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Forbes Highlights 24 Aviation Leaders in 2026 MENA Top 100 Travel List

The “Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders in the Middle East 2026” list, published by Forbes Middle East, highlights the growing presence of the aviation sector across its various sub-sectors, ranging from commercial airlines and airports to private aviation.

According to Forbes’ rankings, the list includes 11 airline leaders, seven airport executives, and six private aviation figures. The ranking is based on a set of criteria including business scale, financial and operational performance, leadership experience, and strategic achievements across 2025 and 2026.

Airline Leaders

Corporate portrait of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum against a dark background with his name and Emirates title
Portrait of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Handout: Dubai Airports.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum – Emirates | Rank 1

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum tops the Forbes list. He has served as Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group since the carrier’s founding in 1985 and is considered one of the most prominent leaders in Dubai’s aviation sector.

Corporate portrait of Hamad Al Khater against a dark background with his name and Qatar Airways title
Portrait of Hamad Al Khater. Handout: Qatar Airways.

Hamad Al Khater – Qatar Airways | Rank 2

Hamad Al Khater has served as Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group since December 2025, following a career in the aviation sector that included serving as Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport before taking the helm at one of the region’s largest carriers.

Corporate portrait of Ibrahim Al-Omar against a dark background with his name and Saudia Group title.
Portrait of Ibrahim Al-Omar. Handout: Saudia Groupbrahim Al-Omar, representing the leadership of Saudia Group.

Ibrahim Al-Omar – Saudia Group | Rank 16

Ibrahim Al-Omar has served as Director General of Saudia Group since 2020. He oversees the Saudi flag carrier and the group’s subsidiaries, while also chairing the board of flyadeal and the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AACO).

Corporate portrait of Antonoaldo Neves against a gradient background with his name and Etihad Airways Group title.
Portrait of Antonoaldo Neves. Handout: Etihad Airways Group.

Antonoaldo Neves – Etihad Airways Group | Rank 24

Antonoaldo Neves has led Etihad Airways Group since 2022, following a career that included heading international airlines such as TAP Air Portugal and Azul Airlines, as well as prior experience at McKinsey & Company.

Corporate portrait of Bander Almohanna against a teal gradient background with his name and flynas title.
Portrait of Bander Almohanna. Handout: flynas.

Bander Almohanna – flynas | Rank 29

Bander Almohanna serves as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of flynas. He joined the company in 2006 and rose through various leadership positions to his current role. In recent years, he has spearheaded the carrier’s expansion and its debut on the Saudi Stock Exchange.

Corporate portrait of Ghaith Al Ghaith against a gradient background with his name and flydubai title.
Portrait of Ghaith Al Ghaith. Handout: flydubai.

Ghaith Al Ghaith – flydubai | Rank 30

Ghaith Al Ghaith has led flydubai since its inception in 2008. He played a pivotal role in expanding the low-cost carrier from a domestic operator into an extensive regional and international network connecting Dubai to numerous destinations.

Corporate portrait of Ahmed Adel in an office setting with his name and EgyptAir Holding Company title
Portrait of Ahmed Adel. Handout: EgyptAir Holding Company.

Ahmed Adel – EgyptAir Holding Company | Rank 43

Ahmed Adel serves as Chairman and Executive Managing Director of EgyptAir Holding Company, having previously held the same position. He oversees the group and its subsidiaries, chief among them EgyptAir.

Corporate portrait banner of Abdelhamid Addou speaking at a podium with his name and Royal Air Maroc title.
Abdelhamid Addou speaking at an event. Handout: Royal Air Maroc.

Abdelhamid Addou – Royal Air Maroc | Rank 45

Abdelhamid Addou has served as Chairman and CEO of Royal Air Maroc since 2016. He is guiding the Moroccan flag carrier through an expansion phase aimed at bolstering Morocco’s aviation footprint, particularly between Europe, Africa, and other international markets.

