Editorial
Leadership Excellence in the Middle East
TheMiddleEasthasalwaysbeenaregiondefinedbyambition,resilience,and
transformativevision.Inrecentyears,ithasevolvedintoaglobalhubfor innovation,investment,andstrategicgrowth—driveninnosmallpartbythe leaderswhositatthehelmofitsmostinfluentialorganizations.TheseCEOsarenotonly navigatingcomplexmarketlandscapesbutarealsoshapingthefutureofindustries rangingfromenergy,technology,andfinancetohealthcare,logistics,andsustainability
Whatsetstheseexecutivesapartistheirabilitytoblendregionalinsightwithaglobal outlook.Theyunderstandthatintoday’sinterconnectedeconomy,successrequiresmore thanoperationalefficiency—itdemandsagility,foresight,andthecouragetochallengethe statusquo.Manyoftheseleadersaresteeringorganizationsthroughunprecedented change,whetherbyadoptingcutting-edgetechnologieslikeartificialintelligence, championingESGcommitments,orspearheadingdiversificationstrategiesthatalignwith nationalvisionssuchasSaudiArabia’sVision2030andtheUAE’sCentennial2071.
Theirinfluenceextendsbeyondboardroomsandbalancesheets.Themostimpactful CEOsintheMiddleEastarecatalystsforsocietaltransformation,fosteringtalent development,empoweringwomeninleadership,andcreatingecosystemsthatnurture entrepreneurship.Byinvestinginpeopleasmuchasininfrastructureandinnovation,they arebuildinglegaciesthattranscendtheirtenure.
Thisspecialeditioncelebratesthoseattheforefrontofthisevolution—theCEOswhose leadershipisrewritingtheplaybookforsuccessintheregion.Throughin-depthprofiles andexclusiveinsights,weexploretheirjourneys,decision-makingphilosophies,andthe milestonesthathavedefinedtheircareers.Fromscalingfamilybusinessesintoglobal powerhousestoleadingdisruptivestartupsthatchallengeconventionalmodels,these leadersdemonstratethatinfluenceisnotmerelyaboutposition,butaboutimpact.
Asyouturnthepages,youwilldiscoverstoriesofcalculatedrisksthatpaidoff,bold visionsrealizedagainsttheodds,andunwaveringdedicationtoadvancingboth organizationalandnationalgoals.Thesenarrativesservenotonlyasrecognitionofpast achievementsbutalsoasinspirationforthenextgenerationofleaderswhowillcarrythe region’sgrowthstoryforward.
TheMiddleEastisonatrajectorytowardunprecedentedprosperityanddiversification, andattheheartofthistransformationareitsCEOs—visionaries,strategists,andchangemakerswhoseinfluencewillshapetheregionfordecadestocome.
20.
The Maestro Of Middle East Hospitality –Dr. Kamran Khan
Crafting Global Experiences, Rooted In Culture
T H E S T O R I E S W I T H I N
Dr. Amani Abulaban
Leveraging the Power of Technology to Enhance Lives
24. Dina Abdul Majeed
The Unexpected Path to Entrepreneurship
32.
38.
Khalil Alami Enhancing Financial Literacy through Community Engagement
Nora Bouchaibi From Passion to Success, Mastering the Art of Entrepreneurship
28.
Leadership Alchemy: How Emotional Intelligence Shapes Executive Decision-Making
42.
Strategic Leadership: Turning Challenges into Growth Opportunities
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Company
Dina Abdul Majeed
Founder and Owner 360Moms
Dr. Amani Abulaban CEO Webtab
Dr. Kamran Khan CEO
Arabian Entertainment Co. Ltd. (Tarfeeh) tarfeehksa.com
Khalil Alami Founder & CEO Telr telr.com
Nora Bouchaibi Founder & CEO Nora Dance Academy
Descrip on
Nora's teaching philosophy blends technical excellence with an inclusive and suppor ve environment, empowering students to develop both their skills and confidence. Featuring
Dina created 360Moms as a trusted space where mothers can access reliable informa on on paren ng, health, educa on, and personal growth.
With a strong background in technology leadership and strategic innova on, Dr. Abulaban is dedicated to crea ng pla orms that enhance user engagement, streamline opera ons, and drive sustainable growth.
Dr. Khan plays a pivotal role in driving Tarfeeh’s vision of delivering excep onal dining and entertainment experiences across the Kingdom.
Under Khalil's leadership, the company has expanded its reach, introduced innova ve payment solu ons, and supported the growth of the region’s digital economy
DR.
