Emirates Chief tops Forbes Middle East's travel and tourism leaders list

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, has ranked first in the Forbes Middle East's Top 50 Travel & Tourism Leaders list.

The list spotlights those who drive growth in the region's travel and tourism industry, building on their desire to reconnect with the world.

Emirates Airline and Group's revenue reached $6.7 billion in the first half of the 2021/2022 fiscal year.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths also featured high up on the list, placing third.

The UAE has dominated this month's rankings with 24 of the leaders featured based in the country, followed by 11 in Saudi Arabia, and four in Egypt. 

The hotels and hospitality sector is the most dominant with 26 entries, followed by aviation with 17, and tourism with seven.

Meet the region's most impactful leaders in travel. We reveal the top 50 heads spanning aviation, hospitality and tourism. The UAE dominates with 24 leaders based in the emirates, followed by 11 in Saudi Arabia, and 4 in Egypt.https://t.co/ojJXgwwnOW

— Forbes Middle East (@Forbes_MENA_) March 4, 2022