Explore the Fast Company Middle East’s Most Innovative Companies 2022 list; 42 organizations are reshaping their businesses and industries. We’ve selected the companies making the most significant impact with their initiatives across 25 categories, including the most innovative retail, emerging tech, and energy companies.

Retail is in the middle of a major transformation. The pandemic has sparked creativity, prompting retailers to devise solutions to revolutionize shopping. This year’s most innovative companies have come up with the most creative solutions that make shopping easier and more exciting. They brought new technology to brick-and-mortar stores, self-checkout powered by computer vision, experimented with immersive virtual experiences, transitioned towards unified commerce, and created a personalized shopping experience.

CHALHOUB GROUP

For empowering local talent

Chalhoub Group ventured into new sectors by launching its first NFT collection by Christofle. Being a key player in the luxury market across the Middle East, the group rolled out programs to empower local designers, accelerate startups, and encourage women leaders. The conglomerate has launched an accelerator program for retail and tech startups to implement and test their solutions.

GMG

For understanding the pulse of consumers

Emerging from the pandemic, GMG is promoting healthier and active lifestyles through its business verticals. The retailer has expanded its footprint across the MENA region by collaborating with multinational conglomerates, and transitioned towards unified commerce to centralize customer and product data on a single platform. Targeting conscious living consumers, the company set up its sustainable concept store, M-A-D. 

VIRGIN MOBILE UAE

For prioritizing user experience

Virgin Mobile UAE became the region’s first telco to implement a cloud-based fintech solution offering Buy Now Pay Later, with the tool built into the app flow so more customers can opt for discounted plans. It launched and scaled its app wallet, and taking a page from the sustainability movement, the brand launched a feature allowing customers to contribute to various activities that offset carbon emissions.