15 C-suite leaders with highest salary packages
The C-suite, or C-level executives, are the highest-ranking officers in a corporation, including positions like CEO, CFO, and CTO. These executives play critical roles in strategic decision-making and overall management, often reporting directly to the board of directors.
In the Middle East, C-suite leaders salaries are reflective of the region's strong economic landscape. For instance, CEOs in Saudi Arabia earn between SAR 40,000 and SAR 105,000 per month, with an average total compensation of SAR 67,011. In Dubai, CEO salaries range from AED 25,000 to AED 86,000 monthly.
Notably, Forbes Middle East has recognised Amin H. Nasser, Sultan Al Jaber, and Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum as top C-suite leaders in the region. These leaders have driven substantial economic and sustainability initiatives, reinforcing the critical role of C-level executives in the Middle East's corporate success.
C-suite salary package in Middle East
In the Middle East, C-suite salaries reflect the region's robust economic landscape. According to a Glassdoor survey, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in Saudi Arabia earn between SAR 40,000 and SAR 105,000 per month. The average salary stands at SAR 50,000 per month, with an estimated total monthly pay of SAR 67,011. This total includes an average additional compensation of SAR 17,011, which could be derived from bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing. This data indicates that CEO salaries typically fall within the 25th to 75th percentile of the pay spectrum.
In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, CEO salaries show a similar trend. The average monthly base pay is AED 63,792, with additional cash compensation averaging AED 13,792. The total pay range extends from AED 25,000 to AED 86,000 monthly. This estimate is based on data from 77 anonymous salary submissions on Glassdoor, highlighting a high level of confidence in these figures.
Comparatively, the average annual salary for CEOs in Saudi Arabia, according to PayScale, is SAR 505,671. This figure includes base salaries ranging from SAR 21,000 to SAR 2 million, with potential bonuses and profit-sharing pushing total compensation to between SAR 24,000 and SAR 3 million annually.
In Israel, CEO salaries also reflect significant earning potential. The estimated total monthly pay for a CEO is ₪48,333, with base pay ranging from ₪27,000 to ₪48,000 and additional pay from ₪5,000 to ₪17,000. The median total pay for CEOs in Israel stands at ₪48,000 monthly, suggesting a lucrative compensation landscape in the region.
These figures underscore the competitive compensation packages for top executives in the Middle East, driven by the region's economic vitality and the high demand for skilled leadership.
Middle East's top-rated C-suite leaders
Forbes Middle East recently published its third annual list of the Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East, showcasing the most influential leaders in the region’s top companies. The combined revenues of these companies exceeded $1 trillion in 2022, with a collective market worth of over $5 trillion. Amin H. Nasser, the President and CEO of Saudi Aramco, claimed the top spot. He was followed by Sultan Al Jaber of ADNOC Group and Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum of Emirates Airline and Group. These three leaders have consistently held the top ranks for three years. The list features leaders from 22 nationalities, with Emiratis leading with 23 entries, Egyptians with 19, and Saudis with 18. Together, these groups make up 60% of the ranking.
The banking sector is the most represented with 17 CEOs, followed by real estate and construction with 14, and telecommunications with nine. The top 10 alone span six different industries, highlighting the diversity of sectors. Sustainability is a key focus this year. Ahmed Galal Ismail of Majid Al Futtaim – Holding led a significant reduction in single-use plastic. Sultan Al Jaber, as president-designate of COP28, emphasised climate action. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer of DEWA aims to boost water desalination capacity significantly by 2030.
Forbes Middle East evaluated the CEOs based on their achievements, innovations, company size, and industry impact. Only CEOs of companies headquartered in the MENA region were considered. These rankings highlights the significant influence and impact of these leaders in driving both economic growth and sustainability in the Middle East.
Highest paid CEOs in the Middle East
The compensation of senior executives and board members mostly remains confidential. However, according to data compiled by Argaam, a Saudi Arabian financial news channel, the highest-paid CEOs (2022-2023) of Tadawul (Saudi Exchange) listed companies are as follows:
#1 Ibrahim Al Alwan
#2 Riyadh Almalik
#3 Sami Safran
#4 Khaled Ahmed Al-Faqih
The former Chief Executive Officer at Red Sea International received SAR 3.76 million in total compensation in 2023, including remuneration and end-of-service benefits. In 2022, he received SAR 1.81 million in total compensation. However, Khaled stepped down from the role last year, and Marwan Sayegh was appointed as the new CEO, whose salary has yet to be disclosed.
#5 Ali Bin Abdullah Al-Ayed
#6 Moath AlMakhdob
#7 Waleed M. Baghdadi
#8 Fadhil bin Fawzan Al-Saadi
#9 Muaffaq Mubarah
#10 Fahad Al-Aslami
#11 Shaker bin Nafel Al Otaibi
#12 Marwan Ahmed Mohammed Ibrahim
The Chief Financial Officer at Al Othaim received SAR 2.32 million in total compensation, including salaries and periodic bonuses. In 2022, he received SAR 2.18 million in total compensation.
#13 Mohammed Sari Anabtawi
#14 Saud Alotaibi
#15 Mansour Al-Salmi
In 2023, the Managing Director and CEO of Raydan earned SAR 1.39 million in total compensation, including salaries, allowances, and an end-of-service bonus. However, in 2022 his pay was higher, with SAR 2.40 million in total compensation.
The Middle East's C-suite leaders command impressive compensation packages, reflecting the region's economic strength and demand for top talent. Figures from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel demonstrate lucrative salaries and additional compensations. Forbes Middle East's ranking of top CEOs underscores their pivotal role in driving economic growth and sustainability initiatives.