Forbes Middle East recently held a gala event at Le Royal Hotel Beirut, organized by ICE Events, to recognize the achievements of 28 of Lebanon’s top business leaders and its most influential people that are supporting the growth of the country’s economy.

As a highlight of the exclusive evening, Forbes Middle East unveiled its ‘Lebanon 100’—a list compiled of the most inspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders helping Lebanon to transform.

Lebanon’s seven richest people include the Mikati brothers—telecom tycoons Taha and Najib Mikati; and four Hariri brothers—Bahaa, Saad, Ayman and Fahd Hariri.

The Lebanon 100 also includes 10 companies on the Beirut Stock Exchange, ranked according to their assets, market value, profits and revenues, and 35 professionals heading businesses across various sectors in the country.

A list of 15 Lebanese entertainers who have made their mark globally includes stars like Elissa, Ragheb Alama, Carole Samaha, Najwa Karam and Nancy Ajram.

The list includes 15 of the country’s most influential and powerful businesswomen. Elissar Farah Antonios, CEO Citibank UAE tops the list. She is followed by Randa El Assaad, CEO of Arif & Bintoak Consulting Architects and Engineers; Mona Bawarshi, CEO of Gezairi Transport; Hala Fadel, founder of Partner Leap Ventures and Ingie Chalhoub, President and Managing Director of the Etoile Group.

A list of 18 of the most promising startups headquartered and founded in Lebanon include music streaming platform, Anghami; IoT Application Platform, Scriptr; and developer and publisher of online games, Falafel Games.

Akram Kassatly, president & CEO of Kassatly Chtaura, Christophe B El-Kallassi, chairman & GM of Kallassi Group, Peter Daniel, CEO of Lebanese Roasting Group (Casatania) as well as Roger Edde, chairman of Edde Sands Hotel and Wellnes Resort were among the awarded figures for their various achievements. Claudine Aoun Roukoz, founder and CEO of Clementine ad agency, was also among the awardees. 

The event was held in partnership with Ritver Paints & Coatings; DiasporaID; GMC Lebanon; Danube Properties; Le Royal Hotel- Beirut; The Sponsor Company; Ice International Events. Le Commerce Du Levant, The Daily Star, Sawt El Mada, Nostalgie and Mondanite were media partners for the event.

The full list of awardees is: