Gulf's 5 Visionary Leaders to Watch Out in 2025 | GulfArticles

Sudarshan Das

CEO & Principal Engineer, Das And Partners – DAP Engineering Consultancy | Group CEO, DR Group

At only 29, Sudarshan Das is redefining the boundaries of engineering leadership in the UAE and beyond. A self-made millionaire, visionary entrepreneur, and seasoned structural engineer, he is the powerhouse behind the meteoric rise of Das And Partners – DAP Engineering Consultancy, established in March 2024.

As CEO of Das And Partners – DAP Engineering Consultancy, an engineering consulting firm established in March 2024 in Abu Dhabi, Sudarshan has positioned the company as one of the top-ranked firms in the UAE. The firm provides architectural and engineering design, authority approval, site supervision, and project management across a wide range of sectors, including building, infrastructure, petrochemicals, and oil and gas. In parallel, he serves as Group CEO of DR Group, a construction conglomerate comprising DAP Consultant, RAS Construction, DR Building Trading, and DR Property Development.

In just over a year, his leadership has driven remarkable milestones:

• Secured prestigious engineering consultancy projects worth approximately AED 100 million

• Built a high-performance team of around 75 engineers and professionals

• Opened offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah

• Initiated land acquisition and design of a 12-storey commercial headquarters for the company in the UAE

• Successfully positioned Das And Partners as a top-tier player in the regional consultancy market

Sudarshan has a consistent track record of building successful engineering consulting firms in the highly competitive UAE market. Das And Partners stands as his most significant achievement to date, driven by vision, executional sharpness, and the trust of industry leaders.

Under his leadership, the firm has delivered several key projects:

• St. George Orthodox Church, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
  Client: St. George Church Committee
  Lead Consultant: Das And Partners – DAP Engineering Consultancy

• TA’ZIZ Landing Project – Western Region, Abu Dhabi
  Client: ADNOC, ADQ
  Consultant: Das And Partners – DAP Engineering Consultancy
  EPC Contractor: Rotary Engineering, Singapore

• EPSCC of Propane De-Hydrogenation & Polypropylene Plant – Arzew, Algeria
  Client: Step Polymers SPA
  PMC: Wood (UK)
  EPC Contractors: Petrofac International Ltd (UK) & HQC (China) – IJV
  Engineering Consultant: Das And Partners – DAP Engineering Consultancy

• Signage & Road Marking – Norm & BeAAT Plant, Ruwais
  Client: Magma Waste Treatment
  Lead Consultant: Das And Partners – DAP Engineering Consultancy

• District Cooling Projects – Tabreed
  Clients: National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed)
  Consultant: Das And Partners – DAP Engineering Consultancy
  Project Locations: Yas Island – Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi; Al Maryah Island Cooling Plant Upgrade, Abu Dhabi; Dubai Cooling Network Expansion

Sudarshan’s qualifications reflect his strong academic foundation: a Master’s in Structural Engineering, a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, and an MBA in Finance and International Business. His technical strength and regulatory acumen enable him to lead projects in sensitive CICPA zones and international markets. He is an approved structural engineer by major UAE authorities, including the municipalities of Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. His credentials also extend to aviation and oil & gas institutions such as Dubai International Airport Projects, Abu Dhabi Airport Company, and ADNOC. He is a member of the Society of Engineers UAE and holds degree equivalency recognition from the UAE Ministry of Education.

With over a decade of multidisciplinary experience, Sudarshan stands at the forefront of structural engineering and consulting innovation in the UAE and beyond. His career is a dynamic fusion of technical excellence, strategic foresight, and leadership. From bridges, viaducts, and tunnels to hydrocarbon tanks and large-scale infrastructure, his engineering journey spans multiple geographies and regulatory zones.

Sudarshan has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead high-performing teams, implement advanced design algorithms, and navigate regulatory frameworks with precision. His hands-on approach extends from design submissions and authority approvals to contract and tender management. His prior roles with Valmont Industries, Mohammed Abdulmohsin Al-Kharafi & Sons, Accrete Consulting Engineers, and Samsung Engineering have enriched his global perspective, particularly in airport infrastructure, tunneling, and highway development.

As Group CEO of DR Group, which includes DAP Consultancy, RAS Construction, DR Building Trading, and DR Property Development, Sudarshan champions integrated development with sustainability and smart growth at the core.

Beyond his professional achievements, Sudarshan is a former U-19 national football and cricket player. A passionate Formula 1 follower and car enthusiast, he owns several vehicles with both Dubai and Abu Dhabi registrations, including a Mercedes S560, Mercedes E350, Nissan Pathfinder, and Honda Civic.