In an era of influential business leadership, especially in the Middle East, Dr. Kamran Khan, the extraordinary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Arabian Entertainment Co. Ltd. (Tarfeeh), stands out with his exemplary leadership traits and motivating ideology Dr Khan'sprofessionaltrajectoryinthehospitalitysectorofthe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is a golden legend of visionary tomorrow, fortitude, and zealousness in crafting valuable experiences by fusing KSA's conventional cultural spirit with the international visions of visitors, tourists, and travelersalike.
One will be amazed by Dr Khan's remarkable career in international restaurant leadership His unique talent to repeatedly redefine greatness is a potent witness to his phenomenalsuccessandachievement.
Aquintessentialtrailblazerwithasteadfastbeliefinfostering both businesses and their human capital, Dr Khan's experience vividly illustrates the far-reaching impact of visionaryleadershiponcreatingamorepositivetomorrowfor theMiddleEast'sHospitalityindustry
Charting the Course: A Legacy Built on Passion and Progress
Dr Khan's journey is not merely a career trajectory—it's a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and hospitality transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia His professionalvoyagebeginsatthegloballyrenownedACCOR HotelManagementGroup.Thischapterservedasthecrucible ofhisdeep-rootedpassionforexcellenceinserviceandglobal operationalstandards."Those early days at ACCOR gave me morethanjustexperience,"heoftenreflects."Theyshapedmy philosophy—hospitality is not just service, it's an art of emotionalconnection."
Ashisambitionsevolved,sodidhispath.Dr Khanventured into the restaurant industry, driven by its dynamism and its capacity for cultural storytelling through cuisine. The transition was seamless and successful. Holding senior leadershiprolesacrossiconicbrands,hebuiltareputationfor beingtherarekindofleaderwhobalancesvisionarythinking withhands-onoperationalmastery
"I've always believed that change is not something to be feared but embraced,"hestates."Every phase of my journey has been defined by the courage to innovate and the commitmenttonurturetalent."
“Introducing global concepts wasn't just about expansion, it was about creating a dialogue between cultures through food.”
Today, as the CEO of Arabian Entertainment Co. Ltd. (Tarfeeh), he stands as the guiding force behind some of the most respected international restaurant brands in Saudi Arabia. Under his leadership, Tarfeeh not only elevates the dininglandscapebutalsoredefineshowculturalheritageand global tastes can come together to create memorable guest experiences.
For Dr. Khan, leadership is not about position, it's about purpose.Andhispurposeisclear:toshapeahospitalityfuture that reflects the heart of Saudi Arabia while embracing the world'spulse.
GlobalBrands,LocalSoul
One of the defining legacies of Dr. Khan's career is his instrumental role in reshaping Saudi Arabia's culinary and hospitality landscape. As a leader of Tarfeeh, he has spearheaded the strategic introduction of renowned internationalrestaurantbrandsintotheKingdom,addingnew dimensionstotheregion'sdiningculture.
"Introducing global concepts wasn't just about expansion—it was about creating a dialogue between cultures through food,"Dr.Khanexplains."I made it a priority to ensure these brands weren't foreign impositions but organic extensions of ourlocalvaluesandpreferences."
By customizing international best practices to align with Saudi tastes, Dr Khan has helped establish a hospitality industry that is both globally competitive and culturally authentic.Theseeffortshavenotonlyelevatedthestandards of service excellence but also sparked innovation across the sector, encouraging others to rethink how tradition and modernity can coexist harmoniously in the hospitality industry
"Awards are humbling, but they're not the destination, they are milestones. They represent the passion, perseverance, and purpose that fuels my commitment to excellence.”
ATrailofHonorsandThoughtLeadership
Dr Khan'sleadershiphasnotgoneunnoticed.Hehasbeenthe recipient of some of the industry's most coveted accolades, including:
• TopHospitalityGlobalLeadershipAwardsinboth2022 and2024.
• Leadership Excellence in Hospitality Award from Malaysia.
• An Honorary Doctorate in Business Management conferred by the European International University, Paris.
Reflecting on these recognitions, he shares, "Awards are humbling, but they're not the destination they are milestones. They represent the passion, perseverance, and purposethatfuelsmycommitmenttoexcellence."
Beyond the trophies and titles, Dr. Khan's influence radiates throughhisactivecontributionstoglobalhospitalitythought
leadership. Whether authoring insightful articles or delivering keynote speeches at international summits, he remains a voice of innovation and inspiration for the next generationofhospitalityprofessionals.
RootedinPurpose,DrivenbyPassion
At the heart of his journey lies a simple yet powerful belief: "Leadership is not about being followed, it's about lifting othersandleavingtheindustrybetterthanyoufoundit."
