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Top 20 Leadership Influencers in the UAE in 2026

The UAE is shaping leadership in 2026 through innovation, strategic vision, and organizational excellence. Meet 20 leaders influencing business growth and management success.

February 19, 2026
Josie Renna
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Josie Renna

Josie Renna is a content strategy expert with a passion for helping creators navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Specializing in effective content creation techniques and platform-specific strategies, Josie provides insights to empower creators and brands to thrive online. With a deep understanding of algorithm dynamics and audience engagement, Josie shares actionable tips for optimizing content performance across various platforms.

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Here’s the list of the Top 20 Leadership Influencers in the UAE in 2026:

20. Yousif Hussain

Yousif Hussain is a Data & AI Advisory professional at EY Middle East, where he leads the AI Hub. He focuses on helping leaders and consultants understand and effectively use AI, emphasizing the importance of human-centered approaches in technology transformations. His content revolves around AI applications in business, leadership principles, and team management, often sharing insights from his professional experiences. He also discusses cultural and personal topics, such as Ramadan and family life, blending professional expertise with personal reflections. His posts are educational, inspirational, and often include practical advice for professionals in the tech and business sectors.

Favikon Authority Score: 3 733 pts

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19. Rawan Albina

Rawan Albina is a leadership development expert and executive coach with over two decades of experience in fostering high-performance leadership cultures. She specializes in integrating emotional intelligence, well-being, and human connection into leadership strategies. As the Director of the Leadership and Wellbeing Academies at Chalhoub Group, she designs immersive learning journeys for leaders at all levels. Her content focuses on psychological safety, emotional maturity, and conscious leadership, often shared through her bi-weekly LinkedIn newsletter. She frequently discusses topics like AI and consciousness, spiritual growth, and the future of work, with a strong emphasis on personal and professional transformation.

Favikon Authority Score: 3 875 pts

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18. Nehad Al Ghadri

Nehad Al Ghadri is a strategist, author, and transformation partner focused on leadership development, business consulting, and organizational growth. He specializes in helping professionals and organizations unlock their potential through human-centered solutions, blending business intelligence, psychology, and systems thinking. His content covers leadership skills, public speaking, career growth, AI integration, and emotional fitness, often shared via LinkedIn posts and newsletters. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies like MetLife and BMW across the Gulf and Europe, and authored "How to Speak in Public Without Running for the Exit." His approach emphasizes clarity, intentionality, and practical frameworks for professional development.

Favikon Authority Score: 3 947 pts

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17. Jeff Ross

Jeff Ross is a leadership coach and capability partner specializing in high-pressure, customer-facing organizations across MENA and Asia. With over 25 years of experience in hospitality, retail, and service-driven industries, he focuses on leadership alignment, development, and coaching. His work includes facilitating Leadership & Performance Alignment Sessions, coaching mid-level and senior leaders, and designing structured leadership capability projects. Jeff publishes content on LinkedIn, sharing insights on leadership, feedback culture, multicultural team dynamics, and organizational alignment. His posts often emphasize clarity, precision, and practical strategies for improving leadership effectiveness in diverse environments.

Favikon Authority Score: 4 057 pts

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16. Soha El-Sheikh

Soha El-Sheikh is a Certified Master Trainer and Learning & Development professional with over 7 years of experience in delivering impactful corporate training programs. She specializes in designing and facilitating courses in Business, Management, Leadership, and Interpersonal Skills, helping professionals enhance their efficiency and advance their careers. Soha has been recognized as one of the top 100 Influential Leaders in the Middle East and has been featured on CNBC Arabia as a 'Women in Leadership'. She is also an Expert Speaker at Bookboon Learning, creating Arabic audio content for global learners. Her content focuses on professional development, leadership, and training methodologies, often sharing insights from her extensive career in Sales, Marketing, and Customer Engagement.

Favikon Authority Score: 4 091 pts

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15. Maya Mattar

Maya Mattar is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the service industry, specializing in customer experience, leadership, and personal development. She is an international keynote speaker, author of the Amazon bestseller "Lasting Impressions - The Framework for Consistent Service Delivery," and a leadership coach. Maya has worked with global franchises and local organizations, contributing to the development of over 11,000 individuals. She frequently shares insights on professional networking, leadership, and customer service through her LinkedIn posts and podcast, "Lasting Impressions." Her content often highlights her involvement in industry events, panel discussions, and collaborations with other experts.

