Middle East's Most Influential Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2025

طﺳوﻷا قرﺷﻟا ءﺎﻣﻋز The L E A D E R S Middle East's Most Influential Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2025 From Code to Culture How to Cul?vate Effec?ve Technology Leadership Empowering Teams How to Embrace Tech Innova?on in Your Business Rwdah Al-Subaiey Founder & CEO TECHPRENEUR SOLUTIONS Harnessing AI for a Smarter Future Rwdah Al-Subaiey

"If you don't innovate fast, disrupt your industry, disrupt yourself, you'll be left behind.”

Tech Trailblazers: Driving Innovation and Shaping Middle East's Digital Future M ecosystems that empower startups, entrepreneurs, and enterprises to thrive in an increasingly connected world. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth is setting new benchmarks for excellence and inspiring a new generation of tech enthusiasts. Editor’s iddle East continues to emerge as a vibrant hub for technology and innovation, driven by visionary leaders who are shaping the future of the region and beyond. These trailblazers are not only advancing cutting-edge technologies but also fostering Desk In The Middle East Leaders recent edition of, Middle East's Most Influential Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2025 we celebrate the most influential tech pioneers whose leadership, creativity, and strategic foresight are accelerating digital transformation across industries-from fintech and smart cities to blockchain and venture capital. Together, they represent the dynamic spirit and limitless potential of the region’s technology sector-leaders to watch, learn from, and be inspired by in 2025 and beyond. By following and learning from these trailblazers, this edition offers insights into the transformative power of leadership, creativity, and collaboration. Their stories remind us that the journey of digital transformation is ongoing-and that the Middle East is poised to lead the way into a smarter, more connected, and prosperous future. Have a great read ahead! Preston B.

Cover story CONTENTS 08 Harnessing AI for a Smarter Future Rwdah Al-Subaiey Articles From Code to Culture 16 How to Cul?vate Effec?ve Technology Leadership Empowering Teams How to Embrace Tech Innova?on 20 in Your Business

طﺳوﻷا قرﺷﻟا ءﺎﻣﻋز The Middle East's Most Influential Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2025 L E A D E R S Editor-in-Chief Merry D'Souza Managing Editor Executive Editor Assistant Editors Preston B. Jenny F. Michael W. Art & Design Director Associate Designer Visualizer David King Rosy Scott Angela Ruskin Senior Sales Managers Business Development Manager Brain Moody, Jack McDowell Nisar Mohammed Marketing Manager Sales Executives James M. Max Floyd Company Name Featured Person Brief Technical Head Business Development Executives Jacob Smile Simon, Tom Khalifa Alshehhi Co-Founder Alshehhi is the Co-Founder of Dubai Blockchain Center, driving blockchain innovation, education, and adoption in the UAE. Dubai Blockchain Center blockchaincenter.ae Technical Specialist Digital Marketing Manager Dominique T. Irvin Wilson Alghamdi is the Director at Plug and Play Tech Center, leading innovation programs, startup acceleration, and corporate partnerships in the MENA region. Plug and Play Tech Center plugandplaytechcenter.com Mohammed Alghamdi Director Research Analyst SME-SMO Executive Frank Adams Steve Rodrigues Almansour is Head of VC Investment Department at Riyadh Valley Company, leading venture capital initiatives, strategic investments to drive economic growth. Mohammed Almansour Head of VC Investment Dep Riyadh Valley Company rvc.com Database Management Technology Consultant Circulation Manager Stella Andrew David Stokes Robert Brown Subaiey is the Founder & CEO of Techpreneur Solutions, a company focused on providing innovative technology-driven solutions for businesses in the tech industry. TECHPRENEUR SOLUTIONS techpreneur.solutions Rwdah Al-Subaiey FOUNDER & CEO sales@themiddleeastleaders.com April, 2025 Lootah is the Deputy CEO of Dubai Media, overseeing strategic initiatives, business development, and innovation, with a strong focus on media growth in the UAE’s media sector. Saleh Lootah Deputy CEO Dubai Media dmi.gov.ae www.x.com/company/the-middle-east-leaders/ Follow us on : www.facebook.com/themiddleeastleaders/ We are also available on : Copyright © 2025 The Middle East Leaders, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from The Middle East Leaders. Reprint rights remain solely withThe Middle East Leaders.

