The GCC business landscape is evolving at an incredible pace, driven by leaders who are reshaping industries, driving innovation, and redefining success. These individuals are not only adapting to change but are also creating it, setting new standards for excellence and growth across the region.
From finance and technology to sustainability and entrepreneurship, these leaders are spearheading initiatives that are making a lasting impact. Their vision and dedication are not just transforming businesses but also contributing to the region’s long-term economic strength and global influence.
Top 10 Leaders to Watch in the GCC
Below, we highlight the top 10 leaders who are playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the GCC’s business ecosystem.
1. Aadil Datta | Sustainable Solutions For Excellent Outdoor And Hospitality Experiences
Aadil Datta, a seasoned entrepreneur with a deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and driving meaningful impact, is the General Manager, CEO, and Founder of Elite Horizon General Trading LLC. With his entrepreneurial focus centered around creating brands with purpose, Aadil has built several successful ventures in the Middle East.
Prioritizing eco-friendly alternatives and cost-effective solutions at Elite Horizon, Aadil has established the company as one of the leading importers and distributors in the UAE and GCC. Growing from a team of 3 to 38, Elite Horizon operates across the GCC, proudly representing 14 brands with a portfolio of more than 3,000 SKUs. At Elite Horizon, Aadil has built an environment where collaboration and passion drive success—whether that’s through their office cookouts or hands-on approach to business growth. The company is the only sustainable firewood and charcoal supplier in the GCC, with a key focus on sustainability, and community responsibilities.
“Our expansion has been fuelled by a commitment to innovation, strategic partnerships, and a strong company culture,” Aadil mentions. While founding Elite Horizon, Aadil wanted to focus on quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Accordingly, the company supplies outdoor charcoal and firewood equipment and aims to set itself apart from its inception by prioritizing sustainability and ethical sourcing. Alongside ensuring that every firewood product they sell is responsibly sourced and traceable, Aadil and his team actively educate their clients about the environmental and ethical importance of choosing sustainably sourced products.
With transparent communications and certifications, Aadil has positioned Elite Horizon as a trusted partner in the market, delivering exceptional experiences to clients. Alongside his professional ventures, he is also a Founding Trustee of the Big Hug Foundation, a charity dedicated to empowering underprivileged communities, contributing to initiatives that uplift those in need. His focus on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and social responsibility has driven Aadil to create ventures that balance business success with a positive impact on society.
LinkedIn | Website | Instagram
2. Christine Braun | Transforming Workplaces By Fostering Compassionate Leadership
A dynamic leader in talent development, an engaging international keynote speaker, and a dedicated consultant focused on transforming leadership, teams, and workplace cultures, Christine Braun describes how we have forgotten the transformative power of compassionate leadership in our workplaces. She believes it’s time to tap into a wellspring of energy and engagement, unlocking human potential through intentional kindness and presence.
Witnessing firsthand the ripple effects when leaders bring empathy into their teams, families, and communities, Christine believes it’s not just feel-good stuff – it’s a catalyst for innovation and high performance. When we connect to what truly matters, alignment and trust naturally follow. Christine reflects, “But here’s the thing: this shift begins within. As leaders, we must look deep inside ourselves, clarifying our values and aligning with our higher purpose. It means letting go of ego-driven ideas and leading from the heart. Emotional intelligence isn’t a weakness – it’s the foundation for elevating ourselves and those around us.”
She aims to inspire a global movement of leaders, workplaces, and communities embarking on this journey together. The old paradigms of command and control simply don’t work in today’s interconnected world, so there’s a need for a new approach that’s rooted in kindness and inclusion. As the Founder of Women Who Shift, and The Shift, Christine coaches and supports women, leaders, and organizations in creating environments of compassion, engagement and energy. “It’s about recognizing the subtle power of our body language, our tone, our presence. These micro-moments shape culture in profound ways.” She adds.
With a vision for a shift to a new kind of leadership – one that embraces our shared humanity, she reflects that the journey is all about progress toward empathy, deep listening, and creating spaces of belonging. With small consistent steps, Christine aspires to transform workplaces and leave a positive mark in the world.
