10 Entrepreneurs leading with Bold Vision in 2025

Gulf Network

What does it take to turn bold ideas into thriving, future-proof businesses? In an age where industries evolve at lightning speed, it’s not enough to simply keep up — real leaders set the pace.

Across sectors and borders, today’s entrepreneurs combine vision, resilience, and innovation to reshape the world around them. Whether they're using technology to streamline healthcare, redefining sports opportunities for women, or building eco-friendly solutions for modern cities, these founders share one powerful trait: they lead with purpose.

In this feature, we spotlight 10 entrepreneurs who aren’t just following trends — they’re creating them. Their journeys offer insights, inspiration, and a glimpse into the mindset needed to succeed in 2025 and beyond.

Dr. Abdalla Kablan

Dr. Abdalla Kablan, founder of DELTA Wealth Partners, is redefining venture capital through Artificial Wisdom—an evolution of AI that integrates ethics, context, and long-term vision. A serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits, including Wyzer (acquired by a NASDAQ-listed company), he combines deep-tech expertise with human insight to power AI-driven investment models. As an international speaker and government advisor on AI and digital transformation, Dr. Kablan is shaping the future of finance and technology.

Recognized as a European Young Leader and award-winning fintech innovator, he inspires the next generation through global talks and his book, Artificial Wisdom: The New Frontier of Intelligence. His mission? To build a future where technology empowers humanity and creates lasting value.

Shahriar Shahir Barzegar

A name that’s becoming synonymous with redefining the future of health and wellness in the Middle East. As the founder of elegant hoopoe Poly Clinic and Grishana Co., Shahriar isn’t just building companies—he’s crafting an ecosystem where technology, trust, and human experience converge.

His approach is anything but conventional. While others follow trends, he creates them, integrating AI, blockchain, and hyper-personalized care into a seamless model that challenges traditional healthcare frameworks. Through his exclusive partnership with TruBody USA, he’s introduced groundbreaking body contouring technologies to the region, while positioning elegant hoopoe as a franchise blueprint for the GCC and beyond.

In 2025, he’s taking things further: launching an AI-powered wellness platform and a blockchain-based membership system that isn’t just innovative—it’s transformative. Shahriar doesn’t see limitations—only untapped potential. Whether writing books that question societal norms or designing systems that shift entire industries, his path is driven by intuition, bold strategy, and an unwavering belief that the future belongs to those who dare to design it.

Ivan Kroshnyi

Ivan Kroshnyi is a visionary entrepreneur with a portfolio of different projects across multiple industries—from real estate and financial markets to sustainable technologies.

He has always been passionate about turning bold ideas into practical solutions. This is one of the many reasons why he constantly brings innovation to the forefront of his work. This is evidenced by one of his ventures, Eco Way, whose mission is to revolutionize the delivery industry, making it more sustainable and eco-friendly not just in the UAE but across the globe.

Ivan views challenges as valuable feedback from reality and believes that continuous learning and personal growth are the real engines of success. With a flexible mindset, an eye for innovation, and a global perspective, Ivan Kroshnyi strives to drive progress and create meaningful change through every project he takes on.

Vitaliy Chiryassov

Vitaliy Chiryassov, founder of UPPERCASE GROUP, is revolutionizing international consulting by breaking down bureaucratic barriers for entrepreneurs. After launching his business in 2009, Vitaliy experienced firsthand the complexities of scaling globally, from banking issues to shifting regulations. In response, he created UPPERSETUP, a digital platform simplifying business registration and compliance.

His transparency, showcased through content like his "Business Without Borders" YouTube channel, has built trust and a loyal client base. From establishing a legal firm in Kazakhstan to expanding into the UAE and launching ventures like MAJLIS ale, Vitaliy’s blend of strategic expertise and innovation empowers entrepreneurs to navigate global markets and seize new opportunities with confidence.

Heba AlSamt

Heba AlSamt, the Director of Awaan at Dubai Media and an expert in digital, streaming, and social media, is a pioneer in the region's digital landscape and the first Emirati woman to take on a leadership role in this field. She established Emiratweet, the first social media community, in 2009 and founded The Social Media Club UAE in 2013, initiating important discussions about the transformative impact of social media on business and culture.

