Forbes Middle East has unveiled its inaugural Top Tech Leaders 2026 ranking, spotlighting the key decision-makers steering the region’s rapid digital and AI-powered transformation. The comprehensive list, which features 53 leaders across eight countries, underscores the significant concentration of top-tier tech leadership within the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
A Landmark Ranking for a Pivotal Moment
In a first-of-its-kind initiative for the publication, the ranking is segmented into three distinct lists: Top Tech Leaders in Government, Top Tech Leaders of Global Companies, and Top Tech CEOs. This structure acknowledges the diverse pillars supporting the region’s tech ecosystem, from regulatory enablers to global innovators and local champions.
The selection process for the MENA-based leaders was rigorous, evaluating criteria such as their overall impact, professional experience, company size, significant achievements, and recent technological initiatives and investments.
UAE and Saudi Arabia Lead the Charge
The geographical distribution of the honorees paints a clear picture of the region’s tech power centers. The UAE is the clear frontrunner, with 25 of its leaders featured on the list, accounting for nearly half (47%) of the total ranking.
Saudi Arabia follows as the second most-represented nation, with 15 leaders making up over 28% of the cohort. Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Morocco, and Qatar also have leaders represented on the prestigious list.
Highlighting Government’s Role in Tech
The Top Tech Leaders in Government list recognizes the senior public-sector officials creating the frameworks for technological advancement. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, secured the top spot. He is followed by Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), and Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary-General of the UAE’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC).
Global Giants and Their Regional Captains
Recognizing the influence of multinational corporations, the ranking also spotlights the regional heads of global tech firms. Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President for the Middle East, Africa, & Türkiye at Amazon, was ranked first.
The second position was jointly held by Anthony Nakache, Managing Director for MENA at Google, and Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, Managing Director for MENA & Türkiye at Google Cloud. Fares Akkad, Managing Director for the Middle East & Africa at Meta, placed third.
MENA’s Homegrown Tech Titans
The Top Tech CEOs list celebrates the founders and executives leading the region’s most influential technology companies. Peng Xiao, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi’s G42, earned the number one position.
Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, and Olayan Alwetaid, Group CEO of stc Group, were ranked second and third respectively, highlighting the dominance of the region’s leading technology and telecommunications conglomerates.
About Forbes Middle East
Forbes Middle East is a licensed edition of Forbes for the Arab world, championing inspiring business journalism and entrepreneurial capitalism. Its online and social platforms break news covering billionaires, business, investment, technology, economy, entrepreneurship, leadership, and luxury lifestyles. Forbes Middle East extends the Forbes brand of journalism across the Arab world, conducting its own comprehensive research to publish original lists that adhere to strict methodologies.
Source: Zawya
