In bringing our 2023 Most Innovative Companies list, we have been mindful of balancing the innovations that defined the year and what will be relevant in the year ahead. Our annual Most Innovative Companies look for two key things – innovation and impact on the company and its industry.
In the increasingly competitive market, companies rely on new technologies to boost productivity, streamline operations, and enhance customer experience. But to have an edge, few are focusing on innovation, reshaping their businesses and the sector, and addressing a society that is reinventing. Those are the companies we're honoring on the Most Innovative Companies 2023.
Some of the Middle East's best-known businesses, an app that allows coffee lovers to browse and order conveniently, a company catering to evolving educational needs, and a production house that creates innovative, relatable, and engaging content are among the winners of Most Innovative Companies 2023.
To determine the list, Fast Company Middle East's editors mined hundreds of applications from companies across the region.
Here are the companies that are novel in what they are doing and different from what’s come before.
- Categories
- Winners
For addressing the energy transition challenge through innovative tech
AIQ helps improve efficiency through Al-enabled solutions, whereby the energy sector is able to conserve resources, reduce energy consumption and emissions, and eliminate waste, contributing to reducing the overall carbon footprint of the industry.
Read MoreFor its pursuit of advanced technology in news delivery
Al Arabiya has integrated augmented reality, introduced an AI news presenter, and expanded its reach, establishing itself as a leading Arab news channel. Over the past two years, its innovative use of augmented and virtual reality, podcasts, exclusive interviews, and a global editorial presence has enriched its content, delivering timely updates to 20 million users worldwide.
Read MoreFor providing comprehensive and sustainable healthcare
Aster DM Healthcare is innovating healthcare by expanding services, fostering sustainability, and achieving recognition through patient-centered care and corporate responsibility.
Read MoreFor advancing smart solutions in waste management
BEEAH Group attains 90% landfill waste diversion, introduces innovations, and diversifies for a sustainable quality of life.
Read MoreFor sustainable luxury transportation
Blacklane, a sustainable chauffeur service, connects clients with professional chauffeurs and premium vehicles through a user-friendly mobile app. With an all-electric fleet in the UAE and other initiatives, Blacklane involves passengers in its commitment to a greener world.
Read MoreFor delivering tailor-made content that matters
CARMA's distinctiveness lies in its global reach, flexible approach, and tools like the Insight Portal and Project Code, enabling clients to excel in an ever-evolving media landscape.
Read MoreFor enhancing and transforming retail with emerging tech
Chalhoub Group accelerated in domains such as Web3 and Al. Its SOL3MATES sneaker brand pushed the boundaries of innovation, creativity, and storytelling.
Read MoreFor creating social impact through data analytics
Cigna Healthcare has demonstrated innovative thinking through its data-driven approach, notably the Cigna Well-Being Survey, which provides critical insights into the health and well-being of individuals in the Middle East. These insights inform Cigna's CSR initiatives, aligning their actions with the real-world health challenges faced by communities and employees.
Read MoreFor bringing coffee closer to the consumer
COFE has built out a more robust platform for coffee vendors and suppliers offering end-to-end B2B services as well, with aspirations to directly connect farmers to coffee roasters and brewers, impacting the entire coffee supply chain and ecosystem.
Read MoreFor providing seamless remote learning
Educational platform Dawrat offers seamless remote learning which fosters better interaction between instructors and students, and also allows businesses to monitor their staff’s learning progress and ensure their readiness to meet the company’s skill requirements.
Read MoreFor empowering the workforce to grow and develop skills
By focusing on employee well-being, flexibility, support for new mothers, wellness sessions, and extensive learning and development opportunities, e& advocates a healthier workforce.
Read MoreFor advancing smart and green digital solutions
e& is persistent in its sustainability mission, striving for a 2030 net-zero target while pursuing partnerships and initiatives that promote global well-being.
