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.

  • 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For advancing smart solutions in waste management

BEEAH Group attains 90% landfill waste diversion, introduces innovations, and diversifies for a sustainable quality of life.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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%.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For offering a holistic experience to fitness

Leejam Sports Company improves customer experience, while introducing personalized fitness programs and community-centric services.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For pioneering a new approach to client engagement

Publicis Groupe offers complete end-to-end solutions across creative, data, and technology, which sets itself apart.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For easing the trade of recycled plastic

Rebound Plastic Exchange connects buyers and sellers of recycled plastics, and facilitates the transition to a circular economy.

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For 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.

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For pioneering positive social change

Saatchi & Saatchi's transformation centers on their "Nothing is Impossible" ethos, driving innovative partnerships and initiatives, fostering empowerment and authenticity.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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For extending creative and cultural influence beyond Saudi Arabia

Telfaz11 has consistently created entertaining content and extended its creative and cultural influence beyond Saudi Arabia.

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For 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.

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For 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.

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