Across the Middle East, a new wave of leadership is transforming the region’s real estate, proptech, infrastructure, and urban development sectors. The 30 Leaders Shaping Real Estate, Proptech, and Infrastructure in the Middle East highlights visionary individuals who are pushing boundaries, reimagining skylines, and shaping a sustainable future for cities across the region.
These leaders are at the forefront of a generational transformation — driven by ambitious national visions, digital innovation, and a commitment to long-term sustainability. Their work spans mega-projects, cutting-edge technologies, and public-private initiatives designed to elevate quality of life, attract regional and global investment, and diversify economies, according economymiddleeast.com.
In real estate, developers are delivering iconic masterplans such as NEOM, Expo City Dubai, and Yas Island, setting new benchmarks for urban living. These projects reflect a shift toward integrated, human-centric environments that blend lifestyle, work, and wellness. Proptech pioneers, meanwhile, are leveraging AI, blockchain, and digital platforms to streamline transactions, enhance building intelligence, and empower both tenants and investors.
Infrastructure leaders are driving major advancements in transportation, energy, and utilities — spearheading smart mobility networks, green building standards, and resilient infrastructure designed to combat climate change and optimize resource use.
Government figures and regulators featured on the list are creating the frameworks that make these ambitions possible — championing regulatory reform, promoting sustainability mandates, and enabling private sector collaboration. Their leadership is critical in shaping policies that attract foreign investment, foster innovation, and ensure inclusive growth, according economymiddleeast.com.
This list also highlights the growing presence of young professionals in leadership roles, reshaping sectors and introducing fresh perspectives to long-standing challenges. Together, this group reflects the Middle East’s unique blend of tradition and progress, ambition and pragmatism.
These 30 leaders are not just constructing buildings or launching platforms — they are designing the future of the region. Through a blend of vision, resilience, and innovation, they are ensuring that cities in the Middle East are not only globally competitive but also sustainable, inclusive, and built for generations to come.
As the region continues its rapid transformation, the impact of these individuals will resonate far beyond bricks and mortar, redefining how people live, connect, and thrive in the Middle East’s next chapter of growth.
The list:
- HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum – Chairman, Dubai Holding
- Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi – Chairman, Arada
- Mohamed Alabbar – Chairman and member of the board of directors, Emaar Properties PJSC
- Reem Al Hashimy – CEO, Expo City Dubai Authority
- Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita – Director general, Dubai Municipality (DM)
- Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa – Chairman, The Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi
- Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail – Chairman of the board of directors, Real Estate General Authority | الهيئة العامة للعقار (REGA)
- Hussain Sajwani – Founder, DAMAC Group
- Talal Al Dhiyebi – Group CEO, AlDar Properties
- Yasir Al-Rumayyan – Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, ROSHN l روشن
- Omar Bushahab – Director general, Dubai Land Department (DLD) and chairman of the board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE), Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment
- John Pagano – Group CEO, Red Sea Global (RSG), Red Sea Global
- Muhammad BinGhatti – Chairman, Binghatti Holding
- Mahdi Amjad – Founder and executive chairman, OMNIYAT, Omniyat
- Hesham Al Qassim – CEO, Wasl Group
- Hisham Talaat Moustafa – CEO and Managing Director, Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG)
- Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi – Chairman, Modon
- Naguib Sawiris – Chairman and CEO, ORA Developers
- Ziad El Chaar – CEO, DarGlobal
- Rashed Al Omaira – Acting director general, Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre – مركز أبوظبي العقاري (ADREC)
- Amira Sajwani – Founder and CEO, PRYPCO
- Haider Ali Khan – CEO – Dubizzle Group MENA
- Abdul Aziz Ahmed Al-Shamsi – Director general, Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department
- Ali Hussain Sajwani – Co-Founder, Amali Properties
- Ahmed El Shamy – CEO, Majid Al Futtaim – Properties
- Aiman Al-Mudaifer – CEO, managing director and member of the board, NEOM
- Michael Dyke – CEO, New Murabba
- Yasser Salah Al-Jaidah – President and CEO, United Development Company (UDC)
- Abbas Sajwani – Founder and CEO, AHS Properties
- Masih Imtiaz – CEO, Imtiaz Developments
