The UAE isn’t just building cities and startups—it’s cultivating some of the most future-forward thinkers in the region.
From climate education to AI-powered fintech, these individuals are pushing boundaries in ways that spark action, not just applause. What unites them? A commitment to real impact, deep community engagement, and a digital presence that inspires.
If you’re seeking thinkers who lead with purpose and post with precision, here are the Top Voices You Should Follow in UAE right now.
Highlights
Dr. Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi
Dr. Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, a Forbes Top 100 CEO in 2024, blends economic foresight with deep operational strategy. As CEO of the Abu Dhabi Chamber and Vice Chair of the HBS GCC Club, he leads digital finance initiatives and multi-billion-dollar partnerships.
Currently, with academic roots at Durham, INSEAD, and Harvard, he’s spearheading AI-driven investment platforms that are setting new standards across the MENA region.
Ivana Brnovic Ogbu
Ivana Brnovic Ogbu is reimagining education through the lens of sustainability and systems thinking. As co-founder of Raise Change Makers and Fitch Technologies, she connects schools with climate innovators while authoring children’s books that empower future leaders.
Moreover, her speaking engagements at Forbes and other global platforms reflect her mission to prepare the next generation for a more conscious, connected future.
Nigel Green
Nigel Green, founder and CEO of deVere Group, leads one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory firms with over $10 billion in assets under advice. Based in Dubai, he specializes in global wealth strategy for expatriates and international investors, offering expertise in retirement planning, life insurance, and digital assets.
A longtime voice in global finance, Nigel’s leadership blends institutional scale with a personal mission to empower financial independence—across borders and generations.
Gemma Morris
Gemma Morris, a LinkedIn Top HR Voice with 35,000+ followers, is transforming workplace culture through inclusive leadership. Currently with Savills UAE, she brings over two decades of HR strategy to her role, championing neurodiversity, performance, and AI integration.
Furthermore, her people-first philosophy is helping redefine what strategic HR looks like in a rapidly changing corporate world.
Svenja Maltzahn
Svenja Maltzahn never set out to be a marketer—yet her curiosity for how people think led her to build Sumea Social, a leading LinkedIn agency in Dubai.
As a LinkedIn Top Voice, she helps CEOs and brands craft authentic influence through her executive profiling and Corporate Influence programs. Ultimately, through it all, her focus remains clear: make human content the new currency of digital leadership.
Armin Moradi
Armin Moradi, co-founder and CEO of Qashio, is reshaping financial workflows for modern enterprises. With over a decade of experience in eCommerce, enterprise IT, and digital payments, he now leads one of the UAE’s fastest-growing fintech startups.
More importantly, his vision of real-time expense control and ERP integration is giving companies greater visibility—and confidence—in their financial future.
Julia Schamne
Julia Schamne brings global hospitality expertise to the heart of Deira as Cluster General Manager at Accor. Notably, from pre-opening teams on the Palm to managing three thriving hotel brands, she combines cultural sensitivity with operational excellence.
Above all, her leadership is not just about service—it’s about creating inclusive, high-performing teams in one of the world’s most competitive hospitality markets.
Terry Kane
Terry Kane, Managing Director at The Trade Desk MENA, has spent two decades leading innovation across Meta, startups, and advisory boards. With an MBA from London Business School and a deep commitment to gender equity via On Board Women, Terry isn’t just a tech executive—he’s a change-maker driving the region’s digital transformation from the inside out.
Anishkaa Gehani
Anishkaa Gehani, founder of Yardstick Marketing, has helped over 1,400 brands tell their story through award-winning PR.
Beyond building one of the UAE’s most influential boutique agencies, she’s also an angel investor and board advisor promoting sustainability and food equity. Moreover, her belief in storytelling as a force for impact continues to inspire the next wave of communications talent.
Fouad Bekkar
Fouad Bekkar, CEO of Coralytics AI, is turning complex data into smart decisions across real estate, energy, and fintech. With two startups under his belt (including one successful exit), he blends technical mastery with boardroom acumen.
In addition, his global career—from France to Japan—gives him a rare cross-continental view of how AI can reshape entire sectors.
Follow for Impact: How These Voices Are Shaping the UAE’s Future
In a time when the UAE is racing toward a tech-enabled, sustainability-driven future, these ten voices offer more than insight—they offer clarity, courage, and community. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or just future-curious, following their journeys can unlock smarter decisions and bolder thinking. After all, transformation doesn’t happen in isolation—it begins with voices like these.
Highlights
Read the Chinese article here, or listen to the podcast here.
