Arabian Business magazine released its 2014 list of 100 most powerful Arabs this week, featuring a star lineup of Arab women and men making a powerful and positive impact all over the planet.
Over 2,400 individuals were nominated for over nine different “powerful” categories: Leaders, Pioneers, Legends, Geniuses, Heroes, Creatives, Thinkers, Entertainers, and there is even a special category for the young’uns as “Generation Next.”
So who are these great and powerful ones, you may ask? According to the magazine, power is influence; “the more people you influence, the more powerful you are.” Employ thousands of people, manage billion-dollar projects, or affect the world through your creativity or talent – affirmative influence is the name of the game!
Of course, there are those “powerful” ones who were not included in the bidding. Royals, for example, need not apply (unless - bloodline be damned! - you’ve made your own mark on the world), and politicians were likewise excluded from the list unless their wider works pack a positive punch. However, nominees living outside the Arab world could be considered for the list, as long as they were able claim Arab descent.
Now in it’s tenth year, this handy "Who’s Who from the Middle East" is a fun read and a test of your celebrity savvy. See how many of the 2014 finalists you know (or check to see if you made the cut!)