3. Marco Polito | A Journey of Leadership, Training, and Career Development
A visionary leader with almost two decades of experience across the maritime sector, Marco Polito’s journey began on the open sea, where he navigated not only the vast oceans but also the complexities of leadership and professional growth. Currently, he leads as a Senior Instructor at AD Ports Group.
Starting his career aboard merchant ships, where discipline, responsibility, and problem-solving were essential to daily operations, he eventually transitioned to cruise ships, where he advanced to the role of Chief Officer and later became a Training Officer. Marco mentions, “In this role, I was responsible for more than just ship safety and navigation—I took on the responsibility of mentoring crew members, implementing leadership programs, and optimizing safety and emergency procedures.”
Unlike traditional workplaces, training at sea comes with unique experiences, as every decision has immediate consequences, teaching Marco that leadership is not about hierarchy; it’s about clarity, communication, and the ability to inspire confidence in others. After years of training and leading teams on board, he once again transitioned to shore-based training centers, where he specialized in maritime leadership, bridge resource management, and professional development.
Teaching in renowned training institutions, Marco designed and delivered high-impact courses for officers, captains, and maritime executives, helping them refine their leadership and communication skills for complex operational environments. Whether on a ship, in a corporate office, or leading a multinational team, he believes strong leadership makes the difference between success and mediocrity.
Today, he brings this vast experience to a broader audience, helping both companies and individuals to develop leadership skills, improve corporate communication, and build fulfilling careers. “I provide executive coaching, career advisory services, and corporate training programs designed to empower professionals to lead with confidence, communicate with impact, and ensure career growth,” Alexander adds.
4. Anton Pankratov | Pioneering Scalable Cloud Solutions
Anton Pankratov is leading the charge in digital infrastructure, positioning BFB ONE FZ-LLC as a key player in the GCC’s cloud solutions landscape. With a strong entrepreneurial background spanning over two decades, he has successfully built and scaled businesses specializing in AI-driven services, VPS hosting, and IPv4 leasing. His vision for 2025 is clear: “We see our company BFB ONE FZ-LLC as a leading infrastructure provider in the GCC region, empowering digital transformation with reliable, scalable, and secure cloud solutions.”
Under his leadership, BFB ONE FZ-LLC is rapidly expanding its footprint in the Gulf. The company is aggressively scaling operations, with ambitious targets to increase monthly revenue from $200K to $2M and grow its client base from 21,000 to over 100,000. “This year, we’re actively expanding our presence in the Gulf, aiming to raise our retention rate from 60% to 75%, driven by premium Managed VPS, IPv4 leasing, and strategic partnerships,” Pankratov states, emphasizing his commitment to customer satisfaction and long-term growth.
Beyond BFB ONE FZ-LLC, Pankratov has co-founded Baxet Group Inc. and Baxet LLC, where he played a crucial role in launching and managing high-performance hosting solutions. His bilingual expertise in English and Russian has enabled him to expand his businesses across international markets, leveraging innovation to deliver high-quality, scalable cloud services.
As businesses in the region increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, Pankratov’s strategic leadership ensures that BFB ONE FZ-LLC remains at the forefront of technological advancements. His unwavering commitment to innovation and operational excellence is setting new industry benchmarks, making him one of the top leaders shaping the future of cloud computing in 2025.
Instagram | Facebook | Threads | X | LinkedIn | Telegram | VK | TikTok | Snapchat | Dzen
5. Yolande Schulz | A Trailblazing Leader Empowering Emerging Talents
A dynamic FMCG leader, strategist, mentor, and storyteller, Yolande Schulz brings over 18 years of experience spanning research and development, quality, commercial, leadership, and cross-functional business transformation across Africa and international markets like GCC and Eastern Europe. With a unique ability to balance data-driven decision-making and deeply human leadership, Yolande has consistently delivered impact across both B2B and B2C sectors — guiding teams, unlocking talent, and driving sustainable business growth.
