Forbes Middle East has announced its 2024 ranking of the ‘Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders,’ highlighting 100 regional developers who are driving innovation and shaping the future of real estate. The ranking is based on several factors, including the financial strength of companies, the value of completed and ongoing projects, reputation for project delivery, and the size of landbanks and units held.
UAE-based real estate leaders dominated the list with 33 entries, followed by 23 from Saudi Arabia and 20 from Egypt. Topping the list is Mohamed Alabbar, Founder and Managing Director of Emaar Properties in the UAE, with total assets of $37.3 billion as of September 2023. Emaar Properties stands as one of the largest publicly-listed real estate companies in the GCC. Close behind is Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi-based Aldar Properties, with total assets of $19.3 billion. NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr secured third place.
The list covers nine countries in the region, with the UAE boasting six companies in the top 10. Egypt’s Heliopolis Company for Housing and Development, founded in 1906, is the oldest company featured, with CEO Sameh El Said leading the firm since August 2023. In contrast, Bahrain’s Infracorp, established in 2022, is the youngest company on the list, reporting $26.9 million in net profits and $1.6 billion in total assets by September 2023.
This ranking underscores the major contributions of real estate leaders in driving economic growth and urban development across the Middle East.