Favikon Authority Score: 4 317 pts

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14. Yasser Bahaa

Yasser Bahaa is an award-winning corporate trainer and leadership coach with over 26 years of experience in banking consultancy, higher education, and business management. He specializes in corporate training, coaching, and public speaking, offering programs in leadership, organizational excellence, and personal development. Yasser has trained individuals and organizations across the Middle East, including government entities and corporate clients. He is the author of five books and has been featured on various TV channels. Yasser also helps individuals build online academies and coaching programs, transforming their expertise into sustainable income streams.

Favikon Authority Score: 4 603 pts

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13. Sanita Pukite

Sanita Pukite is an executive coach and leadership facilitator specializing in helping leaders expand their capacity to handle complexity, ambiguity, and pressure. With nearly two decades of global leadership experience at Johnson & Johnson, she combines practical insights with systems psychodynamics to support leaders and teams in achieving sustainable performance. Her content focuses on leadership development, team dynamics, and personal growth, often shared through LinkedIn posts, workshops, and speaking engagements. She is actively involved in the INSEAD Alumni Association UAE and advocates for women in leadership, high-performance, and intentional recovery.

Favikon Authority Score: 4 680 pts

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12. Heba AlShehhi

Heba AlShehhi is a distinguished Head of Project Management Office at Dubai Municipality, recognized as the World PMO Leader of the Year 2023. She is an accomplished author of 'Elements of Leadership', a TEDx speaker, and co-founder of Bayt AlFann. Her expertise spans PMO establishment, digital transformation, and agile project management. Heba actively promotes leadership and project management through speaking engagements, mentorship, and her book, which she frequently promotes at international book fairs and professional events.

Favikon Authority Score: 4 728 pts

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11. Mostafa Zaghloul

Mostafa Zaghloul is a seasoned business leader with extensive experience in FMCG, sales, and revenue management across North Africa, the Middle East, and GCC regions. He has held leadership roles at multinational companies like Unilever, Mars, and Henkel, managing businesses with annual sales exceeding $600 million. His content focuses on business strategy, sales optimization, route-to-market efficiency, and leadership insights. He frequently shares thought-provoking posts on LinkedIn, blending personal experiences with professional expertise to inspire and educate his audience.

Favikon Authority Score: 4 734 pts

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10. Samie Al-Achrafi

Samie Al-Achrafi is a globally recognized leader in the Conscious Leadership movement, author of multiple books including '#Time4Humanity' and '9 Lessons from the Universe,' and the founder and CEO of Marmalade Fish, a B Corp™ consultancy focused on bringing humanity to business. He is a sought-after speaker and has delivered a TED talk on the importance of humanity in business. Samie's content spans leadership, values, culture change, and personal growth, often shared through LinkedIn posts, retreats, and global events like the annual Global Eye Gazing Event. His work has reached over 1 million people, and he is also a Partner and Board Member at ELEPHAS Paris®, a beauty brand dedicated to saving endangered species.

Favikon Authority Score: 5 145 pts

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9. Ryad Al Mashhour

Ryad Al Mashhour is a seasoned professional in the field of Facilities Management (FM) with over 17 years of experience. As the Regional Manager at Provis Integrated Facility Management, he oversees operations for over 490 government facilities in Al Dhafra, managing 28,000+ MEP assets and supporting 16 government entities across Abu Dhabi. Ryad specializes in regional FM strategy, contract management, asset lifecycle optimization, and digital transformation in FM. He is recognized as one of the top MUHTARIF-certified leaders by MEFMA and was awarded Facility Manager of the Year 2025 by FM Middle East. His content focuses on operational excellence, sustainability, and innovation in FM, often sharing insights on international standards, smart maintenance, and the future of FM. Ryad is an active participant in industry events and a thought leader in the FM community.

Favikon Authority Score: 5 240 pts

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8. Dr. Ahmad Al Attas

Dr. Ahmad Al Attas is the Founder and CEO of Leadership Enrichment Consultancy (LEC), a leading firm based in Abu Dhabi specializing in leadership development, innovation, and strategic development. He is also the Managing Director of EXHub Holding, focusing on investment, industrial development, and technological innovation. With a Doctorate in Business Administration, Dr. Ahmad is an expert in leadership, management, and organizational development. He frequently shares insights on leadership, supply chain management, and AI-driven innovation through social media posts, public speaking engagements, and authored works like 'Sustainable Leadership.' His content often includes educational and motivational posts, business partnerships, and event promotions, targeting professionals and entrepreneurs in the UAE and globally.