C O V E R STORY Harnessing AI for a Smarter Future Rwdah Al-Subaiey I foster a culture of transparency and open communication, ensuring that every team member feels heard and valued. My believe in empowering individuals and promoting inclusivity has resulted in a workplace that thrives on creativity, innovation, and collaboration.” Rwdah Al-Subaiey Founder & CEO TECHPRENEUR SOLUTIONS

R Middle East's Most Influential Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2025 I n the ever-evolving landscape of technology, few individuals stand out as true pioneers, reshaping industries with their vision and leadership. One such trailblazer is Rwdah Al-Subaiey, a distinguished computer engineer and entrepreneur whose work in artificial intelligence has positioned her as one of the Middle East's most influential tech leaders. With a career spanning years of spearheading digital transformation and AI adoption across major corporations, her expertise is deeply rooted in innovation, problem-solving, and a relentless drive to create impact. educators alike fueled her passion and determination, laying the foundation for TechPreneur’s success. Overcoming Challenges in Scaling TechPreneur As a computer engineer with extensive experience in digital transformation and artificial intelligence, I found myself contemplating the potential of AI in reshaping education. It was then that the idea for TechPreneur was born—a company dedicated to enabling organizations to integrate AI seamlessly into their daily operations.” Like any entrepreneurial journey, the path to building TechPreneur was filled with challenges. Securing initial funding, attracting top-tier talent, and bridging the gap between advanced AI technology and its practical applications in education were among the early obstacles. Potential investors were initially skeptical about integrating AI into traditional learning environments, making fundraising efforts particularly demanding. Her journey into entrepreneurship began with a simple yet profound realization: technology should be a bridge, not a barrier. Inspired by this belief, she founded TechPreneur, an AI-driven enterprise dedicated to making artificial intelligence accessible and seamlessly integrated into everyday business operations. From education to large-scale industry applications, TechPreneur has become synonymous with AI-powered transformation. Additionally, recruiting skilled professionals who shared her vision required extensive networking and strategic outreach. Regulatory complexities surrounding AI in education further added to the challenges, requiring meticulous planning and persistence. However, every challenge became a learning opportunity, strengthening the company’s resilience and refining its strategic approach. At the heart of her entrepreneurial venture lies Noor, an AI- powered educational assistant designed to revolutionize learning experiences. Under her leadership, TechPreneur continues to push boundaries, ensuring that artificial intelligence remains a tool for empowerment rather than disruption. Her unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, building strategic partnerships, and championing a collaborative corporate culture sets her apart as a visionary leader shaping the future of AI. By remaining steadfast in her vision and fostering a problem-solving mindset, Rwdah ensured that TechPreneur not only overcame these obstacles but also emerged stronger, with AI solutions that genuinely addressed critical educational needs. Leadership Principles and Core Values At the core of Rwdah leadership philosophy is authenticity, resilience, and continuous learning. “I foster a culture of transparency and open communication, ensuring that every team member feels heard and valued. My believe in empowering individuals and promoting inclusivity has resulted in a workplace that thrives on creativity, innovation, and collaboration.” The Vision Behind TechPreneur Rwdah vividly recalls the moment that ignited her entrepreneurial journey. It was a quiet evening at home, her children diligently working on their assignments while she guided them through their studies. “As a computer engineer with extensive experience in digital transformation and artificial intelligence, I found myself contemplating the potential of AI in reshaping education. It was then that the idea for TechPreneur was born—a company dedicated to enabling organizations to integrate AI seamlessly into their daily operations.” She also emphasizes adaptability, recognizing that the technology landscape is constantly evolving. This flexibility allows her team to navigate challenges effectively and seize emerging opportunities. By prioritizing both professional and personal development, she has created an environment where continuous learning fuels TechPreneur’s sustained growth. Motivated by this vision, she embarked on a journey to make AI more accessible and impactful, starting with education. This led to the development of Noor, an intuitive AI-powered educational assistant designed to enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagement. The ability to transform the learning experience for students and Staying Ahead of Industry Trends Innovation is woven into the DNA of TechPreneur. Recognizing the fast-paced evolution of artificial