Why Sudarshan Das is a Leader to Watch in 2025:

• Built a multi-million-dirham firm in under 18 months

• Delivered EPCM, PMC, and EPSCC projects with high-profile clients and contractors

• Proven track record of building and scaling engineering firms in the UAE

• Strategic thinker with hands-on technical depth and leadership precision

• Passionate advocate for sustainable, clean energy infrastructure

• Featured on Affluense.ai

Jawad Minhas

Jawad Minhas has left a lasting imprint as a procurement and supply chain management leader across the Gulf region, with a professional journey spanning more than 27 years. He is renowned for managing complex sourcing frameworks and delivering multimillion-dollar projects from initiation to completion. Jawad plays a pivotal role in advancing the region's growth and innovation. His expertise spans critical sectors such as telecom, real estate, hospitality, data centers, and public investment, contributing to the success of national projects through strategic planning, ethical practices, and responsive execution.

With a vision to elevate procurement from a transactional back-office function to a strategic boardroom discipline, Jawad has consistently delivered impactful results across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United States. His leadership has shaped procurement governance and contributed to regional transformation efforts aligned with national development agendas. He played a key role in sourcing and delivering infrastructure during major events such as the FIFA World Cup 2022, leading corporate services and telecom sourcing under tight deadlines. He also contributed strategically to the early deployment of 5G networks, aligning vendor ecosystems with national ICT roadmaps for scalable and future-ready implementation.

Jawad began his career in the UAE’s industrial sector, progressing through roles in commercial contracting and strategic sourcing. As he advanced to senior leadership, he managed procurement for large-scale, cross-border projects, skillfully navigating regulatory, financial, and geopolitical complexities. Throughout his executive career, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to scale procurement systems for billion-dollar initiatives, overseeing capital investments and building resilient supply chain models from the ground up.

He successfully led the sourcing of Tier III and LEED-certified hyperscale data centers across three countries, ensuring 99.999% uptime and full compliance with ESG standards. He also designed and implemented standard operating procedures, governance frameworks, and risk registers for government-led initiatives, enhancing transparency and operational integrity. His systems have supported over $600 million in annual procurement volume, with a strong focus on ethical and sustainable sourcing.

In the telecommunications sector, Jawad led procurement transformation for one of the region’s leading telecom companies. He managed diversified categories including ICT, power systems, engineering, and corporate services, while also formulating sourcing strategies for AI platforms, cybersecurity solutions, and retail transformation projects. He negotiated complex, long-term contracts in OPEX-intensive categories and ensured procurement continuity during global disruptions, enabling uninterrupted operations across essential services.

One of the most defining aspects of Jawad’s career is his steadfast commitment to governance, transparency, and ethical sourcing. He has developed procurement policies aligned with international frameworks such as CIPS and FIDIC, established Delegation of Authority (DOA) structures, and initiated supplier evaluation systems incorporating ESG metrics. His CIPS Ethical Procurement certifications in environmental sustainability, anti-corruption, and human rights underline his values-driven approach across both public and private sectors.

Jawad views procurement not just as an operational role but as a core leadership function. He encourages emerging professionals to gain proficiency in contract law, finance, digital technologies, and executive communication. He believes the future of procurement lies in long-term thinking, data-driven decision-making, and building strategic partnerships that align with institutional goals. For him, procurement is not merely about cost reduction, it is about creating sustainable value, ensuring organizational resilience, and driving continuous improvement.

Today, Jawad continues to contribute to transformation initiatives across the Gulf. He serves as a strategic advisor to boards, mentors procurement leaders, and supports future-proofing of procurement functions. His strategic focus includes embedding ESG into mega project sourcing, enhancing organizational capabilities, and aligning cross-sector priorities in infrastructure, telecom, and public-private investment domains. As GCC nations advance toward Vision 2030 and beyond, he sees procurement as a critical pillar of sovereign resilience and sustainable development.

Built on principles of trust, foresight, and systems intelligence, Jawad Minhas does not simply manage procurement, he builds frameworks that deliver enduring value. For organizations in the Gulf and beyond, his leadership continues to set new benchmarks in procurement excellence.

•  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jawad-minhas-66bb8712/
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•  Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/jminhas69
•  Website: www.jminhas.com

Dr. Tracy Thomas

Dr. Tracy Thomas, widely known as The Mogul Reality Maker™, is spearheading a bold new era of leadership from her base in Dubai. With a mission to evolve humanity through quantum leadership, she is transforming the way leaders think, create, and operate in a rapidly shifting global landscape. As the founder of The International Moguls Club and a pioneer of Reality Science™, Dr. Thomas is developing an entirely new model for transformational leadership, built not on survival, but on sovereignty, frequency, and multidimensional mastery.

For over a decade, Dr. Thomas worked privately with billionaires, CEOs, and high-net-worth families, guiding them through powerful internal and external transformations. Holding a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Master’s in Organizational Development, she combined science and intuition to produce breakthroughs in performance, prosperity, and personal alignment. A longstanding public figure in the field of rapid transformation and human reprogramming, Dr. Thomas became even more catalyzed in her mission after experiencing a deep personal transformation in 2022, an experience she calls “The Mogul Mutation,” which revealed the scale of change humanity is now undergoing.

