An emerging cohort of talented and passionate young founder-CEOs are proving that a lack of experience is no barrier to success in running a business in the modern era
A new breed of the Arab World CEOs in their 30s has emerged as trailblazers amidst the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. They are rewriting the rules of business and leadership in the modern world. They are defying age-related stereotypes while ushering in a new era of innovation and disruption with a trail blazing success. With their audacity, innovation, and collaborative spirit, these young entrepreneurs are redefining success and showcasing the potential of early-career leadership. An emerging cohort of talented and passionate Arab World’s young founder-CEOs are proving that a lack of experience is no barrier to success in running a business. Equipped with a unique blend of entrepreneurial prowess and leadership skills, at the age of 30, young CEOs are launching and managing their ventures, reshaping industries, building ecosystems, and inspiring future generations with a remarkable success around the globe. Spanning across sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, and sustainability, these honourees are the avant-garde of the Arab business world, actively driving change and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. Their accomplishments span a wide spectrum, from launching groundbreaking startups and introducing disruptive technologies to pioneering sustainable practices and utilising data-driven strategies to revolutionise traditional industries. The traditional image of a CEO as a seasoned executive with decades of experience and greyed hair has been challenged by a generation of young entrepreneurs. They are making their mark much earlier in their careers. Today’s CEOs at 30 are shattering the preconceptions of age and experience -- historically regarded as the prerequisites for successful leadership. Their youthful energy, ambition, and fresh perspectives are setting new standards for a dynamic leadership. The range of ventures launched and managed by these young CEOs is as diverse as it is impressive. Their endeavours span multiple industries ranging from technology giants to fashion moguls, which demonstrates their adaptability and versatility. From space to business development Hazzaa Al Mansoori made history as the first Emirati astronaut to travel to space. His dedication encapsulates his adventurous spirit and ambition. His achievements remind us that we should never be limited by boundaries, whether they are geographic or self-imposed. His journey reflects his belief that, “Exploration knows no boundaries; always aim for the stars and beyond.” This proactive attitude characterises the drive of many young CEOs, who see themselves as architects of change. One of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s youngest entrepreneurs, and the tech visionary behind Geidea, a leading and fully licensed payment service provider offering digital payments solutions, Abdullah Faisal Al Othman steers the company’s vision of providing affordable, accessible, and customer-centric payment solutions for everyone. Al Othman is a shining example of how determination can lead to extraordinary success. “Success is the result of relentless determination and a willingness to adapt to change,” says Al Othman. This sentiment captures the essence Faisal’s audacious
The rise of young Arab world CEOs: Pioneering entrepreneurship @30
CEO@30s Criteria
The individuals featuring on GCC’s CEOs list, all in their 30s as of January 1, 2024, have already showcased an impressive array of accomplishments and hold great potential for the future. These visionaries are not only serving as role models for both younger and older generations but are also actively translating their innovative ideas into reality, proving that extensive experience isn’t a prerequisite for making a meaningful impact. To identify the Arab World’s most promising young talents, we meticulously scoured the region for exceptional young achievers across various domains such as e-commerce, beauty, technology, finance, innovation, logistics, entertainment, education, healthcare, and social entrepreneurship. Our rigorous evaluation process led us to select the most outstanding CEOs. This list not only celebrates the achievements of these exceptional individuals but also serves as a testament to the remarkable potential that young talent holds within the GCC region. Methodology • To be eligible for the CEO@30s list, the applicant had to have been between 30 years to 39 years on January 1, 2024 • Candidates must be hailing from any of the GCC countries • If one business had two co-founders @30s, they were counted as one entry
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INVEST GCC: DAVOS 2024
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