As the world around us changes, recombines, and evolves, innovation is the most critical force in our economy. It is now a given for high-performing organizations; it comes with an implicit understanding that they must embody sustained innovation and the potential for future ingenuity.

Our 2024 Most Innovative Companies list comprises big firms and smaller, nimbler startups that responded quickly to rapidly changing consumer preferences for different purchasing channels or product and service attributes, with wave after wave of new technology.


This year, we have honored agile organizations that reacted quickly to changes in the marketplace and environmental trends. These companies have figured out how to keep pace, be innovative, find new paths to growth, demonstrate industry-wide impact, and create new value for the whole ecosystem.

Fast Company Middle East's editors spent over a month vetting hundreds of applications from companies across the region to compile the list and identify the most compelling advances in business.

As we explored the impact of their work, it allowed us to understand where all this innovation has led us—and to anticipate the significant shifts that might be coming next.

  • Winners

For better safety, better training

3M’s Fall Protection Training Center in Abu Dhabi has trained over 250 workers, emphasizing safety and sustainability.

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For developing wide-ranging AI-powered solutions

ADNOC Distribution has implemented AI and technology innovations to enhance customer experience, improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and support sustainability goals.

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For turning waste into resource

Alserkal Envirol leads sustainable waste management in the GCC with its unique FOG treatment plant. It converts waste into valuable by-products and biofuels, fostering a circular economy.

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For empowering growth and financial access

Astra Tech drives innovation with services like Palm Pay and CharityGPT, boosting financial inclusion and sustainability.

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For redefining workspaces with green technology

BEEAH Group's headquarters reduced energy consumption by 30% and water use by 40% and boosted employee productivity by 20%, setting sustainability and innovation benchmarks.

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For using advanced tech to transform waste into energy

BEEAH Group drives sustainability with AI-powered waste management and green mobility projects, including electric vehicle charging and renewable energy initiatives.

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For linking SMEs and investors to facilitate growth funding

Beehive has facilitated funding for 1,600 SMEs, supported by investors and strategic partnerships with major financial institutions.

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For leading digital asset growth and security

Binance surpassed 200 million users, recovered $55 million in user funds, and emphasized sustainability through blockchain and regulatory compliance across global markets.

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For sustainable, high-impact brand experiences

Bureau Béatrice brings brands’ visions to life through virtual and augmented reality. Its use of projection mapping reduces waste while creating high-impact, low-footprint events.

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For fueling growth and green tech

CAFU has solidified its leadership in the UAE with services and sustainability initiatives, driving growth and customer satisfaction.

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For delivering real impact across the media industry

CARMA leverages generative AI to enhance media analysis and assess brand reputations while demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.

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For reforestation with robotics

CEED has developed a robotic planting system to address climate change by accelerating tree planting in dryland ecosystems. Unlike drone-based seeding, its technology combines biotech processes with autonomous robotics to simultaneously plant and irrigate seed balls, ensuring higher germination rates and water efficiency. This innovation enables rapidly planting up to 3,000 trees daily, even in challenging environments.

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For shaping luxury retail's next frontier

Chalhoub Group leads luxury retail innovation with sustainable practices and digital transformation, driving profitability, inclusivity, and eco-conscious luxury.

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For designing with purpose and planet in mind

Dewan Architects + Engineers promotes sustainability, innovation, and client satisfaction through eco-friendly projects, technology integration, and community outreach programs.

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For leveraging digital technologies and AI to deliver impact

Emirates Global Aluminium drives digital innovation with AI solutions and sustainability efforts like solar-powered aluminum, boosting efficiency and supporting education.

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For setting the standard in luxury eco-tourism

FIVE has led luxury hospitality, achieving high guest satisfaction, sustainability, and growth through digital innovations and strategic acquisitions.

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For revolutionizing the restaurant industry with tech

Foodics enhanced restaurant financial management, boosting efficiency and sustainability.

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For merging global reach with local impact

GMG has expanded globally, diversified its portfolio, and pioneered sustainability efforts, positioning itself as an industry leader.

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For turning wastewater into wonder

Green Watech's water filtration is an affordable, low-tech system that treats wastewater without energy, improves water reuse, boosts food security, and empowers communities.

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For unlocking data insights to add more value to businesses

Hearts & Science empowers businesses to unify data, understand customers deeply, and drive impactful marketing campaigns with greater efficiency and ROI.

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For fostering student growth and creativity

Ibtechar is driving student growth and innovation with after-school programs and new partnerships.

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For transforming retail with a personal touch

Infobip has revolutionized retail with tailored communication solutions, boosting customer engagement and enhancing omnichannel experiences across the Middle East.

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For making creativity a force for good

Leo Burnett Middle East is reshaping advertising by challenging harmful cultural norms through its campaigns and fostering diversity within its own organization's teams.

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For personalized beauty experiences

L'Oréal Middle East is redefining beauty with AI and AR, offering personalized experiences, virtual try-ons, and sustainable solutions.

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For delivering sustainable healthcare solutions

M42 has advanced sustainable healthcare through projects like the Abu Dhabi Biobank and AI-driven tools, improving patient outcomes and promoting global growth.

