Leadership today is not about managing change; it’s about creating it. Across the GCC, we continue to see individuals who are not only responding to the times but actively shaping the future through clarity of purpose, innovation, and heart. These are leaders who understand that true vision lies in seeing possibilities where others see limits. They turn challenges into opportunities and ideas into lasting impact.
The Top 10 Visionary Leaders of 2025 are known not just for their success, but for their resilience, foresight, and authenticity. Each has followed a unique path, yet they all share one belief — that leadership is about responsibility, not position. From growing startups to leading established businesses, they have built their legacies on trust and purpose. In a fast-changing world, their stories remind us that true leadership is steady, focused, and driven by vision.
Top 10 Visionary Leaders to Watch
In this feature, we highlight the 10 visionary leaders driving meaningful change across industries. Their journeys reflect courage, conviction, and the ability to lead with both strategy and empathy; qualities that continue to shape the region’s evolving business landscape.
1. Nima Vakili | Driving the UAE’s Success in Global Circular Economy
In a time when the world is racing toward sustainability, few leaders are taking action as boldly and purposefully as Nima Vakili. As the Founder and CEO of Safa BioWorks®, Vakili is not just building a business — he’s building the foundation of a new industrial era for the United Arab Emirates. With a vision rooted in purpose and powered by innovation, Safa BioWorks® is transforming one of the region’s most abundant and overlooked resources — agricultural waste — into the building blocks of a circular, low-carbon economy.
Vakili’s leadership represents the meeting point of science, technology, and sustainability. As a recognized GCC AI Ambassador and a passionate advocate for regenerative solutions, he is pioneering a model that aligns directly with the UAE’s most ambitious national frameworks, including Net Zero 2050, Vision 2071, Operation 300Bn, and the nation’s food and environmental security strategies. Under his leadership, Safa BioWorks® is developing the UAE’s first vertically integrated bioplastics and biomaterials platform — a system designed to transform agricultural by-products into Sustainable PLA Biopolymers, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), and renewable bio-based additives that can power industries from packaging to aviation.
For Vakili, sustainability is not a buzzword — it’s an industrial necessity. With over 40 years of combined expertise within his team across chemical engineering, compounding, and sustainable manufacturing, and backed by strategic U.S. partners such as Chemplax, Safa BioWorks® is at the forefront of the UAE’s transformation from fossil dependence to renewable independence. By developing scalable, sovereign solutions in biomaterials and fuels, the company is reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global leader in green technology and innovation.
“The UAE has always been a land of visionaries,” Vakili shares. “Through Safa BioWorks®, we’re simply continuing that legacy — by building industries that serve both the planet and our economy. From waste to wealth, from fossil to future, this is about creating long-term resilience for generations to come.”
Vakili’s idea of progress goes beyond innovation in materials — it’s about creating a self-sustaining ecosystem. Safa BioWorks® is structured as a vertically integrated circular supply chain, ensuring that each stage of production contributes to regeneration rather than depletion. Through initiatives like PalmPLA and SAF, the company is introducing compostable, high-performance alternatives to fossil-based plastics and fuels. This not only accelerates the UAE’s transition to clean manufacturing but also positions the nation as a leader in sustainable exports and AI-driven circular systems.
His forward-thinking approach recently earned him the Excellence in Plastic Industry – Leaders: Sustainable Bioplastics Supply Chain Development Award, recognizing his groundbreaking work in redefining the region’s approach to bioplastics and sustainable raw materials. Yet, Vakili’s vision remains clear: awards are milestones, not the destination. His focus is firmly on collaboration — inviting investors, government bodies, and innovation partners to join in shaping the UAE’s regenerative future.
What makes Vakili’s leadership stand out is his holistic view of sustainability as a social and economic catalyst. He sees Safa BioWorks® as a key driver for the UAE’s next wave of industrial diversification and job creation, particularly in high-value green sectors powered by artificial intelligence and advanced materials science. “This isn’t just an environmental movement — it’s an economic evolution,” he explains. “We’re building a future where sustainability is a competitive advantage, not a compromise.”
Born from the Emirates and built for the world, Safa BioWorks® embodies the UAE’s spirit of innovation, resilience, and progress. Its technologies are designed to empower both local and global industries to operate within the planet’s limits while expanding economic opportunity. As Vakili leads this mission, he is setting a precedent for how private sector innovation can accelerate public sustainability goals and reshape entire industries.
The world is increasingly looking to the UAE as a hub for climate innovation and circular economy leadership, and Nima Vakili’s work stands as a testament to that potential. Through Safa BioWorks®, he is proving that with vision, purpose, and scientific precision, it’s possible to redefine what progress looks like — where prosperity and sustainability go hand in hand.