With a postgraduate qualification in Food Science, Yolande brings her technical background to life through a human-centered lens. As a German-speaking South African with global experience, she is passionate about uplifting talent from underrepresented communities and believes strongly in innovating for and with emerging markets. Her ultimate mission is to help leaders lead with more empathy, confidence, and courage — while leaving workplaces better than they found them.
Becoming a Director by her mid-30s — not only through ambition, but through authenticity, grit, Yolande has the ability to create safe, high-performing spaces where others could thrive. Her career is rooted in the belief that legacy isn’t about titles, she believes it’s about the people one impacts along the way. She adds her leadership philosophy, “I believe legacy is not built through titles — it’s built through how we show up, who we lift, and what we choose to leave better than we found it.” Currently, Yolande holds a senior leadership role, where she contributes to strategic growth in emerging markets, with a special focus on innovation, customer partnerships, and inclusive leadership. She has served on regional and local leadership teams, led commercial and sales portfolios, and built bridges between technical excellence and market strategy — always bringing a grounded, people-first approach to every initiative. Her leadership journey has been constantly defined by intentional growth.
A passionate advocate for mentorship, gender equity, wellness, and employment inclusion, Yolande has co-developed formal mentorship programs, acted as a career coach and advisor, and recently started creating high-value toolkits and resources under her growing brand platform, Edit to Thrive. Through this work, she supports professionals navigating their leadership journeys, personal growth, and workplace challenges — particularly within high-growth, high-pressure environments.
Yolande’s voice is grounded in lived experience, and she openly shares her insights around parenting while working in corporate, navigating cultural transformation, and using storytelling to lead with impact. Whether she’s speaking at events, coaching emerging leaders, or writing for her growing LinkedIn audience, Yolande brings clarity, warmth, and honesty — showing that leadership is not about perfection, but presence.
6. Dr. Carina Lanfredi | Leading the Saudi-Brazil Business Revolution
With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Carina Lanfredi has emerged as a transformative leader in global business development. As the Chief Operating Officer of SBVG, she plays a pivotal role in fostering strategic partnerships between Saudi Arabia and Brazil, two markets rich with untapped potential. Recently, she received an official nomination for a prestigious diplomatic role at the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Saudi Arabia, further solidifying her influence in strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Through her expertise in investment facilitation, operational transformation, and regulatory navigation, Dr. Lanfredi is unlocking new opportunities that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Brazil’s expanding global influence. SBVG stands as a bridge between these two economic powerhouses, focusing on high-growth sectors such as fintech, healthcare, sports, and manufacturing. Under her leadership, businesses can seamlessly navigate the complexities of international trade, leveraging her deep market insights and extensive global network.
A strategic thinker with a results-driven approach, Dr. Lanfredi has successfully led multi-billion-dollar projects and developed tailored solutions for businesses seeking international expansion. Her ability to merge business acumen with cultural understanding sets her apart, making her a trusted advisor in cross-border investments. Her vision for SBVG is clear: to be the premier gateway for companies looking to thrive in both Saudi and Brazilian markets.
Looking ahead, Dr. Lanfredi is focused on scaling SBVG’s impact by expanding its partnerships, integrating emerging technologies, and deepening its presence in key industries. By fostering collaboration between private and public sectors, she is not only transforming businesses but also shaping the future of global economic alliances. With her leadership—both at SBVG and in her new diplomatic capacity—she is redefining what it means to do business in a rapidly evolving international landscape.
LinkedIn | Saudi-Brazil Ventures Group
7. Najat OJ | Championing Holistic Midwifery and Women’s Health
Najat Ould Hadj is a passionate and dedicated Midwifery & Nursing Executive Leader at Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children. With a career that began as an integrated midwife and built strong expertise in women’s fields across Europe (Belgium, France, UK), she has continuously the passion to elevate the standards of care in maternal health.
Early in her career she started the function of leadership in women’s and children’s health after earning a master’s in public health and hospital Management in a reputable University in Belgium showing already strong interest for public health matters with a strong focus on patient centered care approach. Her passion extends to encompass a holistic approach by completing a diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine which gives her both knowledge that combines the conventional and complementary therapies.
