A lot has changed in the Middle East in the last decade. 

Industries have modernized, cities are more connected, and people are no longer focused solely on progress but also on purpose. There’s a growing commitment to creating an impact that matters, not just for today but for what comes next. 

In 2025, the Fast Company Middle East Impact Council, an initiative that brings together founders, CEOs, and some of the most creative people in business, is expanding its focus. 

This year, we’ve introduced new subcommittees to bring together diverse perspectives and tackle bold, forward-looking questions—how to build trust in a fragmented media environment, prepare the workforce for evolving roles, reimagine travel and tourism, reshape the AI industry, and ensure a secure-by-design future.

Here are Fast Company Middle East’s Impact Council Subcommittees for 2025.

Future of Jobs and Skills Powered by Solutions+

AI and automation are reshaping how businesses operate, modernizing roles across HR, finance, IT, and marketing. As generative AI, automation, and sustainability gain momentum, companies are focusing on building teams that are skilled and also adaptable and cross-functional.

Solutions+ has partnered with this subcommittee to help drive these conversations forward. With its expertise in digital transformation and workforce strategy, it aims to bring valuable insight into how organizations across the region can respond to shifting skill demands and prepare for the future of work.

“The future of work is not a distant horizon – it’s unfolding now. AI is transforming businesses and education, and the core skills and professions of tomorrow will continue to shift. Our responsibility is to reimagine how we prepare, empower, and elevate our workforce. This subcommittee will host critical conversations to enable the business and educational landscape in the region to not only adapt to disruption but lead with purpose, resilience, and innovation,” said Nasir Al Nabhani, Managing Director at Solutions+, a Mubadala company and a leading UAE business consultancy offering digital solutions and shared services.

PR, Advertising & Media

As technology and audience behavior evolve, the lines between content, commerce, and credibility are blurring. PR, advertising, and media today are driven less by reach and more by relevance and trust. With audiences becoming more selective and platforms more saturated, this subcommittee will focus on how brands, agencies, and publishers can communicate with clarity, adapt to new storytelling formats, and maintain authenticity in an era of automation and information overload.

For brands, this is a chance to be at the forefront of redefining influence and co-creating conversations around trust and transparency. 

Agentic AI

As artificial intelligence evolves from a passive tool into an active decision-maker, the rise of Agentic AI signals a significant shift. These systems, which can act autonomously and adapt in real time, are beginning to transform how organizations function. This subcommittee will explore both the potential and the challenges of Agentic AI, focusing on governance, ethics, and long-term alignment. With these technologies expected to shape the future of work and decision-making, the discussion will center not only on what AI can do, but how we manage what it chooses to do. 

For brands, it’s a chance to help shape how autonomous AI systems are governed, deployed, and aligned with long-term goals in the region and beyond.

Travel & Tourism 

Travel today is less about where we go and more about why we go. Modern travelers seek authenticity, connection, and a sense of responsibility, expecting experiences that are both meaningful. As regenerative tourism gains ground and digital tools enhance access and personalization, the industry faces a pivotal moment. This subcommittee will explore how travel can evolve with purpose, using innovation to enhance journeys and improve the way we explore the world. 

For brands, it’s an opportunity to help redefine travel through purpose, innovation, and sustainability.

Cybersecurity

With digital transformation accelerating, cybersecurity is becoming a strategic priority. As threats grow more complex, organizations must move beyond defense to anticipation. This subcommittee will examine the next frontier: quantum-resistant encryption, zero-trust models, and the evolving role of AI. It will discuss how the true edge lies in talent, collaboration, and building a security-first culture. 

“As digital transformation accelerates across the region, cybersecurity must not only keep pace; it must lead the way. It’s no longer just about staying ahead of threats, but about laying the groundwork for a secure-by-design future. At CPX, we see security as a critical enabler of innovation, but achieving this requires both collaboration and a clear understanding of the risks and opportunities ahead. Through the Impact Council, we have a valuable opportunity to drive these conversations and help shape the cybersecurity agenda in the Middle East and beyond,” said Hadi Anwar, CEO, CPX.

The Fast Company Middle East Impact Council continues to grow as a powerful platform for bold ideas and meaningful collaboration. By bringing together influential leaders across sectors, it encourages conversations that respond to change and actively shape it. Partnering with the Council means joining a dynamic network of decision-makers, helping influence the region’s agenda, and contributing to ideas that will define the next decade of business and innovation.