The pace of change in the business world is accelerating beyond recognition. For organizational leaders, the challenge isn’t just keeping up; it’s knowing when to pivot and how to scale, turning change into advantage and creating impact. Achieving this agility requires strong leadership. 

In the Middle East, from technology and education to energy, real estate, and retail industries, leaders are rethinking growth, innovation, and sustainability, shaping the impact that institutions have on society and the economy.

As 2025 draws to a close, we spoke with leaders who are building institutions and creating value that outlives market cycles. Their insights reveal how purpose-driven leadership is transforming ambition into a lasting legacy.

Comments have been edited for length and clarity.

Ahmed Abdelaal, Group CEO, Mashreq

In a world of rapid digital evolution, we believe technology’s greatest role is to amplify human potential. At Mashreq, our transformation strategy focuses on leveraging new technologies to augment human capabilities, equipping our teams with the tools to solve complex challenges with greater speed and precision. We champion a human-in-the-loop approach, where digital efficiency is guided by human empathy and judgment. It is this partnership—empowered people leveraging intelligent platforms—that will shape what comes next.

Carlos Wakim, CEO, Bloom Holding

At Bloom Holding, creating lasting value begins with a simple principle: people are at the heart of every community we build. We focus on purposeful design, quality execution, and customer-centric thinking to build neighborhoods that remain relevant and resilient. By fostering a culture of collaboration and integrity, we ensure that every decision strengthens trust and creates long-term value for residents, partners, and future generations.

Cynthia Karam, Senior Director of Sustainability and Public Affairs, Coca-Cola Middle East

Our meaningful impact comes from long-term investments in sustainability and community partnerships. This year, our focus translated into tangible progress—from inaugurating a 1.8-megawatt solar power plant at our UAE bottling facility in Al Ain, reducing more than 1,500 metric tons of CO₂ annually, to launching the partnership for a Circular Tomorrow to advance plastic circularity and recycling across the region. We’re also supporting local initiatives, such as empowering women through the Toumouhi program in Saudi Arabia and working with farmers to enhance water replenishment and promote sustainable agriculture. Through collaboration with local partners, we’re driving practical, lasting change.

Daumantas Grigaravicius, Head of Middle East, Adyen

The UAE has become a proving ground for what high-performing payments infrastructure can deliver. Our work focuses on measurable impact—reducing friction, increasing conversions, and improving insights. As we transition into agentic commerce, we’re ensuring innovation aligns with purpose and transparency. When technology delivers both performance and social contribution, that’s impact at scale.

Dr. Aleksandar Valjarevic, Acting CEO, Help AG

True impact is made when resilience is woven into the very fabric of progress. At Help AG, we embed cybersecurity as a design principle, empowering innovation to move faster and safer. The real test of leadership is foresight—identifying risks before they escalate and ensuring trust scales alongside technology. Our mission is to secure what is yet to be imagined so that innovation thrives without compromise.

Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Badawood, CEO, Bab Rizq Jameel and Vice Chairman, Community Jameel Saudi

Working in the social sector is unique because its impact is measured directly in people’s lives. The harmony between business and social work creates sustainable progress—each strengthens the other. Through partnerships and collaboration, we’ve been able to amplify opportunity and extend reach. Real impact lies in improving lives and supporting national priorities that raise the quality of life across communities.

Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor, American University of Sharjah (AUS)

Academic leadership with lasting impact begins with one question: Will today’s choices matter a decade from now? At AUS, we invest in people before projects and measure success by the number of doors we open for others. From embedding sustainability into research to reimagining the student experience, we’re building an institution that is inclusive, resilient, and prepared for the generations to come.

H.E. Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO & Vice Chairman, BEEAH

In a rapidly changing era, leadership means prioritizing the well-being of people and the planet. BEEAH’s growth across sustainability, technology, energy, and healthcare reflects our mission to enhance the quality of life across the region. The goal is long-term value—industries and cities that thrive through innovation and responsibility.

H.E. Wesam Lootah, Director General, Department of Government Enablement, Abu Dhabi

Lasting impact isn’t measured by the technology we deploy—it’s measured by the time we give back to millions every day. In collaboration with every Abu Dhabi Government entity, we’re building the world’s first AI-native government by 2027. Not to showcase innovation, but to make government work quietly in the background of people’s lives.

Our work succeeds when citizens and residents access a service that once required input from three different departments in a single moment. When data flows so seamlessly between 40-plus entities that a business owner experiences government as one. When a mother no longer needs days off work for documents, when services anticipate needs before people ask—that’s what lasting value means to me. Technology is our means; and better lives for millions are our end.

Hamud Alghusn, Founder, Mr Mandoob

A lasting impact happens at the intersection of human need and innovation. Our focus is on removing friction through logistics solutions that feel personal, intuitive, and accessible. Technology should elevate human experience and empower communities. True success is measured not by short-term gains but by the number of lives improved over time.

Hassan Safi, CEO, Al Ain Farms Group

Enduring value lies in striking a balance between heritage and innovation. We remain committed to our role as a national producer while embracing science, technology, and new partnerships to strengthen the UAE’s food security. Our focus is on investing in local talent and ensuring the nation’s food system remains robust and reliable for the future.

Hussam Baghdadi, COO, Arabian Automobiles Company

Excellence isn’t about reaching the top—it’s about sustaining it. Our teams consistently maintained some of the highest service quality levels in the market, reflecting a relentless discipline and a culture of continuous improvement. The challenge is not just growth, but consistency. Real impact is built through continuous evolution and trust that endures beyond performance metrics.