Since joining Danat Al Emarat in October 2016 as Midwifery Manager then Assistant Chief of Nursing, and climbing the ladder up to Director of Nursing and Midwifery. Najat has been a driving force behind positive change, ensuring that women receive compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic care throughout their pregnancy and childbirth journey.
Known for her empathy and efficiency, Najat is deeply committed to championing women’s rights in the birthing process. Her holistic approach to midwifery integrates traditional and modern techniques, making her an exceptional advocate for natural and respectful childbirth. As a highly skilled professional, throughout her career across Europe (Belgium, France, UK) and UAE she has shared her expertise in maternity care, and acupuncture, empowering healthcare professionals to support pregnant women more effectively. Her structured and insightful training has left a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Her influence extends beyond the hospital setting, as she has personally guided countless women through their birth experiences with care and reassurance by Founding her own Company NativaCare that provides support to women throughout their pregnancy, birth and postnatal period.
One such experience, shared by one of her previous patients, highlights Najat’s extraordinary ability to provide comfort and strength during childbirth, transforming what can be an overwhelming moment into a deeply empowering and serene experience. Her presence, words, and actions create an environment of trust and confidence, allowing mothers to embrace childbirth with positivity.
Danat Al Emarat, where Najat plays a pivotal role, is a world-class specialty hospital dedicated to women’s and children’s health. As an M42 partner, the hospital provides cutting-edge medical services, including a Fetal Medicine Unit and a Level III NICU, ensuring the highest standard of care for high-risk pregnancies and newborns. Najat’s leadership in midwifery aligns seamlessly with the hospital’s mission to deliver unparalleled patient-centered care.
Through her expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication, Najat Ould Hadj continues to shape the future of midwifery and maternal healthcare, inspiring both her peers and the next generation of midwives to uphold the highest standards in women’s health.
LinkedIn | Danat Al Emarat | Website
8. Ruqya Khan | Crafting Clarity, Confidence, and Connection Through S.M.I.L.E.
“My world is made of words — spoken and unspoken.” This simple statement defines Ruqya Khan, also known as RK — a wordsmith, coach, and internationally acclaimed speaker who leads with intention and heart. From writing poetry as a young girl to scripting TV shows, working in PR, and editing parenting magazines, Ruqya’s journey has been a celebration of language, connection, and transformation.
In 2016, she took the TEDx stage with her signature talk The Art of Possibility, where she introduced her patented S.M.I.L.E. strategy — a 5-step formula designed to help individuals move from chaos to clarity, both in personal and professional life. Since then, RK has presented her strategy across 10 countries, including at the Gross Global Happiness Summit (University for Peace, UN) and the World Happiness Fest in Miami. Her work resonates with people from all walks of life who are seeking practical tools to turn intention into action.
A Master Practitioner of NLP, Hypnosis, and Timeline Therapy®, PCC-certified life coach, and Chief Well-Being Officer at the World Happiness Academy, Ruqya has facilitated mindset training sessions for students, corporate teams, educators, and leaders across the USA, UK, Australia, Singapore, Egypt, Morocco, Oman, Kuwait, the UAE, and India. She has partnered with esteemed organizations such as the NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, the Sharjah Business Women Council, and the Prime Minister’s Office in Dubai — a true testament to her ability to inspire change at both grassroots and government levels.
RK’s SMILETASTIC workshops, keynotes, and coaching sessions are thoughtfully crafted to help people pause, reset, and build powerful inner conversations. Whether in an intimate coaching environment or on a large global stage, her mission is always the same: to help individuals overcome self-doubt, cultivate gratitude, and embrace possibility. Her approach is both scientific and soulful — combining neuro-linguistic programming, mindset mastery, and deep empathy.
Her influence goes beyond coaching and speaking. Through her platform RK Rites, she shares daily reflections, insights, and original quotes that encourage her audience to pause and reflect. Her words have become a source of encouragement for many who seek guidance in the noise of modern life.
As she often says, “Gratitude is the seed I come from, and that is the harvest I reap.” This philosophy is not only her mantra but also the foundation of every interaction she has, making Ruqya Khan an inspiring force of positive change, wherever she goes.
