9 Egyptians Among Forbes’ 2025 Top Travel and Tourism Leaders in Middle East

Forbes Middle East has released its 2025 ranking of the most powerful travel and tourism leaders in the region, spotlighting 101 influential figures driving growth, innovation, and sustainability across both public and private sectors.

Among the notable inclusions are nine Egyptian leaders, recognized for their executive leadership in aviation, hospitality, resort development, and destination management. These leaders oversee high-impact projects that continue to position Egypt as a pivotal player in regional tourism:

Hisham Talaat Mostafa, CEO and Managing Director, Talaat Moustafa Group

Hamed El Chiaty, Founder, Travco Group

Tarek El Sayed, CEO, Al Rayyan Tourism Investment

Kamel Abou Ali, Founder, Pickalbatros Hotels & Resorts

Ahmed Adel, Chairman, EgyptAir Holding Company

Ahmed Shannan, Chairman, Air Cairo

Hossam El Shaer, Founder, Sunrise Resorts & Cruises

Mohamed Amer, CEO, El Gouna

Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Hotels

The list is more than just a ranking—it offers a comprehensive snapshot of the travel and tourism ecosystem in the Middle East, covering leadership across key sectors such as airlines, airports, luxury hospitality, cultural destinations, and travel services. It includes executives from both government-backed initiatives and private enterprises that are redefining the future of regional tourism.

One standout example featured in the report is the Miral–Disney partnership to develop a Disney World-style resort on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi—the first of its kind in the Middle East and only the seventh Disney-branded resort globally. Forbes also highlighted projects that focus on heritage preservation and eco-tourism, such as Diriyah Gate, Boutique Group, the Royal Commission for AlUla, and Envie Lodges.