Today, she leads The International Moguls Club, a sovereign platform designed to activate the next generation of global leaders into what she defines as Mogul-Level Reality. This includes purpose-driven programs such as The MogulMaker™, EmpireMaker™, and DynastyMaker™, all aimed at evolving individuals, businesses, and families into higher-frequency leaders capable of navigating the exponential shifts in technology, consciousness, and society. Her approach prepares people for what she describes as a “mutational imperative,” where traditional systems collapse under the pressure of a new, frequency-driven reality.

Central to her philosophy is the belief that humanity is in the midst of an evolutionary leap not just economically or technologically, but biologically and energetically. Dr. Thomas asserts that humans are undergoing a real-time species mutation, a shift from the old Homo Sapiens into a sovereign, multidimensional being she has named Mogul Lumen™. This upgraded human is built to thrive in the quantum field of exponential reality. Her platform equips leaders with the consciousness architecture and strategic frameworks needed to succeed in this unfamiliar terrain.

Dr. Thomas’s impact is already being felt globally. Her clients include renowned investors, entrepreneurs, and artists who credit her with reshaping not only their business models but their sense of identity and purpose. Her methods, rooted in quantum transformation, Human Design, and Reality Science™, are producing rapid, measurable results across industries. She is a Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author, TED Speaker, and “Who’s Who in America” award recipient, accolades that reflect the effectiveness and visionary scope of her work.

Having relocated her operations to the UAE, Dr. Thomas now leads her community from what she considers the most aligned global environment for quantum evolution. The rebranding of her movement as The International Moguls Club marks a turning point, placing her sovereign network of mogul leaders at the heart of the Middle East’s dynamic growth landscape. Her expansion now includes media empire building, financial structuring, AI-powered transformation programs, and strategic offerings for power couples, dynasty creation, and sovereign capital development.

When asked about her advice for rising leaders, Dr. Thomas encourages radical authenticity: “Burn the blueprint. There is no rulebook for what you’re here to become now. You were born to lead us from the old world to The New Earth, build it from your true self, not from outdated survival strategies. Alignment to the higher frequency of reality is the new currency.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Thomas is preparing to unveil a suite of new transformational offerings leading into 2027, a year she sees as a pivotal point in Human Design and global consciousness. Her work will continue to focus on regenerative empire building and sovereign ecosystems for high-frequency leaders around the world. With growing interest from Middle Eastern investors, she is positioning The Moguls Club as a comprehensive support system for those ready to lead the next civilization.

Dr. Tracy Thomas is not just a visionary leader to watch, she is reshaping what leadership means in the quantum era. In a world craving truth, alignment, and purpose, she is offering the structure and strategy to lead the human species into its next evolution.

Follow her journey and learn more at  www.TheMogulsClub.com.

Mr. Roy G. Ghanem

In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving retail landscape, Roy G. Ghanem, CEO of Flavors and More Hospitality Management, is redefining operational excellence and customer-centric innovation through his dynamic leadership. As the visionary force behind the expansion of Farmeez Hyper Market, Mr. Ghanem has rapidly positioned the brand as a rising player in the Kingdom’s retail sector, underscoring a strategic model that blends location intelligence, product value, and experiential shopping.

The latest milestone in his journey came with the opening of Farmeez Hyper Market’s third branch in the Al Wadi District of Riyadh. This new location, operated under the Flavors and More Hospitality Management umbrella, is a testament to the company’s ambitious three-year operational roadmap. The expansion reflects not only commercial growth but a deeper mission to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals by empowering the private sector and creating jobs for the Kingdom’s youth.

With over two decades of experience across the MENA region’s food and beverage and retail sectors, Mr. Ghanem brings a multi-dimensional approach to business development. Prior to his current role, he held senior leadership positions including General Manager at Abdullah Al Othaim Investment Co. and Brand Director at Majd Food. In each post, his ability to scale operations, launch successful concepts, and nurture high-performing teams was well demonstrated. This cumulative expertise now fuels his strategic oversight at Flavors and More Hospitality Management.

The recent launch in Al Wadi is not just another store opening, it is the embodiment of a larger vision. “This branch stands out due to its prime location and modern setup,” Mr. Ghanem shared. The store features curated weekly promotions on food and beverage products, aimed at providing both value and variety for everyday shoppers. This positioning strategy places Farmeez at the intersection of affordability and quality, two pillars that define the evolving expectations of the Saudi consumer.

The company’s growth plan is methodically structured. Beginning with three branches, Flavors and More is on track to open two additional outlets by the end of 2025. These developments are not merely about geographic footprint, but about community integration. Mr. Ghanem emphasizes the importance of serving diverse neighborhoods, offering convenience, trust, and a reliable shopping environment.