As he continues to steer Tarfeeh and the broader hospitality space into the future, Dr Khan's story is not just one of personalachievement,itisastoryoftransformation,legacy, and an unyielding commitment to excellence that uplifts an entireregion.
EmpoweringSaudiArabia'sHospitalityEvolution
Dr Khan's legacy in hospitality extends far beyond boardrooms and restaurant floors, it's embedded in the very transformationofSaudiArabia'sdininglandscape.Oneofhis most impactful contributions has been the successful introduction of several international restaurant brands to the Kingdom,afeatthatnotonlyexpandedculinarychoicesbut alsosetnewbenchmarksinserviceandquality.
"When we bring global experiences to a local stage, it's not aboutreplication,it'saboutmeaningfulintegration."
HestrategicallyblendsinternationalbestpracticeswithSaudi cultural nuances, ensuring each concept resonates with the local community Through this fusion, Dr Khan has helped shape a globally connected yet culturally rooted hospitality ecosystem,redefiningwhatitmeanstodineinSaudiArabia.
LeadershipThroughEmpathyandIntegrity
At the core of Dr. Khan's leadership is a powerful blend of ethics, empathy, and empowerment. He doesn't just lead, he collaborates,inspires,anduplifts.Hisprinciplesaregrounded inhonesty,opencommunication,andteam-drivengrowth.
"Leadershipislessaboutauthority,moreaboutauthenticity "
He actively fosters a culture of trust, where each individual feelsseen,heard,andmotivatedtobringtheirbest.
ResilienceintheFaceofDisruption
Navigating the fast-paced world of hospitality demands agility, and Dr Khan has made adaptability his strength. Whether it's embracing digital transformation or responding to pandemic-related challenges, he has consistently turned disruptionintoopportunity.
Underhisguidance,theorganizationhasimplemented:
• Sophisticatedtechnologyintegrationintotherestaurant brandsoperatedbytheCompany
"AI will automate processes, but it will never replace the power of empathy, ethics, or vision.”
• Online ordering systems, contactless payments & digitalmenus.
• Streamlined,value-focusedmenus.
• Expandeddeliveryandoutdoordining.
• Sustainability initiatives include reducing plastics and sourcinglocally.
"In every disruption lies a chance to do better—not just for business,butforpeopleandtheplanet."
His proactive strategies reflect a forward-thinking mindset thatkeepsthecompanybothrelevantandresilientinaneverchangingmarket.
AttheHelm:LeadingwithVisionandPrecision
AstheCEO,Dr Khanwearsmanyhatsbuteachoneservesa unifiedpurpose:steeringtheorganizationtowardsustainable excellence His responsibilities span strategic planning, financial stewardship, operational excellence, innovation, team leadership, and risk mitigation. But for Dr Khan, leadershipisnotjustaboutdirection,it'saboutalignment.
"The true challenge isn't choosing a direction, it's ensuring everystepwetakemovesusclosertoourmission."
He ensures that long-term vision and day-to-day execution work in perfect harmony Through transparent communication, measurable KPIs, and adaptive leadership practices,Dr.Khankeepstheorganizationagileandpurposedriven.
"I don't just lead from the top, I lead from within. Alignment startswithclarityandconsistencyateverylevel."
ShapingTomorrow:LeadershipintheAgeofAI
With digital transformation redefining every industry, Dr. Khan believes that leadership must evolve, not to compete with machines, but to complement them. He envisions a world where human creativity and AI-driven efficiency coexist,creatingmorerobustandresponsivebusinesses.
"AI will automate processes, but it will never replace the powerofempathy,ethics,orvision."
"You don't inspire by demanding greatness, you inspire by showing people their greatness. ”
ToDr.Khan,theleadersoftomorrowmustembodybothtech fluency and emotional intelligence. As innovation accelerates,it'snotjustaboutstayingahead,it'saboutstaying groundedinvalues.
He emphasizes ethical AI usage, transparency in decisionmaking,andupskillinghumantalentinareasmachinescannot replicate. He believes this dual focus on technology and humanitywillbethehallmarkoffutureleadership.
"The future doesn't belong to the most advanced systems but to the most ethical, adaptable, and human leaders who wield them."
FueledbyPurpose:TheHeartofaTrueLeader
At the core of Dr Khan's leadership journey is a powerful source of inspiration: the opportunity to create meaningful, enduring change Whether transforming the hospitality landscapeormentoringfutureleaders,hefindsjoyinenabling growthandexcellence.