Read MoreFor bringing fuelling solutions closer to people
Emirates National Oil Company Group (ENOC) is a leader in sustainability and innovation in the UAE, offering digital and on-demand fuel delivery services, implementing sustainability measures in its operations, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 80%.
Read MoreFor community growth and connectivity
GMG plans to double its workforce by 2025, prioritize consumer-centric missions, partner with local farmers, promote sustainability, and launch a comprehensive CSR program for global growth.
Read MoreFor diverse culinary experiences
The Independent Food Company is dedicated to delivering a distinctive dining experience through a continuous process of culinary concept innovation and pop-up events. Also, their commitment to sustainability is evidenced by their investments in eco-friendly practices.
Read MoreFor being the one-stop solution for content creation
Kapturise has become the region's largest on-demand content creation platform, changing how clients and service providers connect, collaborate, and create content.
Read MoreFor bringing innovation to school design
Kidzink creates customized educational projects with the intention of producing innovative spaces which take into consideration the always evolving educational needs of students. Clients can access everything from market knowledge, consultancy, interior design and the supply and installation of school furniture.
Read MoreFor embracing learning and development programs
KPMG has developed integrated team learning and development programs and highlighted research and societal insights across various topics and sectors
Read MoreFor betting on tech to raise consumers' self-awareness
L'Oréal Middle East's commitment to employ AR/VR technology to raise consumer self-awareness has impacted the beauty industry. It has set industry benchmarks by employing innovative tech to educate consumers, driving increased brand awareness and market share.
Read MoreFor synthesizing innovative thinking and environmental responsibility
As one of the leading beauty companies, L’Oréal Middle East is limiting its’ impact on the environment. These consolidated efforts resonate with L’Oréal's ethos of social responsibility and environmental consciousness.
Read MoreFor offering a holistic experience to fitness
Leejam Sports Company improves customer experience, while introducing personalized fitness programs and community-centric services.
Read MoreFor redefining branding with purpose and impact
Leo Burnett Middle East has evolved into a purpose-driven company by addressing societal taboos, emphasizing well-being, and excelling in creativity and effectiveness.
Read MoreFor prioritizing an all-round approach to workplace well-being
LVL prioritizes employee well-being through flexible work options, coaching, and innovative strategies, resulting in notable retention.
Read MoreFor making sustainable living accessible
Masdar City addresses sustainability challenges, pioneering a methodology to make green buildings accessible and economically viable with a focus on improving energy and water efficiency.
Read MoreFor inspiring through innovative campaigns
Mashreq embarked on a brand transformation through strategic initiatives, notably its The Rise Every Day campaign that's based on rebuilding better lives through hard work and innovation.
Read MoreFor blending culture and innovation
Msheireb Properties blends together culture and innovation to create sustainable and authentic modern Qatari communities, using smart technology and connectivity across its development.
Read MoreFor its inclusive content strategy
OSN's inclusive content strategy, implemented over the past two years, involves strategic partnerships with major studios like HBO, Warner Bros., Discovery, and more, to provide diverse and culturally resonant content to the region.
Read MoreFor being a new chip on the block
Pearl Semiconductor patented all-digital PLL technology for ultra-low-noise timing solutions. Its SpurFree architecture is critical in timing solutions for next-generation connectivity standards.
Read MoreFor promoting circular economy and recycling
PepsiCo's sustainability initiatives, about rPET packaging and electric trucks, showcase a strong commitment to environmental improvement, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
Read MoreFor pioneering a new approach to client engagement
Publicis Groupe offers complete end-to-end solutions across creative, data, and technology, which sets itself apart.
Read MoreFor delivering superior, sustainably-grown produce
Pure Harvest Smart Farm’s innovation has enabled it to optimize indoor farming operations to ensure high-quality fresh produce year-round to meet consumer demands.
Read MoreFor championing sustainable practices in food production
Pure Harvest Smart Farms has championed alternative food production practices through sustainable clean-tech, investing in technology, localized supply chains, and sustainable energy sources to provide consumers with organic food options.
