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Travel and tourism industry leaders from the UAE have ranked high in a new regional list. The ‘Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders 2023’, by Forbes Middle East, comes in the wake of the key role the sector is playing in the region’s economic growth and development.
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According to a UNWTO report, the tourism sector globally recovered 63% of pre-pandemic levels in 2022, with the Middle East recovering 83% of its pre-pandemic visitor numbers.
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The list features leaders from over 33 nationalities, with Emiratis leading with 16 entries, followed by 12 Saudis, and 10 British nationals. Below are the top 10 entries:
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Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum | Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group | Nationality: Emirati
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Akbar Al Baker | Group CEO, Qatar Airways Group | Nationality: Qatari
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Helal Saeed Almarri | Director General, Department of Economy and Tourism – Dubai | Nationality: Emirati
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Paul Griffiths | CEO, Dubai Airports | Nationality: British
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Fahd Hamidaddin | CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) | Nationality: Saudi
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Mohammed Almaghlouth | CEO, MATARAT Holding (airport operator in Saudi Arabia) | Nationality: Saudi
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Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry | Director General - Tourism Sector, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) | Nationality: Emirati
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Jerry Inzerillo | Group CEO, The Diriyah Company | Nationality: American
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Hesham Al Qassim | CEO, wasl Asset Management Group | Nationality: Emirati
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Ibrahim Koshy | CEO, SAUDIA | Nationality: Saudi
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