"True leadership begins when you realize that every decision, no matter how small, holds the power to uplift someone's life orvision."
For Dr Khan, inspiration is a cycle, what he receives, he reflects through action. His ability to motivate teams stems not from authority, but from authenticity He leads with integrity, humility, and an unwavering belief in human potential.
"You don't inspire by demanding greatness, you inspire by showingpeopletheirgreatness."
He builds cultures rooted in trust, accountability, and celebration, where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. Through open dialogue, supportive leadership, and a vision everyone believes in, Dr. Khan ensures his team doesn't just workforabrand,theybecomepartofamovement.
The Power of Balance:ACentered Leader for a Chaotic World
Beyond boardrooms and brand launches, Dr. Khan finds strength in simplicity. Books, family dinners, culinary adventures,andfitnessroutinesarehisanchors,quietrituals thatfuelhisclarityandcreativity
"Leadership is not sustainable without self-care. The most impactfulleadersarethosewhoprotecttheirpeace."
He'safirmbelieverthatdisciplinebreedsbalance.Bysetting clearboundariesandrespectinghistime,henurturesnotonly hisownwell-beingbutalsosetsapowerfulexampleforothers tofollow
"Balance isn't the absence of ambition, it's the foundation of lastingexcellence."
LegacyofaLeader:ConcludingtheSaga
Dr. Kamran Khan's journey is not just a success story in hospitality, it is a masterclass in conscious leadership. From introducing global brands to redefining service excellence, from navigating disruptions to mentoring with heart, he embodies what it means to lead with purpose, evolve with times,andlivewithbalance.
Hissagaisatestamenttohowvision,empathy,andethicscan convergetocreatenotjustagreatcompanybutalegacyworth following.
"At the end of the day, leadership isn't about titles or accolades. It's about the lives you touch, the cultures you
shape,andthefutureyouhelpbuild."—Dr.KamranKhan
How EmotionalIntelligence ShapesExecutive Decision-Making
At the business level, executive decision-making typicallyaccompaniesharddata,consumerresearch, and financial projections. These are essential tools, nodoubtaboutit,butthebestchangeagentsunderstandthat decision-making is art as much as science Emotional intelligence so often neglected in high-pressure boardrooms—isthesubtledrivingforcebehindthepivotsthat know-howbecomeswisdomandstrategyturnsintosuccess.
BeyondIQ:TheEmotionalQuotientAdvantage
Intelligence will inform leaders, but emotional intelligence will let them work through people. Getting inside the heads and hearts of others, anticipating how they'll react, gives leaders an edge in negotiating, crisis management, and
changeleadership.Stakeholderrelationshipsasimportantas balancesheetsintoday'sbusinessenvironmentmakeEQone ofthedefiningcharacteristicsofeffectiveexecutives.
Self-Awareness: The Starting Point of Leadership Alchemy
This change starts with self-awareness. Executives who recognize their own hot buttons and biases are less prone to act impulsively and make decisions that sabotage long-term aspirations Self-awareness helps executives step back, observe their mindset, and ensure that their decisions are basedonclarity,notgutreaction.ItistheinMirrorthatshows themnotjustwhotheyare,buthowtheylead.
EmpathyasaStrategicTool
Intheexecutiveranks,empathyissometimesconfusedwith softness.Butit'sreallyastrategicgiant.Bybeingabletosee employees', customers', and partners' points of view and needs,leaderscanmakedecisionsthatcreatetrust,encourage loyalty,andbringpeopletogether Empathyhelpsexecutives avoidpotentialconflictsbeforetheyariseandcreatesolutions thatmeetbothbusinessgoalsandhumanneeds.
EmotionalRegulationinHigh-StakesMoments
Executive choices often are taken at gunpoint. Emotional control—the power of remaining calm, level-headed, and concentrating when stressed is the distinction between superiors and competent ones. It enables them to make choices on objective consideration of choices, shun instinctive choices, and keep their credibility intact even under critical situations. Emotional control thus becomes a stabilizingforcewithinthewholeorganization.
ReadingtheRoom:SocialAwarenessinAction
Asuccessful leader relies heavily on the ability to intuit the unspoken dynamics in a room. Requisite to this is social awareness, one of the basic elements of emotional intelligence, that allows executives to get a read on the unspoken cues tone of voice, body language, mood changes—that can either make or break the outcome of critical discussions. Social awareness ensures decisions are madewithfullconsiderationofthehumancontextandnotjust operationalreality.
