Four Bahrain-based marketing leaders were recognized by Forbes Middle East for their strategic impact on the ‘Most Influential CMOs In The Middle East 2026’ list. This prestigious recognition showed the significant contributions of these executives to the marketing landscape within the region, specifically noting executive excellence within Bahrain’s vital financial and telecommunications sectors. The regional acknowledgment was celebrated at the Forbes Middle East Most Influential CMOs Gala Dinner & Awards Night 2026, a high-profile event that brought together industry leaders from across the Middle East. The gala dinner took place on Friday at the Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre in Dubai, providing a platform for networking and celebrating outstanding achievements in marketing.
Recognized Leaders and Their Achievements
Mahmood Qannati, chief marketing officer at Al Salam Bank, was among those recognized by Forbes Middle East for his impactful leadership and innovative strategies. Mr. Qannati brings over 26 years of extensive industry experience to his key role, demonstrating a deep understanding of market dynamics and consumer engagement. His expertise was particularly evident when he led a 12-person team for Al Salam Bank’s 20th-anniversary campaign, “Written by You,” in 2026, a campaign that resonated widely and strengthened the bank's brand presence. Mr. Qannati also spearheaded launch communications for the innovative ONE App, which secured more than 63,000 downloads within its first year, showcasing his ability to drive successful digital initiatives and connect with a broad audience.
Sahar Qanati, head of corporate communications at GFH Bank, received recognition as well, noting her strategic prowess in managing the bank's public image and communications. Ms. Qanati assumed her current role in 2024 and effectively manages a five-member team, guiding their efforts in corporate messaging and media relations. A significant achievement under her leadership occurred in April 2026, when Ms. Qanati spearheaded cross-border media deployment for GFH Bank’s key transition into its newly licensed identity, ensuring a smooth and positive perception during this critical phase. Her work shows the importance of clear and consistent communication in the financial sector.
Shaikh Bader Al Khalifa, chief communications and sustainability officer at Beyon, was also honored for his transformative leadership in the telecommunications sector. Shaikh Bader led the group’s significant 2022 transition into the parent company of Batelco, a strategic move that redefined the organization's structure and market position. His long-standing commitment to the industry is evident, as he has served at Batelco since 2010, accumulating extensive experience and insight. Shaikh Bader oversaw Beyon’s Creative Lab, fostering innovation and creative solutions within the company. A notable accomplishment was his leadership in driving the successful 2025 rebranding of Umniah to Umniah by Beyon, a key initiative that modernized the brand and aligned it with the parent company's vision.
Firas El Amine, global head of corporate communications at Investcorp, completed the list of Bahraini marketing leaders acknowledged, recognized for his global impact and strategic communication efforts.
Investcorp's Global Impact
Firas El Amine has been instrumental in steering the public relations and brand strategy for Investcorp since 2007. His tenure has been marked by significant growth and enhanced global visibility for the firm. Under his leadership, Investcorp’s assets under management grew substantially to $62 billion, demonstrating the effectiveness of his strategic communications in supporting business expansion. The firm now operates across 14 global offices, a testament to its international reach and diversified operations, which Mr. El Amine's communications strategy has helped to facilitate. Mr. El Amine’s strategic direction also secured Investcorp’s prominent corporate engagement at influential international forums, including the World Economic Forum in Davos and the Future Investment Initiative (FII), elevating the firm's profile on the global stage. These engagements allow Investcorp to participate in critical discussions and showcase its leadership in investment and financial services.
Forbes List Context and Criteria
Forbes Middle East's event honored a total of 101 executives across 100 entries for the 'Most Influential CMOs In The Middle East 2026' list, showing the breadth and depth of marketing talent in the region. The recognized leaders represent 23 nationalities, showcasing the diverse talent pool contributing to the Middle East's vibrant economy. The majority of these influential CMOs are strategically located in key economic hubs, with 49 based in the UAE, 17 in Saudi Arabia, and 16 in Egypt, reflecting the concentration of major businesses and marketing activities in these countries.
The publication compiled its full list based on several rigorous criteria designed to assess true influence and impact. These criteria included the marketing budget overseen by the individual, providing insight into the scale of their responsibilities, and the size of their team, indicating their leadership capacity. The measurable impact of their campaigns was a key factor, demonstrating tangible results from their strategies. Additional factors considered were the executives' industry experience, their public engagements which highlight their thought leadership, and their social media presence, reflecting their ability to connect with broader audiences and shape public discourse. Forbes Middle East also assessed their adoption and innovative use of technology and artificial intelligence in marketing strategies to determine their overall influence, emphasizing forward-thinking leadership in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
AI's Growing Role in Marketing
The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into marketing operations was a prominent theme, with a recent survey shedding light on its adoption among leaders. The survey indicated that 70.3 percent of respondents have either fully embedded and funded formal AI strategies or partially implemented them in their marketing operations, demonstrating a widespread recognition of AI's potential. Of these forward-thinking leaders, 62.9 percent utilize artificial intelligence to inform at least a quarter of their marketing decisions, showing a significant reliance on AI for strategic insights and operational efficiencies. A smaller, yet impactful, segment comprising 5.5 percent of leaders, reported relying on AI for over 75 percent of their decision-making processes, indicating a deeper integration and trust in AI-driven insights for critical marketing choices. This trend notes the evolving landscape of marketing, where data-driven approaches and technological innovation are becoming increasingly central to success.
