Hamad Al-Salman Named Among Forbes Middle East's Most Influential Marketing Leaders for 2026

Forbes Middle East has selected Hamad Al-Salman, Vice President of Marketing and Communication at Taiba, a leader in the hospitality sector in the Kingdom, for its prestigious list of the most influential marketing leaders in the Middle East for 2026. This recognition comes in appreciation of his role in leading marketing transformations and building pioneering hotel brands in the sector.

Al-Salman is considered one of the prominent national leaders in the marketing and corporate communication sector in the Kingdom. He leads brand strategies and marketing transformation at Taiba, one of the leading companies in the hospitality and real estate sectors, listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul). His responsibilities span a diverse portfolio of hotel projects and hospitality destinations in Riyadh, Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, Tabuk, and Jubail.

Al-Salman has over 18 years of experience in brand strategies and investor relations. Throughout his career, he has contributed to enhancing Taiba's position during several significant strategic milestones, most notably the acquisition of Dur Hospitality Company, along with the development and modernization of the leading Saudi hotel brand, Makarem.

He led a comprehensive marketing repositioning process for Taiba following its acquisition of Dur, which included a new corporate identity, "Ahl Al-Tayeb and Hospitality," solidifying the company's leadership in the market, and driving its ambition to become the locomotive of Saudi hospitality.

Additionally, he oversees the marketing strategies for a diverse portfolio of hotel brands that include prominent global operators such as Marriott International, Hilton, IHG, and Accor, while supporting the growth of Saudi brands. His efforts focus on executing high-impact marketing campaigns, enhancing brand value, and delivering hospitality experiences that reflect global standards and local cultural identity.

During 2025 and 2026, Al-Salman led a series of integrated marketing initiatives across various Taiba brands, contributing to strengthening the company's presence and its brands in the market, and establishing Makarem as one of the leading Saudi brands in the hospitality sector in Mecca and Medina.