Beyond numbers and locations, his leadership aligns closely with broader national priorities. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy and strengthen the private sector’s role in sustainable development. Farmeez Hyper Market’s expansion strategy directly contributes to this mission by offering employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and introducing modern retail standards. Mr. Ghanem’s ability to scale while maintaining operational precision is a reflection of his deep commitment to purpose-driven leadership.

From streamlining operations to ensuring consistent product delivery, Mr. Ghanem’s experience in brand development and franchise management stands as a model for the retail sector. His leadership philosophy is rooted in agility, innovation, and empowering talent, qualities that continue to drive the organization forward.

As Farmeez Hyper Market eyes further growth across the Kingdom, its trajectory is in capable hands. Roy G. Ghanem’s strategic foresight, combined with his operational mastery and alignment with national goals, make him a standout figure in Saudi Arabia’s business landscape. In 2025, he remains one of the key visionary leaders transforming the retail industry in the Gulf region.

Annina Alexis Fedorkova

Born in eastern Slovakia to loving parents Anna and Peter, she recalls a childhood filled with warmth, support, and an early sense of self-worth. Summers in the countryside surrounded by nature, and the guidance of her mother, a teacher, instilled values that continue to shape her personal and professional life. Her father’s unwavering encouragement toward education, both in Slovakia and abroad, played a central role in her journey, and though he passed nearly five years ago, his presence continues to inspire her every step of the way.

From an early age, she was driven by a desire to explore the world and learn English, a dream her parents wholeheartedly supported. This led to her becoming an exchange student in Washington State while still a teenager. That experience not only introduced her to a new culture but also awakened a lifelong passion when she was invited to perform in a theater production. The overwhelming success of that performance, and the deep connection she felt with the audience, ignited a spark that would define her life’s path.

Though she pursued higher education in Slovakia, earning a master's degree in Philosophy from The Presov University, her calling led her toward the performing arts. She trained professionally at the New York Film Academy and further developed her skills at several renowned acting studios in Los Angeles. While acting offered a creative outlet, it was during the global lockdown that a more profound purpose emerged. Listening to stories from women around the world inspired her to step behind the camera and direct her first film, a deeply human endeavor that earned widespread recognition and multiple awards.

That debut, Corona & The Jewels, marked not just a milestone but a transformation. She realized filmmaking allowed her to tell stories with honesty, depth, and emotional integrity, values that were often stifled in front of the camera. This discovery laid the foundation for The Palace Entertainment Group FZE, her international production house based in the UAE.

What sets The Palace Entertainment Group FZE apart is its unwavering commitment to truth. Every project is rooted in real experiences, with a conscious rejection of artificial narratives or superficiality. As the founder, she upholds a promise to remain grounded in integrity, to create with moral purpose, and to elevate stories that reflect the unfiltered essence of humanity. Her work avoids manipulation and spectacle, focusing instead on healing, awareness, and genuine connection.

The company’s ethos is not driven by trends or commercial applause, but by reverence for culture, history, and the unseen. Through heartfelt storytelling, she has cultivated a platform that bridges communities and highlights marginalized voices. With each film, she aims to build empathy, awaken truth, and reinforce the sacred role of storytelling in modern society.

Her body of work has earned her over 37 international awards, including accolades for Destruction of the Crown and the more recent Calling Hearts, which continues to gain recognition across global film festivals. Yet, her greatest reward remains the emotional response of audiences, those who cry, smile, and feel deeply seen through her films.

Her goals are guided by a commitment to honor ordinary people, forgotten cultures, and stories that may never reach the screen without a bold and compassionate advocate. She believes films should never cost someone their dignity, and she fosters an environment of kindness, creativity, and trust both on and off set. To her, filmmaking is a sacred space where honesty meets imagination, and where light can enter even the darkest corners of life.

In her view, staying relevant in this industry is not about competing, it’s about staying real. She maintains that originality, humility, and truthfulness are far more impactful than popularity or trends. From embracing new technologies like drones and virtual production to nurturing sincere industry connections, she approaches filmmaking as a blend of artistry, innovation, and purpose.

To aspiring filmmakers, her message is powerful yet simple: start now. Tell the stories only you can tell. Use what you have. Be patient. Be persistent. Learn every part of the process. Help others. And most importantly, stay authentic. Her belief is that filmmaking is not just about directing scenes, but about reflecting humanity, and that begins with being unapologetically true to oneself.

Her journey is more than a story of creative success. It is a testament to resilience, courage, and the enduring power of truth. Through The Palace Entertainment Group FZE, she continues to redefine what it means to be a filmmaker, not as a role behind the camera, but as a voice for the voiceless and a guardian of the human experience.