Corporate portrait of Samer Majali against a gradient background with his name and Royal Jordanian title.
Portrait of Samer Majali. Handout: Royal Jordanian.

Samer Majali – Royal Jordanian | Rank 78

Samer Majali holds the position of Vice Chairman and Designated CEO of Royal Jordanian. He possesses extensive experience in the aviation industry, having previously led the Jordanian carrier across various stints.

Corporate portrait of Hussein Sherif against a dark background with his name and Air Cairo title.
Portrait of Hussein Sherif. Handout: Air Cairo.

Hussein Sherif – Air Cairo | Rank 89

Hussein Sherif serves as Chairman and CEO of Air Cairo, having returned to lead the company in November 2025. He continues to work on expanding the carrier’s network and strengthening its footprint in international markets.

Corporate portrait of Adel Al Ali against an Air Arabia branded background with his name and title
Portrait of Adel Al Ali. Handout: Air Arabia.

Adel Al Ali – Air Arabia | Rank 92

Adel Al Ali founded Air Arabia in 2003 and has since led one of the premier low-cost carriers in the Middle East and North Africa, expanding its operations into Asian and European markets.

Airport Leaders

Corporate portrait of Raed Al-Idrissi against a gradient background with his name and Matarat Holding title.
Portrait of Raed Al-Idrissi. Handout: Matarat Holding.

Raed Al-Idrissi – Matarat Holding | Rank 5

Raed Al-Idrissi serves as Chief Executive Officer of Matarat Holding, which oversees the Saudi airport ecosystem, works to develop the airport operating model, and enhances private-sector participation.

Corporate portrait of Paul Griffiths against a dark background with his name and Dubai Airports title.
Portrait of Paul Griffiths. Handout: Dubai Airports.

Paul Griffiths – Dubai Airports | Rank 8

Paul Griffiths has served as CEO of Dubai Airports since the company’s establishment in 2007. He oversees Dubai International and Al Maktoum International, which together form one of the most vital airport systems in the region.

Portrait of Ahmed Juma Al Shamisi from Abu Dhabi Airports.
Portrait of Ahmed Juma Al Shamisi. Handout: Abu Dhabi Airports.

 

Ahmed Juma Al Shamisi – Abu Dhabi Airports | Rank 13

Ahmed Juma Al Shamisi assumed the position of CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports in January 2026, following an extensive career within the airport sector. He oversees the emirate’s commercial airports, chief among them Zayed International Airport.

Adel El Fakir representing Moroccan Airports in a professional portrait.
Portrait of Adel El Fakir. Handout: Moroccan Airports

Adel El Fakir – Moroccan Airports (ONDA) | Rank 35

Adel El Fakir serves as Director General of Moroccan Airports (ONDA), following background experience in the tourism and aviation sectors. He leads the Moroccan airport system through a phase marked by growth in air traffic and aviation infrastructure.

Corporate portrait of Ali Salim Al Midfa against a gradient background with his name and Sharjah Airport Authority title.
Portrait of Ali Salim Al Midfa. Handout: Sharjah Airport Authority.

Ali Salim Al Midfa – Sharjah Airport Authority | Rank 47

Ali Salim Al Midfa has chaired the Sharjah Airport Authority since 2014. Boasting years of experience in aviation and airport management, he oversees the airport’s development and the expansion of its operational capacities.

Corporate portrait of Andrew Tyler-Smith against a backdrop featuring the Red Sea International Airport logo and his name.
Portrait of Andrew Tyler-Smith. Handout: Red Sea International Airport.

 Andrew Tyler-Smith – Red Sea International Airport | Rank 66

Andrew Tyler-Smith has served as Chief Executive Officer of Red Sea International Airport since 2025. The airport is tied to the development of the Red Sea and Amaala destinations, making it an integral part of the plan to connect new tourism hotspots to the international aviation network.

Corporate portrait of Marco Mejia against a dark background with his name and King Salman International Airport title.
Portrait of Marco Mejia. Handout: King Salman International Airport.

