Ahmed Khalil, the Group CEO of Raya Holding for Financial Investments, has
been named among Forbes Middle East’s Top Tech CEOs 2026 This prestigious
list highlights the most influential leaders in the Middle East shaping the future
of technology and digital transformation
Forbes Middle East’s Top Tech Leaders of 2026
The Forbes Middle East ranking includes leaders from two categories Top Tech Leaders
of Global Companies and Top Tech CEOs The list recognizes those who lead some of
the region’s most impactful tech-driven companies and acknowledges their roles in
the region’s growing reliance on AI, digital infrastructure, and innovation to drive
economic development
A Vision of Sustainable Growth Through Technology
Commenting on his inclusion in the list, Ahmed Khalil expressed
I’m honored by this recognition, but the real story goes beyond any individual Raya was
founded 27 years ago from the merger of leading IT companies, and since then, technology
has been the core of everything we do Even as we expanded into sectors such as fintech
BPO, retail, mobility, distribution, smart buildings, hospitality, and advanced manufacturing
technology has remained our guiding force—our North Star The real credit belongs to the
thousands of individuals across Raya who transformed expertise into innovation, and innovation
into impactful companies For us, technology is not just an industry it is an enabler of
opportunities, a driver of investment value, and a key to building companies that
ensure sustainable growth
Strategic Partnerships and Key Milestones in 2025
In 2025, Raya forged several key strategic partnerships to further accelerate its
tech-driven initiatives Raya CX, its customer experience division, partnered with
RSVP, a London-based company, to expand offshore customer service solutions
Meanwhile, Aman, Raya’s fintech arm, teamed up with two of Saudi Arabia’s largest
retail chains to provide innovative financing solutions Additionally, Raya Auto launched
Electra EV Charge, in collaboration with Sungrow MENA and Central Asia, advancing
electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the region Africa50 also invested $15 million
in Raya Data Center to fund the development of a new Tier III data center in Egypt
which will help support the nation’s rapidly growing digital economy
Ahmed Khalil’s Leadership and Raya’s Continued Growth
Ahmed Khalil joined Raya in 2009 and became the Group CEO in 2020 Under his leadership
the company has strengthened its technology platforms and expanded its regional footprint
focusing on GCC markets while prioritizing AI, digital infrastructure, and sustainable value creation
across its diverse portfolio of investments. Today, Raya operates in sectors such as fintech, BPO
retail, distribution, electric mobility, manufacturing, and hospitality, employing over 20,000 people
across six countries For the first nine months of 2025, Raya reported a 41% year-on-year revenue
increase, reaching $950 million, while its total assets surged to $1.05 billion, demonstrating the
company’s solid financial performance and ongoing expansion Khalil also serves as Vice Chairman
of Makarony Polskie, a company listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange
Raya’s Technological Vision for the Future
Ahmed Khalil Raya’s success story is a testament to the power of technology in shaping the future
Under the stewardship of Ahmed Khalil, the company continues to expand its digital
ecosystem, focusing on innovation and creating value through technology With a keen
focus on long-term growth, Raya aims to remain a key player in the region’s evolving
digital landscape