R intelligence, “I ensure my company remains at the forefront by actively engaging with industry leaders, educators, and technology experts. Attending conferences, conducting workshops, and fostering strategic partnerships are key elements of TechPreneur’s innovation strategy.” Additionally, regular brainstorming sessions encourage team members to contribute fresh ideas, while professional development initiatives equip them with cutting-edge expertise. User feedback plays a crucial role in refining AI solutions like Noor, ensuring they align with real-world needs. This proactive approach has cemented TechPreneur’s reputation as a leader in AI-driven education technology. I ensure my company remains at the forefront by actively engaging with industry leaders, educators, and technology experts. Attending conferences, conducting workshops, and fostering strategic partnerships are key elements of TechPreneur’s innovation strategy.” Fostering a Collaborative and Excellence-Driven Team Culture From its inception, TechPreneur was designed to be more than just a company—it is a community of innovators. Rwdah understands that a strong corporate culture is the foundation of success, and she has built a team that thrives on collaboration, diversity, and mutual respect. By encouraging open dialogue and inclusive decision- making, she ensures that every team member feels valued. Celebrating both individual and collective achievements fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose, transforming the workplace into a supportive and dynamic environment. Regular team-building activities, mentorship programs, and informal networking opportunities further strengthen team cohesion, driving both productivity and innovation. Navigating Tough Decisions with Strategic Vision One of the most pivotal decisions in TechPreneur’s journey came during the launch strategy for Noor. There was immense pressure to accelerate the rollout and capture market share quickly. However, Rwdah recognized the importance of a phased approach, prioritizing product quality and user feedback over rapid expansion. While this strategy posed risks, such as delaying revenue generation and facing increased investor expectations, it ultimately led to a more refined and impactful product. By systematically collecting insights and iteratively improving Noor, TechPreneur ensured that the AI assistant truly met the needs of educators and students. This experience reinforced the importance of balancing urgency with strategic patience, a principle that continues to guide the company’s growth.

R The Role of Strategic Partnerships in TechPreneur’s Success Generative AI tools for content creation in media Ÿ Advanced Agentic AI and data analytics solutions Ÿ “Collaboration has been a driving force behind TechPreneur’s growth. By forging strong partnerships with educational institutions, technology firms, and research organizations, the company has been able to refine its AI solutions and scale rapidly.” Says Rwdah. These alliances provide valuable industry insights, accelerate product development, and enhance market credibility. By leveraging its expertise in AI strategy consulting, TechPreneur is guiding organizations toward successful AI adoption and digital transformation. The upcoming years promise rapid expansion, groundbreaking AI innovations, and strategic partnerships that will further solidify the company’s leadership in the industry. Balancing Leadership with Personal Well-Being Engaging in strategic networking has expanded TechPreneur’s reach, allowing it to penetrate new markets and explore innovative AI applications. The exchange of knowledge within these collaborations has enriched the company’s expertise, reinforcing its position as a leader in AI adoption across multiple sectors. For Rwdah, maintaining a work-life balance is essential for effective leadership. She actively incorporates mindfulness, exercise, and quality time with family into her routine, ensuring mental clarity and emotional resilience. Key Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Her family remains a source of inspiration, grounding her amidst the challenges of entrepreneurship. By establishing clear boundaries, delegating effectively, and prioritizing personal growth, she continues to lead with clarity, vision, and purpose. Reflecting on her journey, Rwdah emphasizes the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship. The ability to pivot in response to challenges, embrace continuous learning, and remain resilient is crucial in the fast-evolving world of AI. Final Thoughts: The Power of Mentorship and Community She also highlights the value of seeking mentorship and building strong professional networks. “Engaging with experienced mentors and fellow entrepreneurs has provided me with strategic insights, guidance, and emotional support throughout my journey. For aspiring tech entrepreneurs, I advise prioritizing adaptability, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to learning.” One of the most valuable lessons Rwdah has learned is the impact of mentorship and community support. Seeking guidance from experienced mentors and engaging with a network of industry professionals has played a crucial role in her success. She firmly believes that building a strong support system—both within and outside the organization—fuels innovation, resilience, and long-term growth. For future entrepreneurs, her advice is simple: invest in meaningful connections, embrace mentorship, and never stop learning. The Future of TechPreneur: Expanding AI Capabilities TechPreneur’s roadmap for the future is filled with ambitious goals. While Noor continues to gain traction in the education sector, the company is actively expanding into other industries, including Oil & Gas, Tourism, Media, and Government. Some of the exciting developments on the horizon include: AI-driven predictive maintenance for oil and gas infrastructure Ÿ AI-powered personalized recommendations in the tourism sector Ÿ