Read MoreFor easing the trade of recycled plastic
Rebound Plastic Exchange connects buyers and sellers of recycled plastics, and facilitates the transition to a circular economy.
Read MoreFor improving food security and reducing carbon use
From greenhouse roofs to crop roots, revolutionizing farming in hot climates and reducing water and energy consumption by up to 90%, Red Sea Farms has taken a collaborative approach to tackling global food security challenges and empowering growers worldwide.
Read MoreFor pioneering positive social change
Saatchi & Saatchi's transformation centers on their "Nothing is Impossible" ethos, driving innovative partnerships and initiatives, fostering empowerment and authenticity.
Read MoreFor digitizing short-term rental for businesses
Silkhaus is solving the massive challenge of finding a good short-term rental in cities for global corporations needing high-quality alternative accommodation options to hotels by digitizing the process of operating short-term rentals.
Read MoreFor unifying the fragmented MENA payment landscape
Tap Payments is a leading MENA payment gateway that simplifies payment acceptance for businesses of all sizes, offering a wide range of local and global payment methods, competitive products, and easy access to its services.
Read MoreFor creating shared goals through dynamic and flexible policies
TBWA\RAAD has implemented transformative initiatives and revamped the onboarding experience, fostering unity and connection among a diverse workforce.
Read MoreFor broadening the region's technology landscape
TII has bolstered Abu Dhabi's research and development ecosystem, pioneering innovations in quantum computing, autonomous robotics, materials science, cryptography, and advanced laser systems.
Read MoreFor extending creative and cultural influence beyond Saudi Arabia
Telfaz11 has consistently created entertaining content and extended its creative and cultural influence beyond Saudi Arabia.
Read MoreFor helping in search and rescue missions
Yahsat has been pivotal in disaster response, and actively promoted digital inclusion in underserved regions, making a significant impact in satellite communications while placing a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Read MoreFor bringing expertise across technology horizontals
ZainTech serves mid-sized enterprises across several sectors to help them leverage the power of the cloud, security, digital and data to deliver transformational IT outcomes.
Read More- ⬤ Advertising, Branding & PR Agencies, advancing the business of persuasion and influence
- ⬤ AI & Data Science Industry-revolutionizing ideas with advanced ML and data analysis
- ⬤ Architecture & Design Firms and commissions that are transforming the built world
- ⬤ Augmented & Virtual Reality Companies shaping the future of immersive content
- ⬤ Beauty & Wellness Transforming cosmetics and wellness for inclusivity and sustainability
- ⬤ Consumer Goods Pioneering products and brands transforming consumers' daily lives
- ⬤ Corporate Social Responsibility Building a better world with purpose and social consciousness
- ⬤ Ecommerce Brands that are making shopping easier for consumers
- ⬤ Education Empowering learners with innovative tools and personalized products
- ⬤ Emerging Tech Companies working on tech that are in the early stages of development
- ⬤ Enterprise Organizations offering tech and services that make other businesses more efficient
- ⬤ Entertainment Platforms and streamers delivering innovative and delightful content
- ⬤ Finance & Fintech Products and technologies making financial transactions easier
- ⬤ Healthcare Latest devices, services, and approaches to empower patients
- ⬤ Hospitality Brands that are creating memorable experiences with great customer service
- ⬤ Logistics & Mobility Moving goods faster, smarter and sustainably
- ⬤ Media Businesses inventing or reinventing the future of news and content
- ⬤ Retail Fresh approaches to selling goods and services
- ⬤ Services Companies helping people and making lives easier with products
- ⬤ Small and Mighty Organisations with big ideas and are the next generation of innovators
- ⬤ Social Good Companies incorporating a larger purpose in businesses
- ⬤ Sustainability & Cleantech Creating a greener future through innovation and sustainability
- ⬤ Workplace Companies helping employees be more productive and happy