The Middle East magazine Arabian Business has launched a new list of powerful people in Qatar business, putting Al Jazeera’s director general Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani in the top spot.

It says the list intentionally excludes members of the ruling family (like the Emir and Prime Minister), except of course when they have a “very specific role in business,” i.e. Al Jazeera’s DG. 

Arabian Business doesn’t offer any specific insights on the importance of Al Thani himself, or what he’s done in the role so far, saying instead that “with the power of the station under him” he jumps to number one. “There can be little doubt about the influence Sheikh Ahmed now wields.”

In spots two and three of the list are Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker and ex-QatarGas chief Faisal Mohammed Al Suwaidi, with acknowledgment of the work the two have done to build up their respective companies. Curiously, though, no mention is made of Al Suwaidi’s departure from QG, and his new role at Qatar Foundation as Director of Research & Development.

Click through the full list of 50.

Credit: Photo by Patrick Gage Kelley

Clarification: This post originally mentioned Al Suwaidi as CEO of QG, as per the Arabian Business article.