Five prominent Bahraini real estate leaders have been recognised for their influence in Forbes Middle East’s 2025 ranking of the Top 100 Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders.
The prestigious list acknowledges developers and decision-makers based on their experience, project values, company financials, and land holdings.
Among these influential figures, ranking 94th, Mohamed Al Kooheji, chief executive of Kanoo Real Estate, stands out as the head of the oldest developer on the list. Established in Bahrain in 1890, Kanoo Real Estate, a division of the Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group, boasts a substantial property portfolio spanning Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. In 2024, the company completed eight mixed-use developments and forged a significant partnership for a $133 million project in Riyadh.
Mr Al Kooheji
Mr Al Kooheji, who assumed his current role in 2019, previously held leadership positions at Amlak and Naseej Bahrain.
Ranking at 95th place, Amin Al Arrayed, chief executive of Naseej, also features prominently in the ranking.
Mr Al Arrayed
Mr Al Arrayed joined the Bahrain-headquartered company in February 2023, with key shareholders including prominent Bahraini entities such as Ithmaar Development Company, the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), the Social Insurance Organisation, Khaleeji Bank, GFH, and Eskan Bank.
Naseej’s diverse portfolio includes notable projects like Yasmeenat Saar and CanalView at Dilmunia Island. In 2024, Naseej achieved full infrastructure completion for its Nasayim Arad project and appointed a contractor for the Smart Villas within the development.
Mr Al Arrayed brings extensive experience, having previously served as chief executive of Bahrain Real Estate Investment (Edamah) and First Bahrain Real Estate Development Company.
Ranked 86th, Ahmed Al Ammadi, chief executive of Diyar Al Muharraq, is another key Bahraini leader recognised in the Forbes list.
Mr Al Ammadi
Mr Al Ammadi has been at the helm since 2019, having joined the company in 2016. Diyar Al Muharraq is behind significant residential communities in Bahrain, including Deerat Al Oyoun and Al Naseem.
The company announced the commencement of construction on its North Islands project in December 2024, with completion expected in Q3 2025.
Mr Al Ammadi’s prior experience includes a leadership role at Al Rajhi Capital in Saudi Arabia.
Majed Al Khan, chief executive of Infracorp, which is headquartered in Bahrain, is also acknowledged for his impact.
Mr Al Khan
A financial engineer, Mr Al Khan has overseen the development of more than 1m sqm of projects. In December 2024, Infracorp announced a strategic partnership for a major development in Dubai. Mr Al Khan also holds chairman positions at Gulf Holding Company and ASK Real Estate, and serves on the boards of several other prominent companies.
In 82nd place, Ahmed Yusuf, chief executive of Seef Properties, rounds out the list of recognised Bahraini real estate leaders. He has led the company since 2015. Seef Properties established a strategic partnership with a Saudi Arabian firm in November 2024 for a significant mixed-use project in Dammam. In 2024, the company reported substantial revenues and total assets.
Mr Yusuf
Mr Yusuf previously held a senior director position at Edamah Real Estate.
The UAE dominates this year’s ranking with 42 leaders of companies headquartered in the country, followed by Saudi Arabia with 21 entries and Egypt with 16. Claiming the top spot is Hussain Sajwani, founder and chairman of DAMAC Properties.
Mohamed Alabbar, founder and managing director of Emaar Properties, ranks second, followed by Talal Al Dhiyebi, group chief executive of Aldar Properties, in third place. All three of the top leaders are based in the UAE, reinforcing the country’s position as a leading real estate hub in the region.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))