Doha, Qatar: Eleven chief executives leading Qatar-based organisations were named in Forbes Middle East's Top 100 CEOs 2026 ranking, highlighting the country's growing influence across key sectors including banking, energy, telecommunications, insurance and financial services.
The annual ranking reflects a year in which companies across the Middle East accelerated investments in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainability and international expansion.
The list recognises executives who have delivered strong financial performance while driving innovation, business resilience and long-term growth.
This year's ranking features 102 executives across 100 entries, representing 21 nationalities. The banking sector dominates the ranking with 30 entries, followed by real estate and construction with eight.
Forbes compiled the ranking using company disclosures, annual reports, financial statements and industry data, assessing executives based on their regional impact, leadership experience, company size, financial performance and innovation initiatives.
Among the Qatari-based executives featured is the Minister of State for Energy Affairs and the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, H E Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, who was recognised following another year of international expansion.
In 2026, QatarEnergy signed memorandam of understanding with international partners for offshore exploration in Syria and for studying the development and marketing of Cypriot gas discoveries through Egypt's gas infrastructure. The company also announced an offshore hydrocarbon discovery in the Republic of the Congo.
Forbes also featured Group CEO of QNB Group, Abdulla Mubarak Al Khalifa, who has led the bank since 2018. Operating in more than 28 countries with over 900 locations, QNB reported total assets of approximately $387.3bn and a net profit of $1.2bn in the first quarter of 2026.
Abdullah Al Sulaiti, CEO of Nakilat, continues to lead one of the world's largest LNG shipping companies. The company is expanding its fleet with 25 new LNG carriers under construction in the Republic of Korea, alongside additional LPG and ammonia vessels, reinforcing Qatar's position in global energy transportation.
Mansoor Al Khater, CEO of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), joined the ranking after assuming the role in January 2026. During the first quarter, QFC licensed more than 800 new companies, representing a 57% increase year-on-year, while also joining the Gulf Capital Market Association as an advisory member.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO of the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), was recognised after the authority expanded its licensed investor base to 837 companies by the end of 2025, with expected cumulative investments of $5.3bn and more than 13,000 jobs created.
Ahmed Hashem, Acting Group CEO of Dukhan Bank. Ahmed Hashem, Acting Group CEO of Dukhan Bank, which posted a net profit of $117.8m and total assets of $34.7bn during the first quarter of 2026 while expanding partnerships in open banking and financial technology.
Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal Al Thani, Group CEO of Doha Bank, was recognised for leading the bank's sustainability and digital finance initiatives.
The complete list also includes Salem Al Mannai, Group CEO of Qatar Insurance Group; Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, Group CEO of Ooredoo; and Bassel Gamal, Group CEO of Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB).
The strong representation of Qatar-based executives in the Forbes ranking reflects the country's continued efforts to build globally competitive institutions across strategic sectors.
As Qatar advances its National Vision 2030, investments in financial services, energy, technology, logistics and innovation are increasingly being matched by the emergence of corporate leaders managing businesses with expanding regional and international footprints, reinforcing the country's position as one of the Middle East's leading business and investment hubs.