Heba’s leadership is characterized by innovation, resilience, and a dedication to empowering others, particularly women and young professionals. Her work connects global technology trends with local contexts, influencing the future of OTT, VOD, and social media. With honors such as the Arab Women’s Award and the Middle East Excellence Award, Heba continues to lead the charge in digital evolution, challenging norms and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Lisa Hayhoe

Lisa Hayhoe, co-founder of Onyx FC, is transforming the female football landscape in the UAE. Drawing from her own elite academy experience in the UK, she launched the region’s first fully female-run club, dedicated to developing female athletes of all ages. Onyx FC stands out through its use of advanced tech like AI performance tracking, speed gates, and reaction lights to personalize training and boost player growth.

Despite cultural challenges, Lisa has built a trusted community, secured sponsorship from Adidas, and expanded across Dubai. In 2025, she’s launching elite development programs and female-only tournaments—cementing Onyx FC’s mission to empower the next generation of female footballers through innovation, accessibility, and purpose-driven leadership.

Christina Maria Khater

As Founder & CEO of KristiesLab, a leading marketing and events agency with 170+ talent professionals across Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, Christina Maria Khater leads a powerhouse delivering cutting-edge branding, experiential events, and strategic marketing solutions.

The agency partners exclusively with multinational corporations and elite regional and global brands, pushing the marketing and events envelope in the region while embedding sustainability at its core. Beyond building one of MENA's biggest agencies, Christina founded the "Unconditional" NGO to advance women's economic participation. Her commitment to social responsibility was nationally recognized after rebuilding 87 Beirut homes after the Beirut Blast in August 2020.

Honored as a United Nations Global Compact SDG 5 Pioneer and 2024 Global 200 Power Leader by the White Page Leadership Conclave in Dubai, she represents the new generation of purpose-driven executives. "We create brand leaders today while investing in the leaders of tomorrow."

Akbar Moideen Thumbay

Akbar Moideen Thumbay, a visionary leader in healthcare, is carrying forward his family’s legacy at Thumbay Healthcare with a relentless focus on innovation, patient care, and academic excellence. As the force behind the region’s first private academic health system and largest teaching hospital, he ensures the integration of cutting-edge technology to enhance patient experiences.

His leadership extends to research, securing grants to drive medical advancements. Under his guidance, Thumbay Healthcare has expanded into psychiatric care with a new hospital in Sharjah and is venturing into veterinary medicine. With a competitive, service-oriented approach, Akbar Moideen Thumbay’s dedication to quality, hard work, and innovation continues to shape the future of healthcare in the region.

Latifa Alshamsi

Latifa Alshamsi is a pioneering Emirati content creator and entrepreneur who helped shape the influencer landscape in the UAE. As the first local female to blend fashion, food, and travel into a lifestyle brand, she transformed personal storytelling into a platform that resonates across generations.

Over her 14-year journey, Latifa has inspired countless women by authentically showcasing Emirati life and defying expectations in a space that once didn’t exist. Beyond her social media success, she is the founder of Events by Latifa Alshamsi and Loud Marketing, using her creativity to build brands and craft memorable experiences. Her motivation? To show her children the power of passion, perseverance, and following your own path, no matter how unconventional.

Dr. Umair Khan

Dr. Umair Khan, founder of Sahl AI, is redefining healthcare efficiency with a bold vision to return physicians to patient care by eliminating administrative burdens. Drawing from his background as a physician, academic, and entrepreneur, Umair leads Sahl AI, a health tech startup pioneering the first-of-its-kind Arabic AI medical scribe, delivering 95% accuracy in real-world clinical settings.

Based in Riyadh, his team of “self-guided missiles” works directly with healthcare providers to develop AI solutions tailored for local workflows. With pilots across major hospitals like King Saud Medical City and Dallah Hospitals, Umair is driving healthcare innovation across the region, proving that mindset, adaptability, and calculated risk are the cornerstones of transformative entrepreneurship.