In Vakili’s words, “We’re not just building bioplastics — we’re building the future. A regenerative UAE for a regenerative world.”
2. Alice Liao | Driving Global Business, Innovation, and Transformative Leadership
Alice Liao is an executive leader, board advisor, author, and speaker, and the founder of AL Advisory, a global advisory firm. Over her career, she has partnered with more than 300 organizations across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East, guiding them through growth, transformation, and international expansion. Known for bridging strategic vision with actionable execution, Alice helps companies navigate complex markets and scale with confidence.
She has worked with boards, founders, and executives to align strategy, operations, and finance into integrated systems that drive long-term value. She has helped startups grow from concept to exit, revitalized mature companies, and advised multinationals on entering and thriving in new markets.
Alice’s expertise spans real estate, construction, hospitality, and technology, with a growing focus on artificial intelligence. In construction, she has led innovative, large-scale projects that balance commercial success with sustainable practices. In technology, she advises leaders on integrating AI responsibly—optimizing efficiency while managing ethics and risk.
Author of Startup from Zero to Exit, Alice provides a practical roadmap for building resilient companies from inception to scale. A sought-after advisor and speaker, she guides businesses through capital raises, mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures, connecting them with global investors and strategic partners.
Currently serving as Chief Commercial Officer at Pilosio Building Material, Alice is spearheading the company’s expansion of cutting-edge construction technologies in Asia, driving the global deployment of Pilosio’s FlyDeck technology for complex projects with precision and efficiency.
Alice has set new benchmarks for leadership in the GCC, reshaping perspectives on growth, governance, and inclusivity. Passionate about women’s empowerment, she mentors and supports women through her foundation, fostering resilience, leadership, and social impact alongside commercial success.
Her leadership has earned her recognition as an approved Forbes Global Business Council member, a 40 Under 40 Global Business Elite Award honoree, Best Social Entrepreneur by Gulf News, Best Innovative Commercial Leader by the Global Recognition Award, and one of the Top 10 Leaders Transforming the GCC.
Alice continues to build businesses, industries, partnerships, and leadership capacity—exemplifying visionary leadership that drives global impact, redefines industries, and inspires the next generation of leaders to pursue growth with courage, clarity, and purpose.
LinkedIn | AL Advisory | X | Bluesky | Threads | Pilosio
3. Dickie Shearer: A Leader Bridging Finance, Culture, and Humanity
For over twenty years, Dickie Shearer has worked at the intersection of finance and culture. As the Founder of the Tintra Brand, he has focused on building systems that bring people together instead of dividing them. His work has taken him from the busy cities of China and Southeast Asia to the growing economies of Africa. Through it all, one idea remains constant — that finance can be a bridge of understanding between cultures.
Shearer’s career began in emerging markets long before they became global talking points. He spent years advising ruling families, sovereign funds, and businesses on how to cross borders successfully while respecting local values. Based in the Middle East for over fifteen years, he now dedicates his efforts to Africa and Asia. His experience across these regions has given him a rare understanding of how money, culture, and progress are tied together.
Shearer’s work for the past 6 years has been focused on working to reshape how banking operates across the Global South. His goal is simple: to create fair access to financial systems for everyone. Instead of applying Western templates, his work supports local approaches that reflect each region’s identity. This method has made him a trusted name in those markets by governments and the private sector alike. Those who want growth that is authentic, sustainable, and appropriate for each individual economy.
Shearer’s commitment goes beyond business. Through the Tintra Foundation, he has turned his attention to preserving indigenous knowledge. The foundation aims to record and protect traditional wisdom, languages, and practices that risk fading away. By blending technology with preservation, it ensures that future generations inherit not just data but culture and memory.
Asked about leadership, Shearer’s answer is honest and grounded. “I’ve never been drawn to the idea of visionary leadership,” he says. “The world already has plenty of vision — what it lacks is impact. Doing the thing that needs doing as quickly as possible.” For him, leadership is not about grand statements or perfect forecasts. It’s results that matter — helping people live better, keeping cultures alive, and building systems that serve everyone.
LinkedIn | Website | Instagram
4. Claire S.: Shaping Meaningful Partnerships Through Culture and Connection
Claire S. has built her career on bringing people and brands together in ways that feel natural and lasting. With over twelve years of experience across Paris, Milan, Doha, and Dubai, she has worked at the intersection of culture, luxury, and business. A graduate of Sorbonne University and ESCP, she blends academic depth with hands-on experience. Fluent in English, French, and Italian, and able to read and write Arabic, Claire moves comfortably between worlds — an essential skill in her line of work.