Favikon Authority Score: 5 377 pts

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7. Tarek Nizameddin

Tarek Nizameddin is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in facilities management, asset management, and real estate operations across the GCC and MENA regions. He specializes in large-scale organizational transformation, operational turnaround, and digital innovation in facilities management. Tarek frequently shares insights on leadership, sustainability, and technology adoption in FM through LinkedIn posts, podcasts, and speaking engagements. His content often highlights the importance of operational excellence, resilience, and long-term value creation in managing complex portfolios and multi-billion-dollar assets.

Favikon Authority Score: 5448 pts

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6. Yahya Al Ansaari

Yahya Al Ansaari is a transformational leader and institutional representative based in Dubai, UAE. He focuses on organizational development, leadership, and educational innovation, frequently sharing insights and updates from his role at Higher Colleges of Technology. His content includes leadership tips, institutional events, international collaborations, and community engagement initiatives. He emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and the importance of education in shaping future skills. His posts often highlight partnerships with industry leaders, cultural events, and student activities, showcasing his commitment to fostering a positive organizational culture and advancing educational excellence.

Favikon Authority Score: 5 543 pts

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5. Jessy Abraham

Jessy Abraham is a Leadership Coach and HR Consultant with over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, including roles at Emirates, dnata, and Emirates Flight Catering. She specializes in HR strategy, culture transformation, learning & development, and executive coaching. Jessy founded Thrive, an HR consultancy, and shares insights, stories, and practical strategies to help organizations and individuals grow. Her content focuses on leadership, career development, and personal growth, often drawing from her extensive corporate experience. Jessy is also an advocate for lifelong learning and has been involved in various educational and community initiatives in Dubai.

Favikon Authority Score: 5 906 pts

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4. Dagmara Asbreuk

Dagmara Asbreuk is a transformational partner to CEOs and executives, specializing in unlocking exponential growth in leadership, organizational development, and business performance. With over 15 years of experience in global and Fortune 500 environments, she focuses on identity architecture, subconscious pattern release, nervous system expansion, and energetic influence. Dagmara publishes educational content on leadership, team dynamics, and organizational transformation, often sharing insights from her proprietary framework that integrates neuroscience, somatic intelligence, and executive mastery. She is a frequent speaker and hosts the Extraordinary Leadership Podcast, where she discusses leadership evolution, psychological safety, and future-ready organizations.

Favikon Authority Score: 6 035 pts

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3. Bahar Selman

Bahar Selman is a Career Longevity & Personal Branding Strategist specializing in helping senior corporate leaders build visibility and career autonomy. With over 15 years of experience in global corporations like Diageo, Danone, and Red Bull, she focuses on transforming corporate expertise into external authority. Through her platform, Uphuman, she offers executive coaching, corporate workshops, and keynotes. Her content on LinkedIn emphasizes strategic positioning, personal branding, and career longevity, often addressing the risks of invisibility and the importance of building a public narrative. She frequently shares actionable insights on LinkedIn, targeting senior professionals seeking to future-proof their careers.

Favikon Authority Score: 6 046 pts

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2. Abdallah Nasrallah

Abdallah Nasrallah is an executive advisor specializing in strategy, transformation, digital innovation, and leadership. With over two decades of experience in the MENA region, GCC, Jordan, and Canada, he focuses on empowering organizations and individuals to achieve growth and success. His content includes professional insights, leadership coaching, and strategic advice, often shared through LinkedIn posts. He collaborates with top-tier executives, provides tailored solutions, and advocates for emerging technologies. His work spans government, public sector, and enterprise levels, emphasizing performance, innovation, and modernization.

Favikon Authority Score: 7 152 pts

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1. Patrick Chalhoub

Patrick Chalhoub is the Executive Chairman of Chalhoub Group, a leading luxury retail company in the Middle East. With a career spanning decades, he focuses on leadership development, sustainability, and innovation within the luxury industry. His online presence primarily features insights from public speaking events, panel discussions, and corporate milestones, often highlighting the Group's partnerships, achievements, and vision for the future. Chalhoub frequently shares reflections on the evolution of luxury, the importance of cultural dialogue, and the role of family values in business. His content is deeply rooted in the GCC region, with a strong emphasis on education, mentorship, and sustainability.

Favikon Authority Score: 7 155 pts

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