Celebrating Excellence: The Top 30 Leaders Transforming the Middle East Hospitality and Tourism Landscape
Hozpitality Group proudly presents its list of the Best 30 Hospitality and Tourism Leaders, showcasing the outstanding achievements of executives who have made significant contributions to this vibrant industry. This esteemed group comprises influential figures from airlines, hotels, tourism boards, and hospitality management firms.
The Middle East's tourism and hospitality sector is experiencing unprecedented growth fuelled by strategic investments, visionary leadership, and a commitment to excellence. In recent years, the region has become one of the world's most sought-after travel destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the travel and tourism sector in the Middle East is projected to contribute approximately $250 billion to the region's GDP by 2025, reflecting a robust annual growth rate of around 5.5%.
In 2022, the Middle East welcomed over 27 million international tourists, marking a significant recovery from the pandemic's impact. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are leading the charge, with major initiatives aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure and diversifying offerings. The UAE aims to attract 25 million visitors annually by 2025, supported by ambitious projects like Expo 2020 Dubai and a growing array of luxury and adventure tourism experiences.
The hospitality sector is equally thriving, with hotel occupancy rates in key cities exceeding 70% as the region gears up for a new era of travel. The expansion of airline networks and the introduction of innovative hospitality concepts further enhance the Middle East's appeal as a premier destination. With the commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation, the industry is evolving to meet the changing demands of travellers while promoting economic growth.
Hozpitality proudly presents its list of the Best 30 Hospitality and Tourism Leaders, showcasing the outstanding achievements of executives who have made significant contributions to this vibrant industry. This esteemed group comprises influential figures from airlines, hotels, tourism boards, and hospitality management firms. Through their strategic vision and relentless commitment to excellence, these leaders have enhanced connectivity and accessibility, facilitated the movement of millions of travellers and promoted the region as a prime destination for both leisure and business.
Selected through a public voting process, these leaders represent a diverse array of expertise and organizational backgrounds, each playing a pivotal role in driving sustainable development and economic growth in the hospitality sector. Their dedication to fostering innovation and operational excellence has not only propelled their respective organizations forward but has also contributed to the overall prosperity of the Middle East's tourism landscape.
Here are the recognized leaders in alphabetical order:
- Adel Abdullah Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, Air Arabia
- Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, CEO, Emirates Airline & Group
- Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah International Airport Authority
- Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President, Middle East & Africa, Minor International
- Antonoaldo Neves, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group
- Badr Mohammed Al Meer, CEO, Qatar Airways Group
- Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director, Middle East at United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
- Cenk Ünverdi, Chief Operating Officer, Rixos Hotels and AIC
- Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
- Duncan O'Rourke, CEO Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Asia-Pacific | Premium, Midscale & Economy at Accor
- Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports
- Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority (STA)
- Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai
- Guenter H Gebhard, Regional Vice President, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
- Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton Hotels
- Haitham Mattar, Managing Director MEA & Southwest Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing
- Kamil Al-Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kuwait Airways, Regional Vice President Africa & Middle East at International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Mark Kirby, Chief Operating Officer - Head of Hospitality, Emaar Hospitality Group
- Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek
- Mohamed Awadalla, Chief Executive Officer, TIME Hotels
- Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports
- Pawan Kachroo, MD, Khamas Hospitality
- Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
- Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
- Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer Middle East, Marriott International
- Simon Casson, Chief Executive Officer, Corinthia Hotels Limited
- Sultan Al-Otaibi, CEO, Dur Hospitality
- Tim Cordon, CEO, Radisson Hotel Group
- Tyrone Reid, Group CEO for MMI & Emirates Leisure Retail
Adel Abdullah Ali
Group Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director
Air Arabia
Under his visionary leadership, Air Arabia has become the region's first and largest low-cost carrier, transforming the air travel landscape in the MENA region.
Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum
CEO
Emirates Airline & Group
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum has been a pivotal figure in Dubai's extraordinary economic growth and transformation over the past 37 years.
Ali Salim Al Midfa
Chairman
Sharjah International Airport Authority
With nearly two decades of experience in airport management, H.E. Al Midfa has become a central figure in the development of Sharjah's aviation and hospitality sectors, driving innovation, growth, and excellence across the board.
Amir Golbarg
Senior Vice President - Middle East & Africa
Minor International
With a remarkable career spanning over ten countries and interactions with over 100 nationalities, Amir Golbarg's journey is marked by his passion for hospitality, a deep commitment to excellence, and a holistic approach to sustainability.
Antonoaldo Neves
Group Chief Executive Officer
Etihad Aviation Group
Under Neves’s leadership, Etihad continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in aviation, known for its high service standards and commitment to sustainability in the region.
Badr Mohammed Al Meer
CEO
Qatar Airways Group
As the CEO of Qatar Airways, Badr Mohammed Al Meer is now leading the airline into its next phase of growth and innovation. His focus on enhancing operational efficiency, advancing technological integration, and maintaining the airline's high customer service standards underscores his commitment to excellence.
Basmah Al-Mayman
Regional Director - Middle East
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Basmah Al-Mayman's extensive career spans over 21 years, beginning with her role at the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH). Over 17 years at SCTH, she was critical in shaping Saudi Arabia's international tourism relations, working closely with global organizations like UNESCO, the World Bank, and UN agencies.
