1. Mohamed Alabbar
Founder & Chairman – Emaar Properties
More than just a developer, Mohamed Alabbar has spent decades as a central architect of the Middle East’s business landscape. While his work with Emaar Properties gave the world the Burj Khalifa, his current focus spans far beyond construction. By bridging the gap between traditional real estate and the burgeoning digital economy, Alabbar remains a key driver of innovation across the region’s retail and hospitality sectors.
Key facts
- Born: 1956, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Education: B.B.A., Seattle University (Honorary doctorates from Seattle University, LSE, Sun Moon University)
- Founded: Emaar Properties (1997); Eagle Hills (2014)
- Major ventures: Noon.com, Zand Bank, Americana Restaurants
- Estimated net worth: ≈ $1.7–$2.3 billion (2025)
2. Hussain Sajwani
Founder & Chairman – DAMAC Properties
Hussain Sajwani didn’t just build apartments; he branded the Dubai lifestyle. As the billionaire founder of DAMAC Properties, Sajwani became a household name by merging high-end real estate with global luxury brands. With a 2025 net worth north of $10 billion, his influence on Dubai’s transformation into a premier global hub is undeniable, driven by a portfolio that prioritizes opulence and strategic international partnerships.
Key facts
- Born: 1953, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Education: Bachelor’s in economics, University of Washington
- Founded: DAMAC Properties in 2002
- Net worth: ≈ $10.2 billion (2025)
- Known for: Luxury real estate, brand partnerships, philanthropy
3. Talal Al Dhiyebi
Group CEO – Aldar Properties
Since taking the helm in 2021, Talal Al Dhiyebi has transitioned Aldar Properties from a local powerhouse into a diversified regional giant. His strategy focuses on more than just “bricks and mortar”—he has pushed Aldar into sustainable development and massive cross-border investments. Under his watch, the firm has expanded its footprint across North Africa and Europe, solidifying its reputation as a leader in ESG-conscious urban growth.
Key facts
- Current role: Group CEO, Aldar Properties (since 2021)
- Nationality: Emirati
- Education: Electrical Engineering, University of Melbourne
- Chairmanships: Aldar Estates, SODIC, London Square
- Vice chairmanship: Aldar Education
The GCC real estate sector is evolving rapidly, with both male and female leaders driving growth. You can also explore the top women leaders in GCC real estate who are reshaping the industry.
4. Amit Jain
CEO – Emaar India
Amit Jain is an Indian business executive and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Emaar India, a subsidiary of Emaar Properties based in the United Arab Emirates. He is recognized for steering one of India’s leading real estate firms through a period of renewed growth and operational consolidation.
Key facts
- Position: CEO, Emaar India
- Parent company: Emaar Properties PJSC (UAE)
- Sector: Real estate and construction
- Nationality: Indian
- Education: Chartered Accountant, CFA Charterholder
5. Abdullah Al Humaidan
CEO – Saudi Real Estate Company (Al Akaria)
Abdullah Al Humaidan is a Saudi business executive with senior leadership roles in the industrial and real estate sectors. Based in Riyadh, he has built a career in strategic business development and competitive intelligence for major Saudi enterprises. His experience reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader diversification and industrial-growth agenda.
Key facts
- Nationality: Saudi
- Base: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Current role: Head of Competitive Intelligence, Tasnee (since 2017)
- Education: B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, King Saud University
- Industry focus: Petrochemicals, investment, and large-scale real-estate projects
Companies like Emaar and DAMAC continue to attract global investors. Here’s a detailed guide on the best real estate companies for foreign investors in GCC (2026).
6. Majid Al Futtaim
Founder – Majid Al Futtaim Group
Majid Al Futtaim (1934–2021) was an Emirati business leader and visionary entrepreneur who transformed retail and leisure in the Middle East. He founded the Majid Al Futtaim Group, a conglomerate credited with pioneering modern shopping malls, mixed-use communities, and entertainment destinations across the region.
Key Facts
- Born: 1934, Dubai, Trucial States (now UAE)
- Died: December 2021, Dubai
- Known for: Founder of Majid Al Futtaim Holding
- Founded: 1992, Dubai
- Notable creations: Mall of the Emirates, City Centre malls, VOX Cinemas
7. Faisal Al Mubarak
CEO – Retal Urban Development Company
Faisal Al Mubarak is a Saudi executive and urban development leader serving as a board member of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). He plays a key role in advancing large-scale real estate and economic infrastructure initiatives within Saudi Arabia’s diversification and modernization agenda. His expertise bridges strategic planning, urban design, and development governance.
Key facts
- Full name: Dr. Faisal Al Mubarak
- Role: Board Member, King Abdullah Economic City
- Sector: Real estate and urban development
- Country: Saudi Arabia
- Affiliation source: Bloomberg Markets profile (2024)
8. Omar Al Futtaim
Vice Chairman & CEO – Al-Futtaim Group
Omar Abdullah Al Futtaim is a leading Emirati businessman who serves as Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Al-Futtaim Group, one of the largest and most diversified family-owned enterprises in the Middle East. He plays a pivotal role in expanding the group’s global footprint across multiple industries.
Key facts
- Position: Vice Chairman & CEO, Al-Futtaim Group
- Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Sectors: Automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, health
- Education: B.A. in Economics, Macalester College
- Experience: Over 30 years in leadership and international business
Owning property is just one part of the journey—efficient management is key. Explore the top property management companies in GCC to maximize returns.
9. Sultan Butti bin Mejren
Director General – Dubai Land Department
Sultan Butti bin Mejren (سلطان بطي بن مجرن) is an Emirati government official who served as Director General of the Dubai Land Department (DLD) from 2006 to early 2024. He is recognized for modernizing Dubai’s real estate governance, expanding the department’s international engagement, and reinforcing investor confidence in the emirate’s property sector.
Key facts
- Full name: Sultan Butti bin Mejren Al Marri
- Nationality: Emirati
- Office held: Director General, Dubai Land Department (2006 – 2024)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Islamic and Sharia Sciences
- Boards & roles: Member, Executive Council of Dubai; Chairman, Emirates Real Estate Solutions; Vice Chairman, Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment
10. Jerry Inzerillo
CEO – Diriyah Gate Development Authority
Jerry Inzerillo is currently overseeing one of the most ambitious heritage projects on the planet. As the group CEO of Diriyah Company, he is tasked with turning “The City of Earth” into a global cultural landmark under Saudi Vision 2030. With five decades in global hospitality, Inzerillo brings a “stardust” quality to the project, blending historical preservation with world-class tourism infrastructure.
Key facts
- Full name: Gerard “Jerry” Inzerillo
- Nationality: American
- Current role: Group CEO, Diriyah Company (formerly DGDA)
- Appointed: 2018
- Notable honors: 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, The CEO Magazine; Corporate Hotelier of the World 2021
Dubai’s skyline is driven by some of the world’s most ambitious developers. Discover the top real estate companies in Dubai shaping the city.
