10 stories from the GCEIP Editorial Desk, with the awards and editions that apply.
From resort-style apartments and private pools to international expansion, branded residences and vertical integration, Imran Farooq has turned SAMANA Developers into one of Dubai’s fastest-rising property businesses — and is now building for a much larger stage.
Imran Farooq · SAMANA Developers · United Arab Emirates
Yalla Group · Digital social networking and gaming From voice-led social networking and culturally resonant gaming to a growing ecosystem of digital entertainment, Yalla Group has built one of the Middle East’s most distinctive technology brands by proving that global-scale digital products can succeed when they begin with local behaviour, language and identity.
Enerwhere · Clean energy and utilities From desert construction sites and quarries to islands, industrial facilities and oilfield operations, Enerwhere has built its reputation by taking renewable energy where conventional grids often cannot go — combining solar, storage, intelligent controls and flexible power systems to reduce diesel dependence without sacrificing reliability.
Dr. (CA) Ankur Aggarwal · BNW Developments From chartered accountancy to creating one of the UAE’s fastest-scaling luxury development platforms, Dr. (CA) Ankur Aggarwal is combining financial discipline, branded residences and ambitious expansion to build BNW Developments for the next phase of Gulf real estate.
Rashed Ahmadyar · Ahmadyar Developments With a billion-dirham development portfolio, fast-moving projects and a disciplined approach to growth, Rashed Ahmadyar is positioning Ahmadyar Developments as one of Dubai’s emerging real estate names.
Hazza Zaal · Al Barari Real Estate Group At Al Barari and through his own venture, Elemental Developments, Hazza Zaal is advancing a different vision of Dubai real estate — one where luxury is measured not only by architecture and address, but by how a place makes people feel.
Amira Sajwani · PRYPCO With one foot inside one of the Middle East’s best-known property groups and another building an independent PropTech platform, Amira Sajwani is challenging the traditional rules of how real estate is bought, financed and owned.
Alisha Moopen · Aster DM Healthcare GCC From expanding hospital networks to digital health, AI-enabled care and a growing Saudi footprint, Alisha Moopen is helping transform Aster DM Healthcare from a traditional provider into a connected healthcare ecosystem for the GCC.
Navneet Mandhani · Karma Developers From technology and global business to real estate and venture investing, Navneet Mandhani has built his career around one recurring idea: spotting opportunity early and scaling it across markets.
Akbar Moideen Thumbay · Thumbay Healthcare At the intersection of hospitals, medical education, research and patient experience, Akbar Moideen Thumbay is helping shape the next chapter of one of the UAE’s most distinctive healthcare ecosystems.
The Dubai edition of Transformational Leaders & Enterprises™ takes place on 19 November 2026 at Crowne Plaza Dubai.
10 stories so far, covering Real estate, Digital social networking and gaming, Clean energy and utilities, Real estate and wellness, PropTech and real estate, Healthcare and more.
The Dubai edition of Transformational Leaders & Enterprises™ takes place on 19 November 2026 at Crowne Plaza Dubai. Recognition is subject to GCEIP’s eligibility, review and selection standards, and leaders and enterprises can be nominated at gceip.com/nominate-2027.