Cenk Ünverdi
Chief Operating Officer
Rixos Hotels and AIC
Cenk’s impressive career path spans over 17 years, during which he has held multiple leadership positions, including Regional General Manager and Managing Director.
Dimitris Manikis
President EMEA
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Dimitris's journey in the hospitality industry began with RCI, where he spent over 27 years in various senior roles, ultimately serving as Vice President of Business Development for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. His extensive experience at RCI equipped him with a deep understanding of the hospitality landscape, enabling him to implement effective strategies that drive success.
Duncan O'Rourke
CEO Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Asia-Pacific | Premium, Midscale & Economy
Accor
With over twenty years of dedication to the hospitality industry, Duncan has cultivated a deep passion for the field. Prior to joining Accor in late 2016, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Kempinski Hotels, where he oversaw global operations for one of the most renowned luxury hospitality brands.
Elena Sorlini
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Abu Dhabi Airports
With over 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, Elena brings a wealth of strategic, financial, and operational expertise to her role at Abu Dhabi Airports.
Fahd Hamidaddin
CEO
Saudi Tourism Authority (STA)
As the founding CEO and a board member of the Saudi Tourism Authority, Hamidaddin has been pivotal in establishing the Visit Saudi brand, positioning the country as one of the most exciting new destinations in the world.
Ghaith Al Ghaith
CEO
flydubai
After a distinguished 23-year career at Emirates Airline, where he advanced to the position of Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations Worldwide, Al Ghaith took on a leadership role within the Dubai government in 2008 to spearhead the establishment of flydubai, the city’s first low-cost airline.
Guenter H Gebhard
Regional Vice President
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
With over 30 years of experience in the global luxury hospitality industry, Guenter has demonstrated exceptional strategic leadership and operational expertise across multiple high-profile properties.
Guy Hutchinson
President - Middle East & Africa
Hilton Hotels
Guy Hutchinson has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. This includes his 16 years at Hilton, followed by nearly 10 years at Rotana Hotels & Resorts, before returning to Hilton in early 2024.
Haitham Mattar
Managing Director MEA & Southwest Asia
IHG Hotels & Resorts
With more than 25 years of exemplary experience in the hospitality and tourism sectors, Mattar is renowned for his visionary leadership, expertise in destination development, and capacity to drive growth and promote innovation within the industry.
Issam Kazim
CEO
Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing
With a wealth of experience across both government and private sectors, Kazim is a seasoned CEO who has been instrumental in shaping Dubai's global tourism landscape.
Kamil Al-Awadhi
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kuwait Airways
Regional Vice President Africa & Middle East, International Air Transport Association (IATA)
With over 25 years of experience in the aviation industry, Al-Awadhi is known for his relentless commitment to safety and quality. He has developed a strong skill set in evaluating organizations' adherence to industry standards, collaborating with a variety of entities to facilitate their certification processes.
Mark Kirby
Chief Operating Officer - Head of Hospitality
Emaar Hospitality Group
Experienced hospitality leader with over 25 years in the industry with a proven track record in design, operational planning, pre-opening, operations, commercial and leading teams with in the GCC and the UK.
Markus Oberlin
CEO
Farnek
With over 20 years of experience in leadership and facilities management, Oberlin has made significant contributions to the advancement of the industry, particularly in sustainability and technology.
Mohamed Awadalla
Chief Executive Officer
TIME Hotels
With over 30 years of experience in the international hospitality industry, Awadalla has significantly contributed to leading global companies, demonstrating exceptional hotel management and development expertise.
Paul Griffiths
CEO
Dubai Airports
Paul Griffiths has over 34 years of experience in the hospitality and aviation industries. He has been the CEO of Dubai Airports since September 2007, and his previous roles include positions at Gatwick Airport, Virgin Rail Group, and Virgin Atlantic Airways.
Pawan Kachroo
Managing Director
Khamas Hospitality
With over 30 years of experience at Khamas Hospitality Group, Pawan Kachroo has established himself as a thorough hospitality professional.
Raki Phillips
CEO
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Raki is a distinguished tourism veteran. Raki's strategic vision includes the development of vital tourism infrastructure, oversight of licensing and regulations, and the creation of sustainable investment opportunities.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry
Director General
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. His career includes roles such as Director General at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and various leadership positions at Ajman Tourism Development Department and Meraas Holding, among others.
Sandeep Walia
Chief Operating Officer Middle East
Marriott International
With a remarkable career spanning over 25 years, Sandeep has made significant contributions to the hospitality industry, demonstrating exceptional leadership and operational expertise.
Simon Casson
Chief Executive Officer
Corinthia Hotels Limited
Simon Casson, the newly appointed CEO of Corinthia Hotels Limited, brings over 34 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry.
Sultan Al-Otaibi
CEO
Dur Hospitality
With over 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sultan Al-Otaibi has been instrumental in shaping the future of hospitality in Saudi Arabia.
Tim Cordon, CEO, Radisson Hotel Group
With over 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Tim Cordon has held key positions at Radisson Hotel Group, overseeing critical regions and steering operations through significant growth phases.
Tyrone Reid
Group CEO
MMI & Emirates Leisure Retail
With over two decades of experience across the food and beverage (F&B), hospitality, retail, travel retail, and drinks retail sectors in Europe, the Middle East, Turkey, the UK, and Russia, Tyrone has demonstrated a strong ability to drive growth and innovation.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE