• The U.A.E. dominates with 44 entries, followed by Saudi with 26, and Egypt with eight.
• The most represented category is hospitals with 38 entries, then pharmaceuticals with 36.

Forbes Middle East has revealed its second annual ranking of the region’s top healthcare leaders, recognizing the most influential healthcare heavyweights across pharmaceuticals, medical facilities, technology, medical equipment, and healthcare investment in the Middle East. 

Leaders based in the U.A.E. reign the list with 44 entries, followed by Saudi Arabia with 26 and Egypt with eight. Listees in the hospital category dominate with 38 entries, followed by pharmaceutical companies with 36. 

The 101 healers and heads from the regional healthcare ecosystem are actively building innovative infrastructure, attracting investments, and cementing public-private partnerships. For example, in December 2022, Ashish Koshy, CEO of G42 Healthcare, spearheaded a partnership agreement with AstraZeneca to manufacture innovative drugs in Abu Dhabi. In January 2023, Mohamed Amin’s Elaj Group led a $1.9 million pre-Series A round for Qatari-based “At Home Doc.” Riad Armanious, CEO of Eva Pharma, led a collaboration in December 2022 with Lilly to enhance sustainable access to affordable insulin in Africa. 

Shaista Asif, Cofounder and Group COO of U.A.E.-based PureHealth Group, tops the ranking. Said Darwazah, Executive Chairman and CEO of Jordan’s Hikma Pharmaceuticals, and Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Managing Director of the Hamad Medical Corporation, round up the top three. In the top 10, five business heads lead diversified operations in healthcare, including Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, CEO of Mubadala Health, and Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings.

To create this ranking, Forbes Middle East assessed the size of the business—including revenues, assets, and facilities—diversity of operations, ownership of assets, and the experience, impact, and achievements of the individual.