On the evening of February 5, 2026, Fast Company Middle East brought together the region’s most influential thinkers, innovators, and industry leaders at the Pavilion, Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, for its annual Most Creative People in Business gala. The invite-only event convened executives, entrepreneurs, cultural figures, and trailblazers to celebrate 49 honorees whose work is shaping the future of business and society.

The 2026 list reflects a central truth: Creativity is no longer optional; it drives leadership, strategy, and impact across industries. From science and technology to social innovation, cultural enterprise, and environmental stewardship, the honorees demonstrate how imagination combined with purpose can create tangible change. 

In her opening address, Rachel Dawson, on behalf of Fast Company Middle East’s editorial team shared, “I’d like to take a moment to mention a few attributes I’ve noticed in individuals present here today and in others who have made our lists over the years that make them truly creative. What stands out is not just courage, grit, or nerves of steel, though all are essential, but their perspective. The ability to see possibilities before they exist, to plant seeds and trust they will bear fruit, and to view every loss as a hidden blessing.”

This mindset unites creatives, leaders, artists, and innovators under one roof today. “So thank you for inspiring us with your creative mindsets that have enabled us to look forward to a future where people aren’t victims of their circumstances, but victors of a hopeful tomorrow,” she added.

PORTRAYING ACTIVE CREATIVITY

The evening celebrated not only achievements but the creative thinking behind them. H.E. Sara Buhiji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, explained how her team’s approach redefines the tourism sector: “Tourism is usually discussed through numbers and indicators, but in Bahrain it’s deeper than that. It’s about the authenticity we want to share with the world, about our heritage and history. I’m deeply honored to receive this award.” Her words illustrate how creativity often lies in rethinking traditional systems to reveal new perspectives.

Similarly, Gianluca Chakra emphasized that creativity extends beyond inspiration to cultural stewardship. “Creating and distributing are separate jobs, yet both carry the same responsibility: to believe in stories early, protect them, and ensure they reach people. That’s how culture moves. This award is not just about me, but about the team that champions originality and trusts audiences,” he said.

For Nadine Njeim, creativity manifests in everyday problem-solving and purposeful design. “The first time I truly felt creative was when I became a mother. Every day requires finding solutions, sometimes using kitchen tools as inspiration. Creativity becomes powerful when it inspires, empowers, encourages, and creates value for others. That’s why I created Nadine Njeim Beauty: every product is made with love and passion to help women feel confident, happy, and comfortable in their own skin.”

Social entrepreneur Ibrahim Zalat offered a reminder that creativity is not just about ideas but about impactful action. “Real creativity isn’t just about being different; it’s about solving real problems for real people. Growing up, I wondered where the superheroes were in real life, and then I realized: the answer is us. Change starts in our hearts, when we decide to be our own heroes and empower others to do the same,” he said.

Supported by strategic partners including Binance, the gala underscored Dubai’s role as a hub for ideas and influence in the Middle East and beyond.

The gala highlighted how creativity connects vision with execution, imagination with purpose, and ideas with impact. By celebrating individuals whose innovations inspire, empower, and drive change, the event showcased how creativity fuels both personal and societal transformation.