Three prominent Bahraini executives have been named among the region’s most influential industry figures in Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders for 2026.
The annual ranking features Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and chairperson of Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB), at 64th.
Joining her are Areen Hospitality CEO Dr Essa Faqeeh at 69th and Gulf Hotels Group (GHG) Group CEO Ahmed Janahi at 73rd. The prestige list highlights key leadership driving the Middle East’s aviation, hospitality, and destination development sectors.
Since assuming her roles in 2024, Ms Buhiji has spearheaded the kingdom’s leisure and MICE tourism strategy under Vision 2030, helping Bahrain attract 15 million visitors in 2025. She also oversees EWB, a 309,000-square-metre facility that has hosted 230 major events since late 2022, while serving on the boards of Gulf Air Group and Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre.
Dr Faqeeh, who took the helm at Areen Hospitality in 2023, brings over 35 years of regional experience. Managing assets like Janat Dilmun Waterpark and Pearlhouse Bahrain Harbour alongside top global brands including Raffles, Marriott, and Mandarin Oriental, the group served 250,000 customers in 2025. Dr Faqeeh also advises the Arab Tourism Organisation and holds board positions at EWB, Al Areen Palace and Spa, and Surf Park Bahrain.
Mr Janahi has led rapid regional growth for GHG since becoming Group CEO in late 2023. The Bahrain-listed owner-operator holds over 1,450 keys across eight properties, generating $34.1 million in H1 2026 revenues with $299.3m in assets. Following recent domestic expansions, Mr Janahi guided GHG’s entry into Saudi Arabia earlier this year with a three-hotel management deal in Mecca, alongside signing landmark luxury resort developments in the Maldives and Kenya.
Their inclusion comes as travel and tourism becomes a primary engine for regional economic diversification. World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) data shows the Middle East’s sector grew 5.3 per cent in 2025 to contribute $385.8 billion to regional GDP and support 7.1mon jobs, while UN Tourism reported international arrivals approached 100m.
Regional performance reached record highs in 2025. The UAE’s tourism economy generated nearly $68.5bn, driven by Dubai’s 19.59m overnight visitors and DXB’s record 95.2m passengers. Saudi Arabia recorded $81bn in tourism spending from 123m visits.
Despite geopolitical airspace disruptions causing a temporary dip in early 2026 airline demand, conditions have steadily normalided, with Middle Eastern carrier passenger declines easing to 9.5pc by July.
Long-term fundamentals remain exceptionally strong, with WTTC forecasting the Middle East as the world’s fastest-growing travel market through 2036, expanding 6.3px annually to hit $605bn in sector GDP.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
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