From Code to Culture How to Cultivate Effective Technology Leadership I n an era when technology is driving change in all industries, leader's role has evolved leaps and bounds beyond system management and software management. Today, leaders must be visionaries, strategists, coaches, and value-based caretakers. They must be able to work with advanced technical environments as well as facilitate people, foster innovation, and stand for values that enable trust and belonging. It requires a deliberate balancing act of visionary, interpersonal capabilities, and sensitivity to ethical, diverse, and creative practices to develop effective technology leadership. This article acknowledges the most important pillars of leadership success in the technology industry—from developing an inspiring vision and enabling high-performance teams to integrating integrity and diversity as values of leadership. Create a Vision for Technology: Accomplished technology leaders exhibit a strategic mindset focused on long-term innovation and future readiness. They anticipate technological advancements, evaluate their potential to drive business value, and develop strategic roadmaps that align with the organization’s mission, core values, and long-term growth objectives. Remaining current through industry publications, professional conferences, and engagement with thought leaders is vital for identifying and understanding emerging trends. For instance: Satya Nadella's transformation of Microsoft was grounded in a shift to a "cloud-first, mobile- first" vision that not only changed internal priorities but also redefined the global landscape. Good leaders must be able to manage effectively and draw out the best from high-caliber, diverse teams. It requires a good understanding of what motivates people, good listening, and genuine empathy for their issues. 16 17 The Middle East Leaders | April 2025 | The Middle East Leaders | April 2025 |

high performance in the coming decades.s Self-awareness—the ability to recognize and understand one’s own strengths, limitations, and emotional responses—is an essential component of effective leadership. Through establishing trust and conflict resolution in constructive and solution-oriented manners, leaders can create strong, enduring team culture. Recognize unconscious bias and take steps to counteract it in hiring, assessment, and promotions. Offer resources and access that are appropriate to the unique needs of each individual and do not treat everyone the same. Create space for the voices of underrepresented groups to be heard and respected in decision-making. Value and appreciate team members' differing cultural heritage, identities, and experiences. Empathy is a vital attribute of fair and inclusive leadership. Empathy allows leaders to understand other people's experiences and struggles, build tighter bonds and be more compassionate decision-making. Empathic leadership has its roots in psychological safety, which is a strong element of inclusive environments. When employees feel safe, they are likely to share ideas, voice concerns, and collaborate effectively. Empower and Grow Your Team: Excellent leaders go beyond the art of management—they are facilitators of growth. They invest in people's growth, actively remove barriers to advancement, and open up space for talent to grow. Enabling decision-making at all levels ensures ownership and innovation, and avoiding micromanaging ensures autonomy. Strategic investment in training, certification, and continuous learning is necessary, as new technologies call for teams to develop and mature with them. Celebrating individual and team achievement—big and small—promotes not only an appreciation culture but also sparks engagement and motivation. Conclusion: In today's fast-paced digital era, good technology leadership is a combination of strategic vision, people skills, and unshakable ethical values. By creating a compelling vision for technology, investing in people development, and developing collaborative, values-driven leadership, technology leaders can position their organizations for long- term innovation and resilience. They foster trust, ignite diverse points of view, and create cultures where people are empowered to contribute, grow, thrive. And as technology accelerates at breakneck pace, the leaders who emerge with integrity, empathy, and strategic savvy will be the models of Being strategic leaders, technology leaders are also custodians of high-stakes investments in infrastructure, equipment, security, and product vision. With the fast- moving nature of the tech ecosystem, the most important leadership quality is flexibility. Great leaders build cultures with enabled teams that can test hypotheses, iterate quickly, and respond to user feedback in real time. Continuous improvement practices—such as retrospectives, daily stand- ups, and sprint reviews—should be part of team operations. Failure should be accepted, and it should be viewed as a natural part of the innovation process to enable learning and growth. طﺳوﻷا قرﺷﻟا ءﺎﻣﻋز The L E A D E R S Embody Ethical and Inclusive Leadership: At its simplest, ethical leadership is doing the right thing. It's making decisions that are grounded in integrity, fairness, and accountability. Even in adversity, always keep words and actions aligned and be transparent in debating decisions and the rationale for them. Own results—both success and failure. Deal with all stakeholders fairly without favoritism or bias. Ethical leaders are instrumental in defining organizational culture. Their actions set the standard for employee behavior, guide decision-making processes, and significantly influence how stakeholders perceive the organization. Subscribe to The Middle East Leaders Your Gateway to a world of Knowledge and Creativity! 18 The Middle East Leaders | April 2025 |

