30 Leaders Shaping Real Estate, Proptech, and Infrastructure in the Middle East
Across the Middle East, a new wave of leadership is transforming the region’s real estate, proptech, infrastructure, and urban development sectors. The 30 Leaders Shaping Real Estate, Proptech, and Infrastructure in the Middle East highlights visionary individuals who are pushing boundaries, reimagining skylines, and shaping a sustainable future for cities across the region.
These leaders are at the forefront of a generational transformation — driven by ambitious national visions, digital innovation, and a commitment to long-term sustainability. Their work spans mega-projects, cutting-edge technologies, and public-private initiatives designed to elevate quality of life, attract regional and global investment, and diversify economies.
In real estate, developers are delivering iconic masterplans such as NEOM, Expo City Dubai, and Yas Island, setting new benchmarks for urban living. These projects reflect a shift toward integrated, human-centric environments that blend lifestyle, work, and wellness. Proptech pioneers, meanwhile, are leveraging AI, blockchain, and digital platforms to streamline transactions, enhance building intelligence, and empower tenants and investors alike.
Infrastructure leaders are driving major advancements in transportation, energy, and utilities — spearheading smart mobility networks, green building standards, and resilient infrastructure designed to combat climate change and optimize resource use.
Government figures and regulators featured on the list are creating the frameworks that make these ambitions possible — championing regulatory reform, promoting sustainability mandates, and enabling private sector collaboration. Their leadership is critical in shaping policies that attract foreign investment, foster innovation, and ensure inclusive growth.
This list also highlights the growing presence of young professionals in leadership roles — reshaping sectors and introducing fresh perspectives to long-standing challenges. Together, this group reflects the Middle East’s unique blend of tradition and progress, ambition and pragmatism.
These 30 leaders are not just constructing buildings or launching platforms — they are designing the future of the region. Through a blend of vision, resilience, and innovation, they are ensuring that cities in the Middle East are not only globally competitive but also sustainable, inclusive, and built for generations to come.
As the region continues its rapid transformation, the impact of these individuals will resonate far beyond bricks and mortar — redefining how people live, connect, and thrive in the Middle East’s next chapter of growth.
Ziad El Chaar, CEO, DarGlobal
DarGlobal is an international real estate developer specializing in exclusive luxury developments in the world’s most sought-after cosmopolitan cities.
Targeting global citizens looking for prime investments, second homes, and luxury living, DarGlobal transforms real estate into economic catalysts, creating opportunities for investors and the countries it operates in.
The company has partnered with renowned luxury brands, such as the Trump Organization, Aston Martin, Automobili Lamborghini, ELIE SAAB, Marriott Residences, Missoni, Mouawad, Pagani Automobili, and W Hotels. Listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), DarGlobal not only focuses on property development but also drives economic transformation by attracting international clients and foreign direct investment (FDI).
Since 2019, CEO Ziad El Chaar has led the dedicated team at DarGlobal towards revenue growth and profitability, leveraging his more than two decades of experience in real estate development, investment, corporate governance, board management, and regulatory compliance.
In addition to his role at DarGlobal, El Chaar serves as the chairman of Wasalt, a leading proptech company providing innovative tech solutions for the real estate industry. He is also the vice chairman at Quara Holding and held senior positions at Dar Al Arkan, Khair Capital, SHL, and Quara Finance. El Chaar obtained his MBA from the American University of Beirut in 1998.