Ahmed Khalil on the Forbes Middle East list of the most prominent CEOs in the technology sector 2026
Ahmed Khalil, CEO of Raya Holding Group for Financial Investments, was included in the Forbes Middle East list of the most prominent CEOs in the technology sector for 2026, which honors the region's most influential leaders who contribute to shaping the future of technology and digital transformation.
The list highlights the leaderships selected among the two categories of the most prominent technology leaders in international companies and the most prominent CEOs in the technology sector, in recognition of their role in leading the most influential organizations in the digital economy, and in light of the growing importance of artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and innovation in regional economic development.
Ahmed Khalil commented on this honor, saying:
“I am honored by this recognition, but the story is greater than any individual honor. Raya was founded 27 years before the merger of leading IT companies, and since then technology has become the main driver of everything we build and with our expansion in the sectors of financial technology, outsourcing services, mobility, retail and distribution, smart buildings, hospitality, and manufacturing, with technology remaining the common factor that connects and enables all Raya's investment portfolio companies. The true appreciation goes back to the thousands of competencies in Raya that turned expertise and innovation into companies and platforms, and then into a tangible impact. For us, technology is not a sector, but a tool for creating opportunities, maximizing investment value, and building companies that can continue and grow.”
During 2025, Raya strengthened a group of strategic technology partnerships. Raya Services collaborated with the British company RSVP to expand cross-border customer experience services, while Aman Holding – the group's financial technology arm – partnered with two of the largest retailers in Saudi Arabia to provide innovative financing solutions. Electra EV Charge also launched in cooperation with Sungrow MENA and Central Asia to develop the electric vehicle charging system in Egypt, and Africa50 invested $15 million in Raya data centers company to fund the establishment of a new Tier III data center in Egypt, in support of the growth of the digital economy in the country.
Khalil assumed the position of CEO of the Group in 2020 after joining Raya in 2009. Under his leadership, the Group strengthened its technology platforms and expanded its regional presence, with an increasing focus on the GCC markets, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and creating sustainable investment value across its diverse portfolio. Today, Raya operates in the sectors of technology, financial technology, outsourcing services, retail, distribution, electric mobility, manufacturing and hospitality, and employs more than 20,000 employees across 6 countries. During the first nine months of 2025, the Group achieved revenues of $950 million, an increase of 41% year-on-year, while total assets reached $1.05 billion, which confirms the strength of financial performance and continued expansion. Khalil is also Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Warsaw Stock Exchange listed Makarony Polskie.