Marco Mejia – King Salman International Airport | Rank 82

Marco Mejia serves as Acting CEO of King Salman International Airport Development Company, the mega-project in Riyadh aiming to establish a new global aviation hub supporting Saudi Arabia’s plans to expand the capital’s role as a travel and business hub.

Private Aviation Leaders

Mahmood Al Hameli of Abu Dhabi Aviation Group corporate banner.
Portrait of Mahmood Al Hameli. Handout: Abu Dhabi Aviation Group.

Mahmood Al Hameli – Abu Dhabi Aviation Group | Rank 57

Mahmood Al Hameli serves as CEO of Abu Dhabi Aviation Group, which operates in sectors including private aviation, aircraft operations, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), alongside specialised aerial services.

Corporate portrait of Arnaud Martinez with The Helicopter Company logo and a helicopter model.
Portrait of Arnaud Martinez. Handout: The Helicopter Company.

Arnaud Martinez – The Helicopter Company | Rank 79

Arnaud Martinez has led Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company (THC) since its launch. Wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the firm offers rotary-wing services, including private and charter flights, as well as specialised aerial operations.

Corporate portrait of Paul de Salis against a gradient background with his name and RoyalJet title.
Portrait of Paul de Salis. Handout: RoyalJet.

Paul De Salis – RoyalJet | Rank 86

Paul De Salis holds the position of CEO at Abu Dhabi-headquartered RoyalJet, an entity specialising in private aviation services, aircraft management, and executive chartering.

Corporate portrait of Adel Mardini signing a document against an Abu Dhabi Airports and Jetex backdrop.
Adel Mardini. Handout: Jetex.

Adel Mardini – Jetex | Rank 88

Adel Mardini founded Jetex in 2005. The company operates in private aviation services, VIP facility management, and executive handling services, backed by an international network of locations.

Corporate portrait of Hadi Mouawad against a dark background with his name and ExecuJet Middle East title.
Portrait of Hadi Mouawad. Handout: ExecuJet Middle East.

Hadi Mouawad – ExecuJet Middle East | Rank 94

Hadi Mouawad has led ExecuJet Middle East since its inception. The company specialises in executive aviation, aircraft management, and ground handling services for private aircraft, with a presence at key airports in Dubai.

Corporate portrait of Ahmad Abu Ghazaleh against a dark background with his name and the International Wings Group title.
Portrait of Ahmad Abu Ghazaleh. Handout: Del Monte.

Ahmad Abu Ghazaleh – International Wings Group | Rank 95

Ahmad Abu Ghazaleh serves as CEO and Vice Chairman of International Wings Group, which encompasses entities operating in private aviation, aircraft management, and medevac, as well as flight training and aviation education institutions.

A donut chart showing 24 Middle East aviation leaders divided into 11 airline, 7 airport, and 6 private aviation executives.
A breakdown of the 24 aviation leaders featured in the Forbes Middle East Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders 2026 list. Chart: Aljaweea, source: Forbes Lists.

Three Facets of a Single Industry

Although Forbes separates airlines, airports, and private aviation in its ranking, compiling these names into a single overview highlights the sheer scope of the Middle East’s aviation network. Commercial carriers are actively expanding their networks and modernising fleets; airports are investing to increase capacity and upgrade infrastructure, while private aviation operates within a distinct market driven by executive chartering, leisure travel, and specialised aerial services.

These moves come amid growth in the Middle East travel and tourism sector, which, according to Forbes, recorded a 5.3% expansion in 2025, contributing $385.8bn to the region’s GDP. Concurrently, throughout 2026, the aviation industry faced headwinds linked to geopolitical tensions and airspace disruptions.

The Forbes list offers a snapshot of three parallel tracks shaping the Middle East aviation industry: carriers connecting markets, airports building traffic hubs, and private aviation broadening the specialised aerial services market.

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