Qatar’s growing influence in the region’s travel and tourism sector was highlighted when three officials from the country made it to the Forbes Middle East’s list of ‘Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders 2025.’

The prestigious list celebrates individuals who are driving progress in aviation, hospitality, tourism development, and travel services across the MENA region.

Eng. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways Group, finished an impressive third. Forbes praised Al-Meer’s leadership since assuming his role in 2023, during which the airline has signed landmark deals — including a $96bn agreement with Boeing and GE Aerospace for up to 210 new aircraft — and delivered strong financial performance, with $23.5bn in revenue and $2.2bn in net profit for the 2024-25 financial year.

Al-Meer was also recognized for strategic investments, such as minority stakes in South Africa’s Airlink and Virgin Australia, and serves on the board of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Joining him was Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, in 25th place. Al Mawlawi’s appointment in May 2024 marked a new era for Qatar’s tourism promotion arm, resulting in a record-breaking year: Qatar welcomed over five million international visitors in 2024 - a 25% rise from the previous year.

Notable initiatives included securing a five-year partnership to host the Triathlon World Championship Finals Qatar T100 and expanding hotel capacity to 41,000 rooms. Forbes commended Al Mawlawi’s strategic vision and commitment to digital innovation, as well as his pivotal role in positioning Qatar as a rising global tourism destination.

Rounding out the trio was Tarek M. El Sayed, Managing Director and CEO of Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (ARTIC), in 33rd place.

Under El Sayed’s leadership, ARTIC now operates 35 hotels and resorts in 15 international cities. His stewardship was further distinguished by the launch of the Hospitality Excellence Program in 2024, providing opportunities for young talent in the growing hospitality sector.

Forbes based its rankings on the business scale, revenue, investment value, asset ownership, executive influence, regional presence, and achievements throughout 2024 and 2025.

This year’s selection reflects a rising wave of innovation and investment across the Middle East, with Qatar’s leaders standing prominently among the region’s tourism trailblazers.

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