8 Kuwaiti Leaders Among the Top 100 Business Leaders in the Region

The “Top 100” list launched by CNBC Arabia included eight Kuwaiti figures among the top 100 business leaders of 2026, recognizing their role in leading their institutions and enhancing their impact on the regional economy and markets, as well as their contribution to shaping the future landscape of business in the region.

The selection of Kuwaiti leaders was part of an elite group comprising heads of major institutions, founders, and executives who are steering the new generation of companies, based on an evaluation methodology that relies on performance and measurable achievements.

CNBC relied on five main criteria in compiling the list, including financial performance through the leader’s ability to achieve growth and maximize returns for shareholders; economic impact and the extent of their contribution to the development of their company, sector, and the economy at large; innovation through the development of new products and business models; governance based on transparency and compliance; and resilience and sustainability, reflecting the companies’ ability to deliver strong and sustained performance across various economic cycles.

The CNBC list required that nominees lead a company headquartered in the region or conducting significant business there, have held their executive position for at least one year, and have documented operational and financial records for the company, whether publicly listed on financial markets or privately owned.