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For smarter and eco-friendly service

Maristo Hospitality expanded in 2024 with new dining concepts, AI-driven solutions, and eco-friendly practices, driving revenue and sustainability.

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For shaping the future of sustainable cities

Masdar City pioneers sustainable urban development with net-zero buildings, green hydrogen, and smart mobility while supporting cultural and economic growth in space tech and agritech sectors.

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For facilitating the transition to a low-carbon future

Mashreq drives sustainability through initiatives like mountain clean-ups and eco-friendly practices, reinforcing its leadership in ESG and global environmental impact.

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For sustainability, responsible banking, and global impact

Mashreq drives sustainable finance and environmental conservation, from mountain clean-ups to climate banking partnerships.

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For a smarter future through inclusivity

MCN MENA drives impactful change through inclusive AI initiatives and sustainability, balancing people, planet, and profit for measurable results.

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For actively contributing to social sustainability

MCN MENA drives innovation and sustainability through talent development, impactful campaigns, advanced technologies, and a commitment to net zero.

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For empowering brands to navigate social media and influencer marketing

Memac Ogilvy is driving innovation in the media space, guiding brands through the ever-evolving landscape and tailoring data analytics for each campaign.

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For blending cultural heritage with contemporary design

Msheireb Downtown blends sustainability, smart technologies, and Qatari heritage.

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For merging heritage with green innovation

Msheireb Downtown integrates traditional architecture with modern eco-friendly features, reducing energy consumption, hosting global events, and increasing venue interest.

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For offering omnichannel healthcare experiences

myAster revolutionizes UAE healthcare with an all-in-one app that offers prescription delivery, health tracking, and teleconsultations for over 700,000 users

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For reshaping public-sector design and culture

Orikami Lab leads UAE public-sector innovation, enhancing digital efficiency and cultural engagement.

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For enhancing education, and fostering inclusion

PepsiCo empowers youth through education and entrepreneurship and promotes women's empowerment initiatives, driving sustainability and social impact.

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For using data and AI to transform the real estate market

Property Finder has enhanced the real estate market with innovations and sustainability initiatives, promoting transparency and community living.

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For transforming ideas into action

Protiviti’s Innovation Program generated over 300 ideas, implemented 15 use cases, trained 750 employees, and enhanced customer satisfaction and transformation.

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For supporting diversity and well-being in the workplace

Publicis Groupe has transformed HR with personalized, inclusive programs, improving employee satisfaction and reducing turnover by 6%.

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For using data to simplify the media environment

Publicis Media's tech investment drives growth, boosts client retention, and promotes sustainability with tools like carbon calculator.

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For transforming agriculture with sustainable farming

Pure Harvest Smart Farms is reshaping agriculture with sustainable indoor farming. By optimizing resource use and minimizing waste, the company delivers high-quality, locally-grown produce year-round, setting a new industry standard.

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For setting new standards in sustainable urban living

ROSHN Group drives innovation through projects like Marafy, sustainable practices, and community initiatives, cutting procurement costs by 20% and promoting sustainability.

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For revitalizing the power of creativity for business impact

Saatchi & Saatchi Middle East creates innovative and impactful campaigns that address cultural taboos and social issues. Its integration of AI streamlines its processes and frees up its team for creative work.

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For integrating Arabic heritage into modern design

Sanad Members Club blends Arabic heritage with modern design, collaborating with local artisans, resulting in community engagement.

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For sustainability, efficiency, and cost savings

Solutions+ launched sustainability initiatives to reduce waste and save 108,000 tCO2e. AI-driven solutions generated millions in savings, supporting UAE’s net-zero goals.

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For revolutionizing container tracking and safety

Yahsat has advanced satellite communications with AI and IoT, launching products and services that transform container tracking and safety in the global logistics industry.

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For tailoring plant-based to local tastes

Switch Foods leads plant-based innovation with regionally tailored products, expanding market share, promoting health, and supporting local food security.

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For transforming brand engagement with immersive technology

Tactical is revolutionizing the industry with innovative AR, VR, and AI solutions.

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For weaving advanced technology into its storytelling

TBWA\RAAD prioritizes innovation across its operations through platforms like NEXT and Collective AI while focusing on workplace culture and DEI initiatives.

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For driving growth through a people-first strategy

TBWA\RAAD enhanced talent experience, boosting engagement by 81%, reducing turnover by 77%, and driving new business success.

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For transforming fintech with diverse services

Valu has expanded beyond BNPL into savings, investments, and B2B services, driving growth through AI, strategic partnerships, and financial inclusion.

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For creating an empowered, inclusive work environment

Zain's IDE initiatives, including We for gender diversity and We Able for disability inclusion, drive empowerment and workplace transformation through strategic training and policy enhancements.

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For using AI and data science to accelerate digital transformation

ZainTECH integrates advanced technology, AI, and analytics to help organizations accelerate data value, monetize assets, and leverage data visualization that tracks trends and predicts outcomes.

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For advancing digital transformation

ZainTECH expanded its presence with cloud, AI, and drone solutions, strategic partnerships, and sustainable digital transformation initiatives.

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