At the Private Office of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Claire S. handles partnerships and sponsorships for the Racecourse, which is at the heart of a major development set to become the new “Central Park” of Dubai — a vibrant expansion at the extension of The Palm Jumeirah in the city’s center.
Her work centers on creating thoughtful collaborations between brands and audiences. Each project she takes on reflects her belief that successful partnerships are built on shared values and genuine stories, not just visibility or prestige. Her focus is simple — make each collaboration meaningful, elegant, and true to its purpose.
Before her current role, Claire gained valuable experience at HSBC Bank, the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, and Icade. These roles taught her how to think both strategically and creatively, balancing structure with imagination. She also had the chance to work closely with entrepreneurs, an experience that shaped her understanding of how to build and grow with agility.
Claire describes herself as a connector. Whether managing a marketing calendar or guiding a sponsorship campaign, she takes pride in creating space for collaboration and mutual respect. She’s led cross-functional teams, handled budgets, and worked directly with media, investors, and clients — always with an emphasis on clear communication and authentic relationships.
For Claire, success comes from intention. It’s about knowing the audience, respecting the culture, and delivering experiences that leave a real impression. Her story is one of quiet confidence and dedication — a reminder that leadership in luxury and culture is not about grandeur, but about creating moments that matter.
5. Risivarthini Muralikumar | Shaping Young Minds to Imagine Beyond Limits
A second-generation edupreneur, Risivarthini Muralikumar, currently leads as the Executive Director of Lab of Future, a pioneering platform where innovation meets legacy. With a mission to spark curiosity and nurture young minds into the realms of science, technology, and creativity, the company merges the UAE’s visionary spirit with the UK’s culture of collaboration.
Risivarthini’s strong educational foundation, gained from both the UAE and the UK, provided her with a valuable perspective on the education landscape, instilling in her a strong culture of collaborative learning and a global mindset. The focus on resilience and responsibility, teaching students to think beyond themselves and contribute to a nation reaching for new frontiers, shaped her leadership approach in the field. “I don’t just want to build an education company, I want to build a generation that imagines fearlessly, leads with compassion, and creates a future worth believing in,” says Risivarthini.
Every student loves Lab of Future’s approach because the platform embeds future-ready skills through immersive hands-on programs in diverse fields, from AI to space tech. The company’s goal is straightforward: to prepare students not only for exams, but also for exploration and purpose. With a vision rooted in family legacy and the belief – education shapes character, confidence, and compassion, not just academics, drives Risivarthini’s work at Lab of Future. She explores and implements technology and innovation, particularly AI to streamline education, reflecting her focus on futuristic thinking, compassion, and empowerment.
As a distinguished leader in the field, Risivarthini’s notable milestones include the launch of Cube-satellite in Orbita, designed and built by high school students of the platform from the UAE, and a full-functioning rocket built by one of their interns. The exposure and experience offered by the Lab of the Future filled them with the confidence and compassion to turn their passion into reality, which Risivarthini believes is a defining moment in her journey over the years.
Envisioning the upcoming days, Risivarthini aspires for Lab of Future to be remembered more than an education company – as a movement that transformed what learning can look like.
6. Ilaria Chirico | Turning Luxury Interior Visions into Reality
An Italian architect with a passion for luxury and a diverse international career, Ilaria Chirico brings over 15 years of experience across Luxury Retail, Hospitality, and Yachts Interiors Design. Starting her professional journey in Italy back in 2008, she designed exquisite luxury yachts for Benetti, helping hone her craftsmanship and attention to detail. Seeking new challenges, Ilaria moved to Australia and eventually settled in Dubai—a city she initially viewed as a temporary stopover.
In Dubai, Ilaria Chirico transitioned into the luxury retail sector, leading the realization of flagship boutiques for esteemed brands such as Cartier, Piaget, and many other bespoke Maisons.
Over the years, she worked with major developers like MAF – managing retail design in the Mall of the Emirates, Nakheel – managing hospitality and retail design for Palm Jumeirah, and with Aman, an ultra-luxury hospitality operator. With a vision to stay ahead in her field, Ilaria also completed an executive MBA with Bocconi University in 2021, further strengthening her leadership and strategic skills.
Eventually, she established her company, Studio D-Sign, where Ilaria serves as a lead consultant for both corporate and private clients across the GCC, delivering prestigious projects that reflect her dedication to excellence. Specializing in luxury and ultra luxury interior designs, Studio D-Sign turns ideas into reality, emerging as a trustworthy name in the field.
Balancing professional pursuits and her role as a mother, Ilaria Chirico is driven by passion and continuously seeks growth and development, inspiring countless lives in the process.
