Community activist Suleiman Bulbulia has been recognised among the world’s 500 most influential Muslims, highlighting Barbados’ growing prominence in global faith and leadership circles, according to the just-released 2026 edition of The Muslim 500.
Bulbulia told Barbados TODAY he was “deeply honoured and humbled by the recognition in this publication and considered among the 500 most influential Muslims in the world.”
The Muslim 500 is an annual publication produced by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, an independent, non-sectarian research organisation affiliated with the non-governmental Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, headquartered in Amman, Jordan. The Muslim 500 highlights individuals who have made meaningful global contributions within the Islamic community. Bulbulia joins Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali as the Caribbean’s two new entrants for 2026.
He stressed that the acknowledgement went beyond personal achievement: “It’s not only for me, but it’s for all of Barbados, as it shines a spotlight on our small country to be recognised, one of two in this region, the other being President Mohamed Irfaan Ali.”
“I’m happy to share that with him as well from this region, as new entrants in the list of most influential Muslims.”
Bulbulia said the honour strengthened his determination to keep serving his community and contributing to national development. “It means that we need to continue to do more work, and continue to push, and continue to be persons who give back to our society, and be a positive influence,” he said. “It doesn’t change me in any way. I will continue to do what I love to do. I have a passion in doing what my faith teaches me to do.”
He expressed gratitude for the support he has received throughout his life and career. “I’m grateful and thankful to the Almighty for this opportunity to get this recognition. I’m grateful and thankful to my family, my friends, my colleagues, my brothers and sisters in faith, and my brothers and sisters in humanity.”
An experienced business and community leader with more than 30 years’ expertise in business management and international relations, Bulbulia has represented and advanced Barbados’ socio-economic interests in the many countries he has visited. He is recognised for his understanding of global political and social issues and his ability to foster cross-cultural cooperation. A native English-speaker with a working knowledge of Arabic, he has built strong relationships with diverse international stakeholders.
A Barbados TODAY columnist, Bulbulia has served as secretary of the Barbados Muslim Association and on several government-appointed boards, including the National NCD Commission which he currently chairs. He was also a member of the Constitutional Reform Commission and the Republican Status Transition Advisory Committee.
In 2021, he was recognised nationally with the Silver Trident of Excellence award for his commitment to promoting inclusivity, mutual respect and efforts to bridge societal divides in underprivileged communities in Barbados and the wider region.
(SZB)
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