RelationshipManagement:ALeadershipMultiplier
Strategic decision-making is not a one-time event when a decision has been made; it goes on in implementation Relationship management enables leaders to align teams, sustain stakeholder buy-in, and break through resistance in theprocess.Executives,byapplyingemotionalintelligenceto buildcloserelationships,cementtheimplementationoftheir decisionswithbuy-inandcohesion.
TheAlchemyofDataandEmotion
In thebestexecutivedecisions,factandfeelingaremarried. Factsprovidethefoundation,butemotionalintelligenceadds the wisdom that turns a decision from utilitarian to truly impactful. This is the alchemy of leadership—mixing logic and empathy, analysis and intuition, and authority and humility.
Shaping the Future Through Human-Centered Leadership
As businesses encounter increasingly complicated and ambiguous issues, the role of emotional intelligence in decision making will only increase. Leaders who can harmonize the rational and relational elements will not only perform better under a condition of uncertainty, but craft corporate cultures that thrive on trust, resilience, and shared purpose. For this, they are the authentic art of leadership alchemy
Strategic Leadership
TurningChallenges intoGrowth Opportunities
There will be turbulence within any organization. Market volatility, operational breakdowns, troublesome competitors, or even internally created misalignments will be destabilizing. Strategic leadership doesn't try to sidestep such turbulence—it brings it on as a chancefortransformation.Thoseleaderswhoseethatevery crisis holds the kernel of opportunity are able to lead in turbulence with intention, taking times of crisis and making themtimesofdefinitionofprogress.
TheMindsetShiftfromChallengestoOpportunities
The best leaders start with the redefinition of problemsolving.Ratherthanperceivingproblemsasroadblocks,they
seethemasopportunitiestoinnovateandevolve.Thisisthe kindofmindsetthatbreedsresilienceintheleaderandevenin the whole company When teams perceive challenges as conquerable and even learning opportunities, they become moreinnovative,committed,andspiritedtoovercome.
ThinkingBeforeDoing
Strategicleadershiprequiresdeliberatethoughtbeforetaking action.The capacity to step back, scout ahead, and consider outcomes beforehand is an indicator of long-term achievement. Those leaders who step back and examine the underlying causes of issues are capable of fixing them in a manner that yields long-term change, as opposed to simply
quick remedies. This means being willing to get at surface problemsandfindrootsystemicproblemsthatwillalsolikely uncovernewareasforexpansion.
FlippingPressureintoInnovation
Itisintimesoftroublethatthegreatestinnovationsareborn. Strategic leaders are leveraging hard times as an innovation laboratory. It may be building a new product, embracing a newtechnology,orrethinkingaservicedeliveryplatform.In eachcase,scarcityforcesinnovationthatabundancecannot. Through experimentation and deliberate risk-taking, leaders turntoughtimesintochangeincubators.
EmpoweringTeamstoOwntheChallenge
Ittakesnooneleadertotransformadversityintopossibilities for growth by themselves. Strategic leadership depends on enablinggroupstobringcreativity,claimownership,andtake responsibility for outcomes. A coapproach generates more possibilities, and also unleashes commitment to organizational objectives. Stakeholder teams will do more thanrequiredtosolvethechallenge.
BalancingUrgencywithVision
Facing looming crises, leaders have no option but to make snap decisions—but at no cost to long-term goals. Strategic leadership balances in having to act with speed without compromising commitment to the company's grand vision. This honing escape
firm
LearningfromSetbackstoStrengthentheFuture
Every setback teaches us something Strategic leaders interpret setbacks as positive feedback, analyzing what worked, what did not, and why Through this learning, the organization develops its resilience to manage future disruptionsmoreeffectively Inthelongrun,suchexperiences areasourceofcompetitivenessandallowtheorganizationto respondtoemergentchallengeswithagility,confidence,and strategicinsight.
MeasuringGrowthBeyondtheBottomLine
Thoughfinancialperformanceisaprimarymeasure,strategic leadershipappreciatesthatgrowthoccursinnumerousforms. Achievement over a significant obstacle may build more brandtrust,amoreeducatedandcompetentworkforce,better processes, or increased customer loyalty. Leaders who monitor growth in an integrated fashion make certain shorttermgainsarefoundationstonestolong-termsuccess.
The Long-Term Legacy of Opportunity-Driven Leadership
When challenges are met with vision, determination, and strategicdiscipline,theyhaveapotentialtobeturningpoints thatleavealastinglegacyofaleader Opportunityleadership notjustshapestheorganizationfortodaybutalsomouldsthe futureoftheorganizationforalong,longtime.Asresilience, flexibility, and innovation are infused in the organizational every