7. Walid Tabet | Empowering the Growth of VITEC in the Middle East
A distinguished professional with over 18 years of experience across diverse roles, Walid Tabet currently serves as the Regional Director of VITEC in the Middle East, one of the leading providers of IPTV, video streaming, and digital signage solutions. Starting his journey in a leading systems integration company, he soon transitioned to the vendor side, gaining deep insights into both perspectives. Having lived and worked in both the UAE and Canada, Walid brings a blend of expertise, integrity, and ethics – the best of both regions – seamlessly adapting to any situation.
As an award-winning end-to-end IPTV platform, VITEC offers a diverse range of services, spanning from content management to video wall processing. Being associated with VITEC for nearly a decade now, Walid believes leadership is all about being committed to empowering and uplifting everyone around him. Fostering an environment where every team member feels valued, understood, and motivated to unlock their full potential, he prioritizes creativity, ownership, and accountability. He reflects, “The best results come not from directing, but from inspiring – helping others see the possibilities within themselves and giving them the confidence to pursue growth with purpose.”
At the heart of Walid’s leadership philosophy is a deep belief in soft mentoring and empathy-driven guidance. “I take time to truly understand my team members—their ambitions, challenges, and unique learning styles—so I can support both their personal and professional development,” he adds. Through consistent feedback, encouragement, and opportunities for self-discovery, Walid aims to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and mutual respect. His goal is simple: to unlock potential in others, so that together, they achieve success that is both meaningful and sustainable.
With commendable communication skills, strategic planning, and a customer-centric approach, Walid Tabet drives excellence in the IPTV landscape, inspiring the next generation of leaders in the field.
8. Joan Brothers | A Guide to Real Estate Success
Joan Brothers is the Founder and CEO of Manhattan Boutique Real Estate, a women-owned Global Advisory firm based in New York with a core business of NYC real estate brokerage. Her work blends real estate expertise with a personal touch — guiding individuals, governments, family offices, and corporations through unique opportunities in Manhattan and across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East — always with trust, discretion, and lasting relationships at the center.
As Co-Head of Development for the UN Hospitality Committee (HCUND), Joan helps foster global friendship through cultural exchange and philanthropy. She has been active with The Acceleration Project (TAP) and her company is a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (GS10KSB), promoting women in business and leadership.
Outside of work, Joan loves traveling, spending time with her family and dogs, and mentoring next-generation entrepreneurs and creative minds. She believes meaningful connection is the most valuable investment of all.
A Real Estate expert and trusted advisor, Joan Brothers is the Founder and CEO of Manhattan Boutique Real Estate (MBRE). With over 25 years of experience in New York City’s residential and commercial real estate sectors, her residential expertise ranges from condominiums to real estate consulting. While on the commercial side, Joan focuses on brokering office spaces, retail leasing, building sales, and advisory services.
MBRE’s motto is simple: “We are all about the client.” From the first hello to finally handing over the keys, Joan enjoys every step in the process. As a noted connector, her expertise expands to the global landscape, serving clients from classic cities like Paris and London, to glittering cities in the Middle East like Dubai, among others. Staying updated with the global news and local trends, Joan is in a strong position to educate her clients on what makes NYC neighborhoods and properties unique. Leading a team of expert professionals at MBRE, she ensures a seamless and comprehensive service experience for all her clients.
Combining her real estate expertise with innovative technology. Joan founded Smart NY Solutions, a Smart City firm, which uses “experiential technology,” bringing buildings to life and enhancing interactions between people and their environments.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) forms an integral part of Joan’s leadership approach. Being committed to community engagement, she plays a crucial role on the Advisory Committee for the United Nations Hospitality Committee (HCUND). Additionally, she promotes small business development through her work with The Acceleration Project (TAP). Locally, she is an active member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at her son’s school and serves on the board of her luxury apartment building. Additionally, Joan is a vital community leader as co-head of the Eastside Midtown Coalition.
Apart from her endeavors in the real estate landscape, Joan Brothers is also an acclaimed author, reflecting her literary and creative expertise.
9. Dr. Prof. Elmohanad Elsayad | Leading Change with Clarity and Purpose
For Dr. Prof. Elmohanad Elsayad, leadership is less about authority and more about creating systems where people can thrive. An Egyptian-American business transformation expert, he has spent decades advising Fortune 10 companies in the United States on how to deliver meaningful, measurable change. Now based in Dubai, he brings the same depth of experience to his role as a senior faculty member at Hult International Business School, where he teaches management, strategy, and operations to the next generation of business leaders.