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Website
9. Dr. Desziree Richardson | From Resilience to Global Impact
Dr. Desziree Richardson’s inspiring journey from Anguilla in the British West Indies to becoming a globally recognized leader is a story of passion, vision, and transformation. Beginning her career as a media personality and producer, she faced challenges that tested her resilience but ultimately fueled her creativity and purpose. These early experiences shaped her path toward empowering others and creating platforms that celebrate leadership, kindness, and unity.
Her commitment to women’s empowerment took root in 2007 when she initiated projects designed to uplift and support women worldwide. This foundation later evolved into Face of Woha, which she officially launched in 2020 as a comprehensive brand dedicated to celebrating and enhancing women’s roles in society. Face of Woha is more than just an initiative—it encompasses product lines, a magazine, public speaking events, networking opportunities, and elements of beauty and fashion, all designed to inspire and elevate women globally. Through this, along with her signature Women of Heart Awards (WOHA) and Gentlemen of Heart Awards (GOHA), Dr. Richardson has built a movement that fosters positivity and purpose.
One of her most distinctive gifts is vibratory voice healing—a transformative practice that uses sound frequencies to bring emotional and spiritual peace. Through this work, Dr. Richardson helps individuals reconnect with their inner harmony, offering not just wellness but personal transformation on a deep, energetic level. This dedication to holistic healing aligns with her broader mission of uplifting and uniting people worldwide.
Beyond her empowerment initiatives, Dr. Richardson’s entrepreneurial achievements shine through Happy Mood Swagger, a luxury fashion and aviation brand born from her personal journey of overcoming darkness and rediscovering joy. The brand is a reflection of her commitment to spreading happiness and boosting confidence through high-quality, stylish products designed to uplift the human spirit.
Looking ahead, Dr. Richardson continues to expand her mission with projects like Breaking The Ice Talk and Men Who Empower Speak, further promoting unity and healing. As a visionary leader, humanitarian, and inspirational speaker, she remains a beacon of hope, using her voice and platforms to build a better, more compassionate world.
10. Dr. Estienne Cronjé | Rebuilding, Reinventing, and Reviving Success
Dr. Estienne Cronjé is a dynamic entrepreneur, business strategist, and education leader with a rare ability to turn bold ideas into thriving enterprises. With a PhD in Clinical Psychology and a DBA in progress, his expertise stretches across business consulting, leadership development, academia, and strategic growth. From founding Urban Academy, a top-tier private school in South Africa, to running BeBrilliant Academy and a specialist counseling practice, his work is deeply rooted in empowering individuals and organizations to excel.
At the heart of his mission is HumbleHub™️ – Rebuilding, Reinventing, and Reviving Businesses, a consultancy dedicated to helping smaller companies compete with industry giants. Understanding that the business world favors those with access and resources, Dr. Cronjé equips entrepreneurs with the strategies, resilience, and competitive edge needed to break through. His passion for fostering growth extends beyond the boardroom—he is also the founder of Super Soccer Schools™️, a training ground for young athletes designed to nurture raw talent and instill a culture of discipline and excellence.
Dr. Cronjé’s journey is one of relentless pursuit—of excellence, innovation, and impact. With a deep understanding of business psychology, he bridges the gap between ambition and achievement, giving people the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Whether advising startups, transforming education, or pioneering sports development, his work reflects his commitment to meaningful, long-term change.
As he continues to expand his influence, Dr. Cronjé remains steadfast in his vision: to create sustainable, impactful enterprises that challenge the status quo and elevate those willing to rise beyond their circumstances.
Conclusion
The future of the GCC’s business world lies in the hands of visionary leaders who are committed to progress, innovation, and sustainable success. Their efforts are not only driving profitability but also fostering a dynamic and competitive market that stands strong on the global stage.
As industries continue to evolve, these top 10 leaders will remain at the forefront, paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous future. Their work today is setting the foundation for a business landscape that will thrive for generations to come.
Also Read :-
Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs & Leaders Revolutionizing GCC in 2025
Top 10 Entrepreneurs and innovators to watch in 2025
About Author
