Inside the Leadership Push Shaping the Middle East's Next Founders

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-10-16

What does it take to lead when the ground keeps shifting under your feet? That's the question Young Arab Leaders (YAL) put front and center at a recent gathering in Dubai—and the answers might surprise you. YAL hosted a leadership discussion titled "Leading During Uncertain Times," featuring Mudassir Sheikha, co-founder and CEO of Careem, with Mona Ataya, CEO, moderating. The event drew entrepreneurs and changemakers from across the region, all eager to learn from someone who's built a unicorn in one of the world's trickiest markets. ### Why This Conversation Matters Let's be honest: the Middle East has seen its share of volatility. But that's exactly why YAL's Leadership Dialogues series exists. It's not just another networking event—it's a space where real talk happens. Members connect, swap war stories, and pick up lessons that only come from those who've been in the trenches. Sheikha knows a thing or two about navigating uncertainty. Careem started as a ride-hailing app in Dubai and grew into a super app serving millions across 15 countries. When Uber acquired it for $3.1 billion in 2019, it became a landmark moment for the region's startup scene. But getting there? That took grit, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from failure. ### The Bigger Picture YAL's initiative isn't just about one event. It's about building an ecosystem—a network of leaders who can lean on each other. In a region where entrepreneurship is booming (think Saudi Arabia's $1 billion+ VC funding in 2023 alone), having a support system makes all the difference. Here's what stood out to us: - **Real stories over theory**: Sheikha shared candid insights from Careem's journey, not textbook advice. - **Peer learning**: Attendees exchanged experiences, creating a two-way dialogue. - **Actionable takeaways**: The focus was on practical strategies for leading through chaos. As one attendee put it: "You leave feeling like you're not alone in this—and that's priceless." ### What's Next? YAL plans to keep the momentum going with more events across the region. If you're a founder or aspiring leader, keep an eye on their calendar. Because sometimes, the best way to figure out your next move is to hear how someone else made theirs. In a world that's constantly changing, one thing's clear: leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking the right questions—and finding the right people to ask them with.