I Empowering Teams n today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving economic landscape, the ability of a business to embrace technological innovation is not just a competitive advantage—it is a fundamental requirement for survival and growth. From startups to multinational corporations, the adoption of modern technology is reshaping how organizations operate, connect with customers, and deliver value. Embracing tech innovation, however, involves more than simply acquiring new software or devices. It demands a strategic shift in mindset, a commitment to continuous learning, and an organizational culture that fosters agility, creativity, and calculated risk-taking. thrive in an age of disruption are those that view innovation not as a one-time project but as an ongoing journey. This cultural transformation must begin at the top. Leadership plays a critical role in signaling the importance of innovation through actions and investments. When executives prioritize technology as a strategic asset and demonstrate willingness to experiment and evolve, it sends a clear message to the entire organization. Encouraging team members to share ideas, challenge traditional approaches, and collaborate across departments creates an environment where innovation is not only accepted but expected. How to Embrace Tech Innovation in Your Business Cultivating a Culture of Openness: Equally important is the development of a clear innovation strategy aligned with the company's overarching goals. Rather than chasing every emerging trend, businesses must assess which technologies align with their mission, enhance The first step in embracing technological innovation lies in cultivating a culture of openness to change. Businesses that 20 21 The Middle East Leaders | April 2025 | The Middle East Leaders | April 2025 |

customer experiences, and drive operational efficiency. This requires a thorough understanding of both the current state of the business and the opportunities presented by digital tools. For instance, an e-commerce company might benefit significantly from integrating artificial intelligence to personalize product recommendations, while a manufacturing firm could prioritize automation and IoT to optimize production processes. Clarity in objectives ensures that investments in technology are both purposeful and measurable. risks. It is essential to implement protocols that ensure data privacy, maintain compliance with industry standards, and provide robust incident response plans. A proactive approach to cybersecurity not only protects the business but also builds trust with customers and stakeholders. Collaboration with external partners, including startups, research institutions, and technology providers, can significantly accelerate innovation. These collaborations often serve as catalysts for accessing new ideas, resources, and capabilities. Whether through co-development of products, joint ventures, or participation in innovation hubs, such partnerships allow companies to explore emerging technologies without bearing the full cost or risk alone. Moreover, these relationships often foster knowledge exchange and provide early insights into disruptive trends that might affect the industry. Investing in Right Talent: Another essential element of embracing tech innovation is investing in the right talent. The successful implementation of new technologies often hinges on having people with the skills to manage, adapt, and innovate with those tools. This doesn’t always mean hiring a brand-new team. In many cases, upskilling existing employees through targeted training programs can be just as effective. Organizations should also consider partnering with external experts or consultants to fill gaps and provide guidance during major transformation efforts. Beyond technical skills, fostering a growth mindset among employees—where curiosity, adaptability, and resilience are encouraged—can significantly enhance the capacity to innovate from within. Conclusion: Embracing tech innovation in business is a multifaceted endeavor that touches every aspect of an organization—from leadership and culture to strategy, talent and infrastructure. It is a journey that demands foresight, adaptability, and an openness to transformation. While the path may present challenges, the rewards of increased efficiency, customer loyalty, and sustained competitive advantage are well worth the effort. In an age where technology is reshaping the rules of business, those who innovate boldly and wisely are the ones most likely to thrive. Finally, businesses must recognize that the journey toward technological innovation is continuous. The pace of change in today’s digital economy means that resting on past successes can quickly lead to obsolescence. Integration is another critical factor in the journey toward technological innovation. Implementing new systems and platforms without ensuring they align seamlessly with existing infrastructure can lead to inefficiencies and frustration. To avoid this, businesses should prioritize interoperability and scalability when selecting technology solutions. A well-integrated tech ecosystem allows for better data flow, real-time insights, and more agile decision- making. Moreover, as customer expectations evolve, the ability to quickly respond with personalized, tech-enabled solutions becomes a key differentiator. Integration thus acts as the connective tissue that enables innovation to be translated into tangible business outcomes. Security and Compliance: As companies adopt cloud-based systems, AI tools, and data analytics platforms, they must also confront the growing complexity of cybersecurity and regulatory requirements. Embracing innovation without a robust governance framework can expose businesses to serious 22 The Middle East Leaders | April 2025 |

طﺳوﻷا قرﺷﻟا ءﺎﻣﻋز The L E A D E R S

Middle East's Most Influential Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2025

Middle East's Most Influential Leaders in Tech to Follow, 2025

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