Tunisian CEO Houssem Ben Haj Amor named in Forbes Middle East Top 100 CEOs 2026

Houssem Ben Haj Amor, the Group CEO of Al Baraka Group, has been recognized as the sole Tunisian executive on Forbes Middle East's prestigious 2026 Top 100 CEOs list. This annual ranking celebrates the region's leading business minds, with this year's edition featuring 102 senior executives from 21 nationalities.

The sixth edition of the ranking underscores the evolving responsibilities of top CEOs, who must now balance financial performance with the navigation of digital transitions and resilience amidst a volatile geopolitical and economic landscape. The list is dominated by executives from the United Arab Emirates, with 31 representatives, followed by Egypt with 15, and Saudi Arabia with 13.

Ben Haj Amor secured the 84th position, marking a significant achievement for Tunisia in the regional business arena. The past year has seen substantial investments across the region in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, energy transition, and advanced manufacturing. AI, once a strategic discussion point, is now being implemented operationally, while sustainability has become a standard business requirement beyond mere regulatory compliance.

Notable corporate moves include Saudi Aramco's 2025 intention to acquire a minority stake in AI firm HUMAIN, and IHC's launch of Judan Financial, an AI-powered platform managing approximately $237 billion in assets. Diversification strategies are also prominent, with companies expanding beyond their traditional markets. Examples include NMDC Infra's 2026 acquisition of a 51% stake in Spain's Lantania Aguas and Emirates NBD's majority acquisition of India's RBL Bank in June 2026.

The selected 102 leaders are spread across eight countries, with a significant concentration in the UAE (49 CEOs), Saudi Arabia (18), and Qatar (11). The banking and financial services sector leads the representation with 30 executives, followed by real estate and construction with eight.