Three from Qatar named among Forbes Middle East’s 'Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders 2025'

Doha: Forbes Middle East has recognised three executives from Qatar in its Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders 2025, a list honouring individuals from...

Doha: Forbes Middle East has recognised three executives from Qatar in its Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders 2025, a list honouring individuals from across the MENA region, covering key areas such as aviation, hospitality, tourism development, and travel services.

Eng. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways Group, ranked 3rd; Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al‑Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, came in at 25th; and Tarek M. El Sayed, Managing Director and CEO of Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company (ARTIC), was ranked 33rd.

3rd – Eng. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer

Forbes attributed Al-Meer’s ranking to his strategic leadership since becoming CEO of Qatar Airways Group in 2023. Under his direction, the airline has expanded aggressively, including a $96 billion deal signed in May 2025 with Boeing and GE Aerospace to acquire up to 210 aircraft.

Qatar Airways posted $23.5 billion in revenue and $2.2 billion in net profit for the 2024–2025 financial year. The airline also expanded its global footprint by acquiring a 25% stake in South Africa’s Airlink in 2024 and a 25% stake in Virgin Australia for $514 million in March 2025. Al-Meer currently serves on the board of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).