The brand that matters in automotive & transportation in 2026

Fast Company Middle East unveils the Brands That Matter 2026 list, celebrating 32 winners across 19 categories. These brands are making a real difference, combining purpose with performance to create lasting impact. From advertising and banking & finance to retail and technology, they’re reshaping industries and championing values that matter most today

People and goods are moving in new ways. Car makers, mobility companies, and transport operators are adapting to changing habits, growing cities, and the need for cleaner, more efficient travel. As new business ideas and better infrastructure appear, the industry is going beyond just vehicles to shape the future of how we move.

Archer Aviation

For pioneering the next phase of urban mobility

Archer is tackling a major problem in today’s cities: time wasted in traffic. With its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, Midnight, the company aims to offer a new way to travel between key destinations in just minutes. Built for short city trips, the aircraft uses electric power, runs quietly, and meets high safety standards, making it practical for daily use.

Over the past year, Archer has focused on laying the foundations for commercial operations in the UAE, which has become the company’s first international launch market. Working with aviation authorities, infrastructure partners, and local operators, Archer has completed flight testing in Gulf conditions, advanced regulatory approvals, and supported the development of the region’s first hybrid vertiport. Beyond introducing a new aircraft, the company is helping shape the operational and regulatory framework for a new transportation category. As cities explore alternatives to traditional ground travel, Archer’s work offers a glimpse into how urban mobility could evolve in the years ahead.