Dr. Elsayad’s journey began with an engineering degree, later complemented by a doctorate in business — a combination that perfectly mirrors his balanced approach to work. He’s equally comfortable discussing technical frameworks as he is exploring human behavior in organizations. His students often describe his classes as thought-provoking yet grounded, filled with real examples from his years leading enterprise PMOs and transformation programs around the world.
Throughout his career, Dr. Elsayad has focused on one thing: driving progress through structure and teamwork. He believes that true innovation doesn’t come from chaos but from clarity. “Empowered teams perform best when they trust the system they’re in,” he says, emphasizing that leadership is not about control but about creating an environment where ideas can grow and people can perform their best.
In Dubai and across the GCC, Dr. Elsayad continues to advise businesses on lean operations and strategic transformation. His practical approach and calm leadership style make him a trusted advisor to organizations navigating complexity. Whether mentoring professionals or consulting on large-scale change, his work remains rooted in discipline, empathy, and results.
For Dr. Elsayad, leadership ultimately comes down to contribution. “Leadership is about giving back,” he says — a principle that defines both his teaching and his consulting philosophy. Through his work, he continues to shape leaders who not only understand systems and strategy but also the human side of success — the part that turns good ideas into lasting impact.
10. Jasbir Bassi | A Story of Strength, Vision, and Heart
From a small office in Karama in 1997 to leading one of the UAE’s most respected car rental brands, Jasbir Bassi’s journey is a story of courage, discipline, and vision. As the Managing Director of Car Fare Group, she built her success through consistency and compassion — values that reflect her upbringing as the daughter of an Indian Army officer and her experience alongside her husband, Mr. K. S. Bassi, a well-known businessman. This balance of discipline and entrepreneurial spirit shaped her into a grounded yet forward-thinking leader who believes that true success is earned, not given.
Car Fare Group began with just five cars and a single outlet, but under Jasbir’s leadership, it has grown into a trusted name across the UAE, operating with over 3,000 vehicles and multiple divisions — including Rent-a-Car, Workshop, Auto Detailing, and Used Cars. Competing directly with international players, Car Fare remains proudly homegrown. “We humbly state that Car Fare is a brand to reckon with,” Jasbir says. “We are an organic, local entity with a stand-alone position in the market, and we remain strong and committed to keeping our space secured always.” After more than 25 years of growth, Car Fare has become a symbol of reliability and innovation in the UAE’s transport landscape.
Her leadership is rooted in clarity and human connection. For Jasbir, being a leader is not about authority — it’s about accountability. She values the people who make the company what it is: the employees behind the scenes and the customers who trust them every day. Her guiding principles for Car Fare are simple yet powerful — Vision: to lead the group toward innovative mobility solutions. Mission: to ensure sustainability and growth in evolving markets. Values: honesty and integrity as the foundation of every strategy. These beliefs continue to drive her approach as she leads Car Fare into a new era of innovation and customer-first service.
Beyond business, Jasbir’s compassion defines her legacy. Deeply committed to philanthropy, she supports the Jyoti Saroop Kanya Asra orphanage in India, providing food, shelter, and education for orphaned girls. Her initiatives extend to the UAE as well, where she has contributed to Dubai Cares, the Rashid Center for People of Determination, and the Al Noor Center for children with special needs. Internationally, she collaborates with the UNHCR to promote higher education for refugee children and continues to expand her global humanitarian efforts. Her empathy is evident in her actions — like adopting ten families in flood-hit Punjab, India, pledging to support them until their lives return to normal. “For me,” she says, “giving back isn’t a choice — it’s an obligation.”
Her impact has earned her numerous awards and recognitions. Under her leadership, Car Fare Group received the Dubai Quality Appreciation Award 2023. Jasbir herself has been featured in the Sikh 100 Edition 2024 alongside prominent Sikh personalities. She has been honored with the Black Swan Award for Women Empowerment (2018), the Gulf News Being She Award for Excellence in Transportation (2024), the Wonder Women Award (2023), the Global Business Impact Award (2025) by the Dubai International Business Awards, and The Emirates Loves India Award (2025). Each recognition stands as a reflection of her unwavering commitment to business excellence and social good.
Jasbir Bassi’s story is one of perseverance and purpose — proof that success built on integrity and compassion stands the test of time. As she continues to lead with vision, adaptability, and heart, she reminds us that true leadership is not measured by power or profit, but by the impact it leaves behind.
Conclusion
The 10 visionary leaders featured here represent more than achievement; they represent possibility. Through their leadership, they show that progress is not accidental — it’s intentional, built on years of dedication and a clear sense of direction. As we look toward the future, their work stands as a reminder that real vision never fades — it only grows stronger with time.
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