Irina Eliseeva, General Manager, Henkel Consumer Brands GCC

If 2025 taught us the importance of agility, the years ahead will test how we sustain it. Real impact comes from a confident, empowered team. By fostering trust and encouraging brave decisions, we create a culture where people feel supported to lead—and that’s what fuels lasting success.

Ingie Chalhoub, Founder and President, Etoile Group

Since our inception over 40 years ago, at Etoile Group, creating lasting impact means building a future where creativity, craftsmanship, and responsible growth go hand in hand. In 2025 and beyond, my focus is on elevating regional talent and sustainability, strengthening the cultural dialogue between the Middle East and the global fashion landscape. We see immense potential in the region’s creative community. Impact, to me, is defined by the opportunities we create by empowering talent across the organization and ensuring our teams have the tools and confidence to grow and lead.

Kenneth Hoellmann, Founder & Co-Formulator, MÄNN Skincare

MÄNN Skincare was built on the belief that men deserve intelligent formulations that respect both science and modern life. By combining innovation with natural ingredients, we’re redefining how men view self-care—from vanity to well-being. True impact is shifting behavior and building confidence that lasts.

Maher Koubaa, EVP, Travel Unit and Managing Director EMEA, Amadeus IT Group

We’re building a travel ecosystem that’s both advanced and deeply human. We focus on using AI, data, and biometrics responsibly to make travel more seamless and sustainable. Technology can transform experiences, but its true value lies in connecting people and places in meaningful ways.

Majed Al Mutairi, CEO, Almasar Alshamil Education

Progress begins with people. At Almasar Alshamil Education, we focus on equipping learners with tools and environments that empower growth. Education is a lifelong engine of opportunity, and by prioritizing access and inclusion, we help build a stronger and more resilient society.

Marc Verbruggen, CEO, Emirates Biotech

A profound transition is underway in the plastics industry. The world is demanding sustainability and accountability from industry. We aim to help redefine how plastics are produced—pairing functionality with environmental responsibility. Our goal is to help the UAE become a model for a green, circular economy.

Michael Lahyani, Founder & CEO, Property Finder

Creating lasting impact starts with one principle: put the customer at the center of every decision. Transformation happens when barriers are challenged, and transparency becomes standard. At Property Finder, we utilize trusted data and AI-driven tools to simplify decisions and foster confidence across the property ecosystem.

Mohamed Shelbaya, CEO, Beverages, PepsiCo Middle East & Africa

Some of the best ideas come from the next generation—people unafraid to question how things work. Across the region, young innovators are turning challenges into opportunities. Our role is to partner with them, fusing creativity with experience to spark breakthroughs that drive progress.

Nasser Abdullah Almassabi, Founder & CEO, Low Calories

Real impact comes from building systems, not moments. Our focus is on expanding access to healthier food through smarter operations and technology. Every small improvement brings us closer to real change that people can feel in their daily lives.

Omar Boulos, CEO, Accenture Middle East & Africa

Leadership today is about reinvention with purpose. At Accenture, we help organizations harness AI, cloud, and data with human ingenuity to build 360° value. It’s not just about transformation—it’s about creating resilient, adaptive economies that thrive for generations.

Phillipa Harrison, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Ras Al Khaimah is entering a new era of transformation. Our mission is to create long-term value by striking a balance between growth, heritage, and sustainability. By preserving the emirate’s character while embracing innovation, we’re shaping a tourism model that’s built to endure.

Rana Ghandour Salhab, Managing Partner, People & Purpose, Deloitte Middle East

Lasting impact begins with trust in people. Empowering talent to lead, innovate, and challenge norms creates transformation that endures. In a region rich with young ambition, leaders must build cultures of belonging and purpose. When people are unlocked, they reshape systems for the better.

Saeed Mohammed Al Qatami, CEO, Deyaar Development PJSC

Legacy is not measured in square meters sold, but in how communities feel decades later. We design spaces centered on wellness, connectivity, and sustainability. Every project is an opportunity to strengthen the social fabric and create long-term value—building communities that remain relevant long after today.

Sunny Varkey, Chairman & Founder, GEMS Education

Education is the foundation of human progress. At GEMS, our mission is to uplift every child and empower every educator through values-driven learning. Real impact isn’t in rankings—it’s in the lives shaped, and the generations elevated through opportunity and purpose.

Thierry Dezenclos, CEO, Veolia UAE

Ecological transformation is not a constraint—it’s a foundation for growth. Through GreenUp 2027, we’re building circular cities and intelligent systems that turn sustainability goals into measurable outcomes. Every choice we make must protect resources and communities for generations.

Vivek Kanade, Managing Director, Siemens Healthineers, Middle East & Africa

At Siemens Healthineers, our purpose is to pioneer breakthroughs in healthcare for everyone, everywhere. By combining advanced technology with local partnerships and training, we’re improving access and outcomes. The goal is long-term resilience in health systems and communities.

Yousif Ahmed Al Mutawa, Chief Real Estate Officer, Shurooq

Through developments such as Sharjah Sustainable City, we aim to create communities that give more than they take. By integrating renewable energy, smart design, and green living, we’re offering a model for cities that thrive in harmony with nature.

As 2025 draws to a close, one truth stands out: the impact that lasts is built with intention. Across industries, progress endures when vision is matched with purpose and innovation is guided by responsibility. The decisions leaders make today are shaping not only businesses, but the foundations of a more resilient future.