the way for a dynamic and prosperous future in the region, positioning the Middle East as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
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